The Day After Surgery | Port-a-Cath Recovery 

My 12 year old daughter was in bed for a week after she got her port. She has it to get IVIG. I was surprised at how long it took her to recover, but once she did, she was great. Praying for you!

Yes Peter that's true ! My old left side port was in for 12 years. Scar tissue forms. The surgeon said he could remove the port itself but he can't remove the line as he'd have to break my collar bone. So they just trimmed it off. They put another on the right side. It took weeks for the pain to go away and I had to do stretches. Mary you are incredibly brave to have a port removed and another placed the same day ! I don't know of anyone who would do that ! Love from Sydney, Australia

I'm so happy you're feeling better now I know it's been quite a while since you had this happened but I'm glad to actually see your blog for the next day and I pray that you and your family are doing well God bless you

So creptis is what you said rice crispy feeling and sounding not good!!! Hope your doing better

Why did u have t get a new port

Oh Mary. The drama. Peter's covert eye-rolls. heh.

I got my port and was told the pain was going to be minimal. I was completely blindsided by the recovery pain! I have a very high pain tolerance too, and it was awful. Six months out and it still throbs, but it makes it so much easier for those of us who have long term chronic illness. Praying for a smooth recovery!

I love the unrealistic measure of discomfort surgical staff is famous for. Dont tell me I might experience "some discomfort" when its likly going to hurt like a SOB!😂 Give it to me straight...I'd rather expect the worst and not have it be so bad, than not expect problems and be down for the count! 😝 Happy healing, Mary, you're a champ!💜

I love the way her husband loves her,she is so loved by him,and yes she loves him as well,Elijah is going to know what love is

You are correct, Mary. Air under the skin is called subcutaneous emphysema and symptoms are edema and crepitus (the popping feeling under the skin). Working in ER vet med, we see it most often in patients that were HBC (hit by car)

Mary I’m sure you’re feeling much better now. It’s hard with a toddler and a baby right after surgery I’m so glad Peter can be with you through this.

I had a pacemaker placed a few years back. Everything I'd heard or read said it was a simple procedure and, other than normal soreness, should not be very painful. Well, I was almost in tears for the first couple of days after the procedure, with pain, swelling and difficulty moving. I thought maybe I was a bigger baby than most people, but I've since heard from others who agree that the pain seemed to be down-played. That is a nasty trick I think! Thank you for being honest about your pain levels.

I have had one power port n 1,year it went bad n I had to get another one but it is on the same side ...because they tried the other side. N could not use it, n they put it above the old one...I HAVE TO ALWAYS GETTING A POWER PORT BECAUSE MY VEINS ARE BAD BAD BAD N COULD NOT EVER BE USED I HAVE HAD 7 PICC LINES IN BOTH ARMS ON EACH SIDE N SO, THIS I EVER NEED ANOTHER PORT THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT IN MY STOMACHE I DONT WANT IT BUT I HAVE CF N MS N USE MY POWER PORT ALSO FOR MY MS TREATMENTS EVERY SIX MONTHS ..I TELL YA

Mary you are such an inspiration to me. I have a different disorder but I get down and then I watch your video and realize I can do anything through God who gives me strength.. your such a good mom and I’m so happy your fostering a little one who needs a family… he is blessed to have you. Is the adoption set in stone or is there a chance he will go to family. If I’m being to personal I apologize… much love and prayers to you, hubby and the kids❤❤❤❤

That is normal placement over tthe coller bone where your new port is. They did mine the same way when placed in about the same spot as yours. I thing that was the best spot for me it's a little wried at first with that line ruining to the neck. Other wise that spot was great for mine with no problems. The neck pain will go away after the swelling goes down.

You said Elijah was sleeping. Do you still have the other sweet baby in the Frey house? I talk about your story all the time. I think that you are both amazing. What you have created in your life is just so beautiful. My cup runneth over. In peace and love. God bless you!

Do they not normally go over the collar bone? I have a power port placed last December and my cord goes over my collar bone too and it’s on my right side too.

It would be great if you could tell your fans why you’re not filming anymore 🥰

Looks like the surgeon placed the line on the right into the IJ (internal jugular) not the subclavian vein like the left side was. Most surgeons prefer to place it via the IJ so you don’t really have the risk of pinched off syndrome like you do with a subclavian line.

Hi guys long time no see.. !! I see that this episode is a follow up from that port surgery a few days ago.. At least everything is working now and that event is behind us now.. Im sure the boys are glad to see you home as well as your Former Service DOG OLIVER JAMES. And your kitty cat HARRY.. In addition a HAPPY BELATED 34th BIRTHDAY MARY BACK ON AUGUST 18th... Today episode is released on SEPTEMBER 7th 3 days after LABOR DAY.. I cant believe its almost FALL Already on september 23rd .. And elijahs 2nd birthday in 3 months.. On winter solstice day...❤❤😊😊

Sending love Mary. My port was super painful at the start. The neck catheter was the worst. Now I’m super grateful for it. I call “her” Portabella and it helps me lol. I have her for my many genetic and life long conditions that require ivig, iv antibiotics,, iv fluids, and other things. I hope “she” lasts a LONG time! You definitely are an experienced with this. My port also goes over my collar bone. That way actually is better in terms of issue because when it goes under it can easily be pinched off. ( according to my research and doc) the swelling for me lasted awhile and I couldn’t tell how I’d feel until it was down. I Hope you feel better soon.

Yes, that placement over the collar bone is normal on the right side. That is also where mine is.

Congratulations on the baby!! Did they ask anything about the medical problems before you could adopt him?? Do they look at that???

I was surprised when the port was placed under General anesthesia in the morning and used the same afternoon for chemo for Stage IV Rectal Cancer. It will heal fast 💙

Peanut butter also doesn't suck to throw up.. just so you know 😅

I hope you heal quickly Mary. I remember when I had mine placed like 6 years ago it bruised up really bad and was real sore for close to a week or so. Thank you for doing this Vlog. I know you don’t feel well and going through a lot, I am facing getting a new port as well before long. I am so nervous about going through what you just did, but you bring me peace of mind. It’s nice to know that I am not alone and others are facing this as well. I wish we didn’t have to, but that’s just the way our story goes. Thank you Mary, this meant a lot to me. We are truly never alone.❤

Oh my goodness ypu got knocked out?! Im in Scotland and i got my old port out on monday as it stopped working (you got that port the same time as i got this one an then we both get them changed in the same week.....weird haha) anyway i went into hospital monday morning at 8am i got sedated but when i get sedation it doesnt kick in for ages but they just start cutting you up so the whole time im chatting away and then the surgeon was like ok so your port is encapsulated in scar tissue he said it was the worst hes ever seen he discovered the port and ttubing were all working fine outside my body but my body had made scar tissue wrap round the vein and tube like a tiny strong snake that it totally closed it lol he had never seen anything like it apparently but the actual removal of the port was horrendous they dont cut your neck when taking the port out cos all they do is pull it out.....unless your me and the port has become one with my body an was stuck to my ribs and the surgeon was determined he was going to wrestle it out with his hand 😮 i suggested he try an loosen it with a pair of scissors maybe but he just laughed an said he was fine and could get it out haha so he was planning on putting the new one in the other side but decided he didnt want o put my body through more trauma and ive to go back in 3weeks which is my birthday weeks so i think not hahaha i also got to take a port home so i can educate people how it works and stuff so since they broke my old port getting it out they gave me a new one i can use to educate the nurses an doctors and all my friends an family i love educating people i was at the vet the other day and a little girl came over an asked what happened to me pointing at my GJ tube an i felt happy to tell her all aboit it but her mum gave her into trouble so i had to say to the mum that kids need to ask questions cos when i was a kid i was a sick kid and had seizures but if there waa a person with one leg or something my mum would tell me not to look which is crazy cos it just makes scared adults who dont see disabled people as normal people its really not good kids need to ask questions or they dont learn.........anyway yeah the reason you dont have a neck cut on the old port side is cos they just whip it out but the new one needs guided into the heart so th cut in the neck is to help them navigate......❤❤

I'm glad that your ports figured out! yay! My current port line is over my clavical, and my port is placed on the left side, I never really thought about the line being anywhere else. Thank you for helping me through my journey with my illnesses and getting my port and feeding tube.

Love you two! Thanks for keeping us updated. Hope all is well and feeling all healed. ❤🙏☺️

Glad you are healing. Take your time, be careful and rest. A lot of us are waiting on your vlogs, so thank you from your followers.

Where is the other baby you guys were fostering

Just got my second Port today. This time via local anesthesia. I was indeed a bit afraid of it but I knew it was way better for my body than getting knocked out. There are things more comfortable but I think it is absolutely managable. So don't be afraid. :)

I’ve had port removal and insertion surgery and it HURTS. As does broviac insertion. Worth it though.

No more port-a-pitty 🎉🎉🎉

Hi there I love watching y’all videos so much even port videos and treatment I have Gastroparesis and I have a MEDI port myself I had it for about 10 months it will be a year in December 5th I always had multiple scared because of it I have my port on my right side of the chest for daily iv fuild hydration and iv medication for my nausea and your videos make me happy and inspired I never had a port removal even when I first got it I wasn’t in pain mostly discomfort and pain later since got it access afterwards no pain I access my own port myself or my mom dose it I also am 21 year old living with 1 lung,Gastroparesis I see my lung doctor to do my IPV vest and other love I can relate to your videos a bit ❤❤

My husband has a port for cancer treatments. The surgeon explained to us that they would be going up over his collarbone. To achieve a large artery. His line however is not visible. But he's a big muscled of a man. At least your not going to have this one in your arm pit. God bless y'all 🙌 🙏 ❤️

..If you should happen to be nauseated , just down a chocolate bar. 😂 That was really funny. I am sorry you have to suffer having an old port taken and a new port placed. That's a lot to go through. I am glad the procedure is over and hope you heal well. God bless you all. ❤

I can’t believe it had been six years already! I have my new one going into my neck and I prefer it. My line isn’t as prominent but I think it was when it was first done. The swelling goes down and probably won’t be so prominent

My port does the same thing with the line going over the collar bone. I have had 2 chest ports. I was grateful for being asleep for my second port placement because being awake for so much stuff was bad.

I'm sorry it hurts... not sure how long ago... (Nice hair, Peter!) Mary's early note taking is like mine... a bit of guesswork is needed 😂

I have only watched a few of your videos. Thank both of you for your videos. Why did you stop SQIG? Do you prefer IVIG? I have been doing IVIG for 13 years and have had all the issues with the port including occlusion. I am on my second port. My DOC. is talking about SQIG for me. Do you prefer one over the other? The IVIG works for me but is a pain with the issues. Nurse turn over and the mistakes that come with the inexperience. Home infusion is not a option now but I did that years ago with IVIG. SQIG would allow me to go back to home infusions if it works. Thanks for your videos.

So happy you have your new port and are recuperating well. Great to see your vlog today. I’m sure having your new port is like a big weight off your shoulders 👍❤️🙏

So sorry you are having such pain & soreness. Bless your heart. hoping the recovery will be short & the new port works great!! ❤🌹🙏

I'm also curious as to what kind you got? MY daughter has a Bard PowerPort.

I have been watching you for quite a while and who knew I would learn about a port on your channel and be walking into my 5 year old precious boy having surgery tomorrow for Leukemia. what side is best for a port? is one side more comfortable than the other? he is right handed.

A week mine was 1 day and have had mine 5 years due for a replacement. Can't wait . 😊

I'm having my 2nd port placed later this month as out patient. Sounds crazy to me. First time was about eleven years ago and was not fun, but I chalked it up to gravity's constant pull. I've had two open-abdominal surgeries as well, and still count my port implant as the most painful. Kind of nice hearing that I wasn't just imagining it. Glad of your reminder, as I will cook ahead and make other preparations so I can be kind to myself after. Hope you are feeling much better by now, Mary.

Never seen a tube like that under the skin. It looks like it would be annoying. As long as it doesn’t hurt. Missed you guys!

Why did the hospital not give you anti nausea meds so you didn’t throw up post surgery? Maybe ask for this next time.

I am going throw surgery in few weeks I am having sleeve gastrectomy surgery little scared

My port was placed just like your new one. The recovery was ROUGH. But they gave me no pain meds. Just advised me to take tylenol. Constant cold packs helped some. But it has been so worth it for me. Making my weekly infusions much easier.

I miss you guys so much are you guys guiting RU-vid 😢 I'm glad you are good 🎉

Mary I'm so glad you are feeling better just take one day at a time hi Peter

Oh I miss you guys! Glad you're doing better Mary! 💕

I hope and pray that this new port has healed nicely xxxxxx

I have mine on the right side and they went over my collarbone too. And I had a stiff neck and was super sore for about a week. I hope you are feeling better by now

It is indeed called crepitus Mary, you're right

They put it in your jugglervane I have mine like that

Another great informative video

I hope you get better soon god bless

Good to see you doing better, I missed you

Hope you're OK xxx

I'm not sure if I ended up posting on your last video, the stickers on your forehead are from a BIS monitor, it monitors brain waves to make sure you are under anesthetic properly :)

To answer some of your questions related to your new port location… I had mine done the same way. It goes into your jugular vein instead of the subclavian. My doctors told me that the jugular vein ports tend to have less issues than subclavian veins because they don’t risk getting “pinched off” by your collarbone. The recovery was SO incredibly brutal though - I could hardly move that side for a week and I wasn’t given any pain relief, other than being told to ice and take Tylenol 😅 I pretty much camped out on the sofa propped up by pillows for a week. A few months later, I developed a blood clot where the catheter inserted into my jugular and eventually ended up getting the port removed because of the risk of blood clots and my insurance no longer covering the blood thinner I was prescribed. Removal was a lot easier of a recovery.

Your port is IJ (internal jugular) vs subclavian that’s why they went above the clavicle. IJ decreases the risk of pneumothorax (collapse lung) which is why they likely went that route.

Worried about the FREY FAM. I am hoping that all is well. You keep me going. I am amazed at your love, resilience and how humble you both are. I know you are not vlogging as much, but I really hope Mary and the little ones are doing well. And of course Peter, Hairy and Oliver.

I'm sorry you're experiencing extra pain. I have a question though. Did y'all post on fb about cutting back on uploads? I know life gets more hectic with 2 children. I wasn't sure if I missed something or if something was wrong.

Veterinarian here!! We definitely use the term crepitus to describe the feeling of air under the skin… the “grating sensation” is probably referring to the use of the same word to describe the “crunchy” feeling of joints with arthritis

I've had 6 groshong catheters in my chest. It feels like I was kicked by a mule when I wake up. But I had to have them to live. Blessings to you❤

Can confirm, chocolate tastes the same going down or up 😂

There used to be one big patch that had EKG pads built into it and it was placed on the back. That way it generally didn’t get gooped up from whatever they used to scrub the site with! Much easier than putting on the forehead!

They did my subclavian port with the line over my collarbone too. We’re port twins. And yes mine hurt sooo bad for days

Hi you 2, hope your doing better now, missed you guys 😢are you not posting alot anymore totally understand, just would love to know days your gonna try post so i can look for you love to you all and kids take care from uk 🇬🇧

I regrettably ate spaghetti after surgery once...not a good idea...

Peanut butter sandwich is the thing I tell everyone. It tastes the most similar, regardless of which way it's going. I heard this is what pilots suggest to astronauts and other people when they have to do g-force type trainings. I have no idea if this is true, but it seems legit to me. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Feel better Mary! rice crispies in the skin is subcutaneous emphysema! I hope this port is so much better than the last one. Can't wait to see your new Christmas ornament 😂

So glad you are feeling better. I hope the new port is way better for you, in its placement.

I am not sure why either, but my port is also on the right side and the line goes up over my collar bone 🙂

Could you inter change warm and cold towels to help with the soreness

I’m glad the surgery went well Mary and I hope the recovery hasn’t been to bad 🙂.

The crunchy feeling is called surgical emphycema

So❤happy to hear you are doing better! Sure have missed ya’ll♥️

Yeah I miss yous so much why are yous not on as much now ❤❤❤

💗

Much love to your family. I am so sorry you have to go through this.

Praying this port works well

Crepitus is correct 😊❤ it can sound like crispies!

Yes there is a right subclavian.

I love these two, theyre such good people.

Thank you for sharing!

Good to see you, thanks for sharing Mary❤

❤❤❤❤❤ Praying for you all.

I'm glade all is well God bless.

I miss seeing Elijah

Mine is over the collar bone on both sides. (Had several on right and now one on left). Your bone will create a divet over the years possibly as mine has. I have had them too tight and pull on neck vein. I was never able to keep any of my old ports. Yes new area more painful for me too as they have to create a new pocket.

Your new port is probably in your internal jugular (IJ) instead of your subclavian. You’re IJ is at your neck and they run the tube over your collarbone. This placement decreases the chances of a clot forming. The subclavian runs below the collarbone and is more prone to clots.

I love there lives

Feel better!!

Crepitus is correct!!

When I got my G tube, I was told "a little sore for a few days, just take Tylenol.". Um...no. I was taking max doses if hydrocodone evey 6 hours, and still in agony, for a week. Even went to the ER to get x ray because I was sure it had moved in a wrong place or something. Took another 2 weeks of feeling like I was bring ripped in half every time I coughed, sneezed, or even laughed. Also, yes, you have a right subclavian artery. When I was a baby, they took mine from my arm, to re-route to my lungs. So now the blood pressure in my right arm is wrong (very low)