Did they numb you before a fill?

October 16, 2003

My first fill is on the 27th. The doctor says he doesn't numb because the needle to numb you hurts as much as the fill needle. So it's just get in and out quick. Sound painful to me. I know most of you say it doesn't hurt, but were you numbed at all first?

Alexandra · October 16, 2003

HI Linda,

I just had my first fill this morning, and yes, the doctor administered a local anaesthetic first. All needles are unpleasant, and the burning sensation from the numbing is no fun, but it's over in a second.

I can see it working fine both ways. There is a bit of feeling around and palpating for the port and I guess if the needle misses there could be some discomfort. But really, the whole thing is over so quickly that if your doctor doesn't think any anaesthetic is necessary I'm sure he's right.

kellymoos · October 16, 2003

I had a local but never felt a thang! Yea for me:-)

donali · October 16, 2003

My doctor does not use a numbing agent either, for the same reasons your doc states, Linda.

My port is close to the surface, and as phobic as I am about these things, it is really no big deal. Much less than having blood taken for tests.

It is my understanding that some people's ports are very deep, and therefore they feel the numbing agent is necessary.

My doc immobilizes the port with one hand by pressing down, then inserts the needle, and with the pressure of the immobilizing the needle prick is barely noticeable to me.

Hope your experience is just as benign!

JC_GODOLPHINS · October 17, 2003

No big deal. The local anesthetic was easy peasy. quick sting, then burn for 3 seconds, then felt absolutely nothing.

bunkie68 · October 31, 2003

My doc doesn't give anything to numb before fills. I had my first one Wednesday, and I sure wished he had. My port was wobbly, and he had to stick me a couple of times to hit it, thought he had, put some saline in, not sure how much because he hadn't hit it quite right, had to take out what had gone in and redo the whole process. I think I counted marks from eight needle sticks after all was said and done. YUCK!!!! I will say this, though - if he'd gotten my port after one stick or two, and hadn't had to take the saline out and put it back in again, the needle sticks would have been easily bearable without anesthetic.