Should i have my Porta cath removed?

Question

Hi, i am 17 years old and i have had a porta cath in for the past 3 years. I had it put in because i have a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and was in and out of hospital a lot because i had infusions every 3 months and i also had a lot of chest infections which i had to have i.v antibiotics for. I had my port put in because i have poor veins and they often couldnt get a canula into me without 5+ attempts. I am due to be transferred to adult services and i asked my dr (at the childrens hospital) if i could have my port changed because it doesnt bleed back and they often have trouble flushing it, but my dr said i cant have a new one and that i should have it removed because i only use it for flushes because i havent had a chest infection for a few years. She said its up to me and i have to make a decision, but whatever i have done i want it doing before i am transferred. My mum is worried that if i do have it out and then i get a chest infection in a few years which would need i.v antibiotics what would happen if they couldnt find a vein? or would they always find one?

help! what should i do?

Answer 1

Think positively, you have been doing great for a while, and since your port has been giving you and the nurses some hard times, get rid of it.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you get another put back in in a few years if you need it.  If this is the case live as normal a life as you can right now.  If you know the new dr., call that dr. up and ask for their advice.  Sounds like you have been through more than your share of hard times.  Good luck on this difficult decision.