Becky: port questions, and misc other Re: Ports and misc replies

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Becky,

Hers will be right over the bottom rib on her right side. How was the

recovery? Was she really sore? I figure they are pretty close in age, so

you might can give me some info on that.

About access....were you able to find huber needles that are flush with the

level of the port, or do they stick up a little (the ones they use on one of

our residents at work stick out a bit, which is not a problem for her, since

she can't move on her own and the nurses turn her, etc....but Mallory is a

big flopper in her sleep, so I wondered if that would cause pain or any other

problems.

also, ron and I were also wondering about the dressings, etc....I didn't even

consider this, but he figures they will put tegaderm right over the incision?

I surely hope not..... can you tell me about dressing changes? Also, do

you do the accesses yourself, or does someone else do them? I know with all

the kids you must be soooo busy, but if you can find the time, would you

please give me the scoop from a parent/child perspective? Our CF nurse

thinks this is the greatest thing for Mallory, and she said she could access

the port for us if needed (so could my nurses at work) I am very skeptical

of letting our home health nurses do it....their aseptic practices leave a

lot to be desired..... Actually, same goes for the nurse that attempted picc

lines on Friday...actually, hers was fine, but the nurse she called in to

hold Mallory's arm didn't wash her hands or put on gloves, and she held her

arm on top of the sterile towels (yep, thereby contaminating the sterile

towels, etc...) Funny thing was, when Mallory started bleeding all over, the

other nurse said, you better put on gloves, and she said I was just thinking

that..... I said...well, arent' gloves for more than just protecting you

from her blood?

Anyway, if you have time, I would appreciate the info. At this point, no

amount of info is too much, lol

Also, she is so junky right now, that ron is worried if she is sore, she

won't want to cough, which would be bad....

anyway, thanks again,

Jen