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Remicade and Portacath

I am new to the forum, and I have already found a lot of helpful advice here. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2008. I have been on Remicade for six years and it has been a great treatment for me. I am in remission now. I have perianal disease and a fistula, but the Remicade has been very helpful, and I now lead a relatively normal life--as normal as can be expected.

I receive my Remicade treatment every eight weeks, and my two good veins are now scar tissue. My last infusion was Saturday and the nurses took 25 minutes trying to find a vein to use for the IV. My veins are impossible (very small), and the only two good ones are now a problem. The nurses suggested I have a portacath put in to save my veins. My doctor agrees and wants to refer me to a interventional radiologist to place the port.

It seems drastic to me, maybe because it is invasive. It is also a constant reminder that I am not well. I am also worried about infection etc. Does anyone here on the forum have a port to administer their biologic? Can you offer any advice?

Thanks so much.
 
I just thought I'd give an update, in case someone else may be in the same situation. After three months of deliberation, and on the advice of three doctors, I had a port placed on Friday. I'll receive my next Remicade treatment in April, so I don't know yet how receiving it will be with my new port. All three doctors seem to think it will make my life easier. I am all for that! The pain from the surgery wasn't that bad--nothing compared to pain I've experienced with Crohn's. I'll give another update when I have the port accessed.
 
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