Unable To Fill Because Can't Access Port!

[neece1 3]

I was supposed to get first fill today. Dr stuck and stuck and could NEVER get into port. Going for xray next week. Has anyone had this happen?

[elcee 3,341]

I believe that it is fairly common for the port to flip. It all depends on how well it is stitched in place at surgery and if exercise or movement prior to it settling in place have caused it to move. I also think the Realise band may have more issues(but I am not sure) as that port is not stitched in place , it has teeth instead! If the port is badly flipped it is a relatively minor procedure to fix it. If it is not badly flipped then you may just have to have future fills under fluoro.

[lillieb53 5]

I haven't had it happen personally but I have heard it happen to others. Did the doc attempt to use a fluoroscope? My doctor's office used it to locate my port's exact position so they didnt have to prick me more than once after I had a revision surgery and was still sore in the abdomen.

[Marsela 3]

Oh yes! My dr finally realized my port points downward because its above my navel & i guess because i have a "innie" it kinda makes it pull downward. My dr & i made up a poem so he remembers how to put the needle in up & then down. Poem says u havta go up so u can come down, down, down :lol

[SageTracey 608]

My port has tilted and may end up flipping so, yes, have had to have multiple pokes. Not fun as the needle was blunt after the first attempt hit the plastic rim of the port.

My surgeon explained that the ports he use have teeth to hold them in place but he also stitches them to reduce the risk of flipping.

Just hoping that mine is still ok when I get my next fill in July.