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Port for Rituxan

  • Antsonparade
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • I was diagnosed with ITP in May 2017 after being rushed to the ER with a hemoglobin level of 4 in April. I had surgery to stop the bleeding and received 5 units of blood and 3 units of platelets. I had my platelets monitored weekly and in May I dropped t
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5 years 8 months ago #68369 by Antsonparade
Port for Rituxan was created by Antsonparade
I am going through my second go of rituxan and while the lab has no problem drawing blood, the treatment center has informed me that i am a bit of a difficult stick. I hate needles to begin with and am currently dealing from ptsd from a near death experience with ITP. That being said, a nurse told me today that i should look into getting a port if i have to do this again. I googled it (which i realize is the worse possible thing to do) and i am pretty sure my anxiety cannot handle the idea of having a port put in. Also with reading the treatment of it and care, it doesnt sound like a great idea for someone who typically has a platelet count of 60,000...i am looking for suggestions and assistance here...pros and cons please!
-Mandy Diagnosed May 2017, IVIG in May 2017, Rituxan Aug. & Sept. 2017, lowest 10, highest 461 after IVIG "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..." Christopher Robin
  • mrsb04
  • Away
  • ITP since 2014. Retired nurse. My belief is empower patients to be involved as much as possible in their care. Read, read, read & ALWAYS question medics about the evidence base they use.
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5 years 8 months ago - 5 years 8 months ago #68370 by mrsb04
Replied by mrsb04 on topic Port for Rituxan
I would only have one if absolutely no alternative. They are an infection risk.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Antsonparade
  • Antsonparade
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • I was diagnosed with ITP in May 2017 after being rushed to the ER with a hemoglobin level of 4 in April. I had surgery to stop the bleeding and received 5 units of blood and 3 units of platelets. I had my platelets monitored weekly and in May I dropped t
More
5 years 8 months ago #68372 by Antsonparade
Replied by Antsonparade on topic Port for Rituxan
Thank you...that was one of my conerns too. I have had 2 nurses mention it to me but it seems like it was just a convenience thing.
-Mandy Diagnosed May 2017, IVIG in May 2017, Rituxan Aug. & Sept. 2017, lowest 10, highest 461 after IVIG "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..." Christopher Robin
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5 years 8 months ago #68378 by MelA
Replied by MelA on topic Port for Rituxan
If you don't mind my asking - what was your: "a near death experience with ITP" ??
"Instead of wasting your time worrying about symptoms, just get it checked out" -Nieca Goldberg, MD
  • Antsonparade
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • I was diagnosed with ITP in May 2017 after being rushed to the ER with a hemoglobin level of 4 in April. I had surgery to stop the bleeding and received 5 units of blood and 3 units of platelets. I had my platelets monitored weekly and in May I dropped t
More
5 years 8 months ago #68389 by Antsonparade
Replied by Antsonparade on topic Port for Rituxan
I don't mind. I actually had my period for about 14 days, i thought it was due to stress but apparently i was bleeding because my platelets were so low. I went to the ER when i started passing out and found that I had a hemoglobin level of 4.
-Mandy Diagnosed May 2017, IVIG in May 2017, Rituxan Aug. & Sept. 2017, lowest 10, highest 461 after IVIG "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..." Christopher Robin
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The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.


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