Port in Upper Left chest

[blackmajyk 7]

Has anyone else have their port placed in their upper chest area and if so, is there a reason for it being there or have any issues with irritation from bra during the healing process..i have not wore a bra since surgery but head back to work tomorrow and hate to be there with the girls swinging everywhere

Ann

[RedheadGirl 2]

My port is in the same spot and my bra hits the top of my incision and some of my port area. I have been looking for a bra that is comfy enough to wear but haven't had luck. I tried to find a comfy sports bra and have only checked one store but didn't have any luck with it. I've been putting padding from a gauze bandage under my bra where it will hit at times that that helps.

[JustFluffy 122]

I had surgery in April 2008 and my port is in my upper left chest area. I have always had problems with it being sore there (there are a lot of nerve endings that run in that area of the body - is what I've been told). I had to have port revision surgery three months after being banded because the stitches holding my port down came free and it flipped. Now three years post op my port is free (partially) again. Word of warning - just be careful - we use that area of the body more (muscles) in daily activity than those with their ports in their abdomins.

I will tell you the soreness from the bra does get better as you heal, but it may or may not get better. I am not an advocate for the port being located there because of all the complications I have had. I'm not trying to scare you - but it is a reality. Hopefully you will have a better outcome than I did. Some people don't have any issues at all. Let me know if you have any questions..I'll try to answer the best I can.

Forgot to respond to the reasoning: It is my understanding from the doctor that did my banding surgery that it is there more for convenience (for the fills) and also was told it will not impede or interfere with any organs as those in the abdomin (more specifically the tubing can interfere with the intestinal wall).

[spoiltmom 44]

What do you guys mean when you say it's in your upper chest? Where is it exactly? Everyone I know has there port in the abdomen right below the ribcage.

[JustFluffy 122]

What do you guys mean when you say it's in your upper chest? Where is it exactly? Everyone I know has there port in the abdomen right below the ribcage.

The majority of band doctor's place the ports in the abdomin. However, there are a few (the doctor that did my band surgery), that place the ports in the upper left chest area. It is stitched to the left chest muscle. Mine is under the upper part of my left breast. The tubing is ran under the breast and to the band.

[spoiltmom 44]

That seems like it would be a bit uncomfortable.

[jennifer1 180]

wow i assumed everyone's port was in the abdomen area. does your doc say why he places it there? interesting!

[blackmajyk 7]

well i found out it was because I had major surgery in my rt abdomen causing scarring in my abdomen region, so that area was off limits. He says he also does it in upper chest for patients with a lot of belly fat. I still dont like it there..al i can think of is that there is no cusion there lol.

[JustFluffy 122]

My surgeon places ALL of his ports in the chest area - that is his standard procedure. The belly fat part is interesting to me as well...never heard of that. Hmmm. I do now the chest is not the recommended placement - the chest muscle is more active and you have a better chance of flipping your port (which I've done twice). I've also heard of flipping issues as well in placement in the abdomin - so I think it may go either way...

[Mikee57 699]

I have my port in my upper left side of chest and I haven't had any problem with that location, I wear a bra and it doesn't bother it at all. I have had a little soreness if I sleep on that side for a long time though...but they told me it is still healing (6 weeks post op). Hope that helps.

Consider an Ah Bra they work great!!!

Edited February 26, 2014 by Mikee57

[MestizaBander 43]

My port is placed in my chest as well but I have no discomfort. I was just banded on the 14th. My port incision doesn't even touch my bra and my strap is right beside my port. My doctor placed it very well.