Anemia Support Group

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here! I had a bard access port put in almost 2 weeks ago. This week, I went to have my first iron infusion (Ferrlicet sp?) and the nurses (at the hematology/oncology center) accessed the port 3 times but never got a blood return. I was told to call my surgeon and have a port series done to make sure there wasn't a problem.

A port series was done...it's ok, but there is still no blood return. Is this common?

I go again Tuesday for an infusion and am worried that they aren't going to be able to do it again... My anxiety is through the roof (having had 3 surgeries in 3 months) due to other medical situations...none of which resulted in blood loss.

I was really against getting a port, but my veins are terrible. Tuesday, they started an IV with a pediatric catheter in a vein in my wrist...it was all they could find. The objective was to do a test dose and see if with my allergies if I could tolerate the iron...I can.

So here's my questions:
1) Is it normal to have no blood return? Have you experienced this and then later down the road gotten a blood return?
2) Is there anything to do that can make accessing the port less painful? I know I'm still swollen and tender from surgery, but the pain accessing the port is enough to make me come out of my skin
3) Any Advice?

Thank you!!!
Jen
Posted on 09/24/09, 06:09 pm