1st fill ...ouch,

Went for my first fill yesterday.  Wasn't fill with confidence as the nurse didn't even know what size band I had!!

She had major problems in finding the port and has left me very badly bruised and with 4 needle holes and lots of blood.

Does this happen everytime if so im dreading having another fill  (3cc put in 10cc band)

Regard

Gaynor

 Sorry you experienced this. I never had this problem. Is there anyone else in office who can give fills because it sounds like the nurse doesn't know what she is doing. I my pa does it in one ***** and that is what it feels like just a ***** No bruising either.

Wendy

I've never had any problems getting a fill.  It's just a little ***** and it's over with, sorry you had such a hard time, sounds like the nurse didn't know what she was doing.  Good luck next time...

No, that's not normal.  I bet she is new or is just being trained.  Hopefully you won't have that happen again.

No it is not normal but I am short waisted.  My port is high, close to my rib cage and is difficult to find, always has been.  I must stand and hold my breath.  Once they get use to you it will be ok.  Just remind them before getting another fill if this is your problem.  Lying down does not work for me at all.  Hope this helps.
Z

Sorry your first fill, my first fill also was bad, they said my port was tipped. Lucky it was tipped outwards and not in. When I got off the table that day I was shaking.. Happy to say had my
second fill today and it took about 5 minutes and no pain!
I think the first fill is hard because they do not know exact placement of where the needle goes.
I am sure you next one will be better too!

Hi Mary, They had me in all sorts of postions trying to find my port.  I ended up standing on one leg and holding my left breast up with my right hand and my left arm straight up in the air!! Sounds more like a game of twister lol.

I do thought seem to be more hungry and can eat more than before the fill... seems very odd to me

Gaynor

Thank you all for your support and fingers crossed for the next one, due 12th december

Gaynor

My doc checked for that first fill with an ultrasound. Was very easy for the staff to see and determine the depth. You may suggest this next time. Don't think you should have to play twister each time!
Kelli

As a nurse, I am appalled that that happened. Number one, does she not know how to read a chart to know what she is dealing with and Number two, does she not know what the two stick rule is? If I am not successful after two sticks, you better believe another nurse is going to try. For that matter, it is a port. She should know where it is, how wide it is and where the center is by feel alone; unless it is so deep you can't feel it by applying pressure and then damn what are they using to fill with. I asked the question and was told a 1.5 to 2 inch needle that is about a 23 gauge (which is a smaller needle). I don't know, but I would ask for someone else to do my fill from now on. Preferably not a student nurse (which is what it sounds like you had).

Sorry,
Jen