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LIVING WITH YOUR IMPLANTED ACCESS PORT
LIVING WITH YOUR IMPLANTED ACCESS PORTTRANSCRIPTAn implanted port can be used for several weeks to months, if it is kept infection freeand in good working order. To ensure it stays working safely, here are some things tokeep in mind.For the first 5 to 7 days after getting an implanted port, it is important to keep the areadry. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about when to shower. If the portis in your chest, you may have a tub bath but be very careful to keep the area coveredwith a bandage and dry. After the area has completely healed you will be able toshower, bathe and swim when your port is not in use.With an implanted access port you can return to many of your normal activities, butyou may want to avoid contact sports.Wear loose clothing that does not rub on your port area.And let all of your healthcare providers, including your dentist, know you have animplanted port before any appointments.Every day, check the area for signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling,warmth, tenderness, pain, blood at the site, or have a fever; contact your healthcareprovider right away.All solutions and medications should go through your port easily. Never force solutionthrough the port. If you ever have trouble flushing the port or pushing medicationthrough the port, contact your healthcare provider.And if you have trouble breathing, a fast or irregular heartbeat, feel pain or noticeswelling in your arm, neck, shoulder or chest, a headache or feel dizzy, or the port areafeels cold, changes color or you can’t feel it; call 911 immediately. These can be signsof a serious complication. Get help right away.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10010_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
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Learn how your implanted access port will be properly removed by your healthcare provider.
Learn what you and your family members need to do and care for in order to keep your implanted access port working well and complication-free.
Watch how your implanted access port will be flushed to clean it on the inside in order to prevent infection and clotting.
Watch how regularly and safely cleaning your PICC line helps to keep your device working properly and prevent infection.
