Just curious to know if any nurse out there that do thier own fills. I've accessed ports for years now as an infusion nurse and would have no problem doing it myself. Just never heard of anyone doing there own fills. Any input?

I am glad you asked this question! I was going to discuss this with my surgeon. I haven't had my surgery yet, but I would feel comfortable doing it myself after I had it filled a couple of times in the office.

Well I'm getting banded Tuesday and will wait and see if I can easily palpate my port. If it's sensitive in 6 weeks I'll have it done at the fill center. If not then I'll do it or have a co-worker do it.

I have thought of this alot and was one of my 1st questions asked at the initial seminar. I was HIGHLY advised not to mess with the port or band. He said that it could be really bad trying to self adjust it and can harm the integrity of the band.

Not real sure about the integrity of the band, but to do a fill without the proper non coring huber style needle could without a doubt affect the integrity of the port.....which I guess if it isn't working, neither is the band!

When my fill Dr. found out about a relative doing her own, he dismissed her as his patient---and not just for fills. He will no longer see her. In this litigious society.....who can bame him??

Kat

I don't think I would be comfortable doing it, I'd be afraid of messing something up.

I can stick anybody but myself so that takes care of the issue for me! My doc's PA does my fills and he laughs at my needle scrimish.

I know what you mean, I can't stand to have anything done to myself! I can stick others all day, but when I have to be stuck, I can't even watch!