Do you mean like a triple lumen catheter? It has three lines out of one triangle catheter. The three lines are iv, and two for plasma. If their cleaned properly a coup lot weeks. I always was in the hospital for it but when they put it in I requested anesthesia, like full, but that's my hospital in westchester. They will numb you regardless and it doesn't hurt once it's in or coming out. A bit weird but not painful per say...

I have two bard power ports, one on each side. Completely under the skins. I have had them 3 years, no problems. If I remember it was a couple of weeks after surgery before I got my first plex. No regrets.

Yes my neuro prescribed numing cream that I put on 30 min to hour before. Works pretty good.

Good luck
Annette

I had an urgent procedure to place a central venous catheter in my chest for plasmapheresis in the morning at one hospital and 3 hours later, I had plasmapheresis for the first time at another hospital. I was sore and exhausted but it worked out. There are two lines: one that is for fluid coming in and one for fluid coming out but there is one hole in the skin. I have a port-a-cath on the other side of my chest for Rituxan, fluids, blood draws, etc. The central venous catheter is never used by anyone other than specially trained Apheresis nurses. It has very particular sterile procedures and flushing protocols. I did not have numbing cream ever but the first time, I was still coming off of meds from the procedure.

Good luck to you...Debra

Thanks everyone. I'm referring to the type that Annette has, completely under the skin,with nothing hanging out. I have had two tunneled Cathy's and one temporary one. The tunneled ones hurt al lot going in and since they have begun to heal, rally hurt coming out. That's why I want to get two totally implanted. No in and out.

Annette, what tyoe if care do these need? Like flushing between uses and things like that. I ask this because I had such difficulty with the tunneled Caths, since they were considered dialysis Caths, and no one wanted to order care, such as flushing and dressing changes. This isn't and issue for dialysis patients, since they are accessed regularly. But I had clots develop in mine due to lack of maintenance.

It may be different this time around since I am going directly through a neurologist instead of being pushed off to a nephrologist who mainly sees dialysis patients. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

No special care as I have plex every 2-3 weeks. At the end of each treatment they are flushed with saline and blood thiner put in them to prevent clots. If you like I can give you number to aphersis and they would not mind speaking with you to answer questions .
Annette

Thanks, Annette. I spoke to the Red Cross supervisor and she told me she was going to have the rep from the company who supervises the installation call me. But you know it is always better to get first hand information from someone who has experienced it, not just sold it.
When you say you have it every two to three weeks, how many exchanges do you have? Just one, or more.
It has been almost twelve weeks since my last treatment so I think maybe that is a little too long to go between flushes.
It would be great if I could get on a schedule of maybe one or two a month, but will have to see how it goes.
So far, I am being set up for five, just like last time. One every other day over ten days, but I may not need that many, as I am not in as poor shape as I was last time.

I have one exchange every two weeks, I have gone as far as 3 weeks. Last year I was in hospital 10 days for exchange one every other day . Good luck
Annette

Thanks, Annette. You're a dear for putting up with all my questions. It always makes me feel better to gather as much information and experience as possible.