Medical infusion port question....

[smitty240]

I recently had an infusion port placed just below my right collarbone. I was wondering if there were any members here with the same and how it impacted their rifle shooting, if at all? It's been just about a month and I won't see the Dr. for a couple more weeks. The weather seems to be breaking a bit and I'd like to get out to the range soon.

TIA.

 

[wishin]

Welcome to THR.

I wouldn't chance it this soon, although I have no idea what that is, or what it's for. I suppose you're a righty too? Call the doc's office and ask whether he approves, if you get real antsy.

 

[Kindrox]

That's for getting regular injections right? I am guessing it would not like bumped.

 

[PT1911]

it is called a mediport... dangerous to chance it.... stick to hand guns.

 

[TedP]

I agree. I was "lucky" enough to avoid that and have an access in my left wrist. I would avoid shooting with the port on your chest. They can be dislodged by their normal use and can also clot. Then there is the risk of complications with infection from injury to the area. I would not risk it.

 

[docnyt]

I suppose you could wear a shoulder/recoil pad to protect it. As far as affecting your ability to shoot it really shouldn't as it lies just beneath your skin for easy access. Just be careful not to crush it with the butt of your rifle. It's pretty sturdy but why chance it?

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I had one during my hospital stay for bypass surgery. It was removed when I was discharged. Not something I would want to have while shooting a rifle.

 

[alohachris]

Do NOT shoot a rifle or shotgun with a Mediport in your chest, it could be fatal. The port is made of titanium, but the catheter is PVC/PTFE. The catheter is in your subclavian vein (a very big vein in the chest). If the catheter cracks/splits and you could bleed to death.

I would stick to handguns, and small caliber if that.

You also want to avoid chopping wood, swinging a bat, etc. The space between your collar bone and first rib is tight and this type of repetitive movement can create "catheter chew".

Wait at least a month after it is removed to start up shooting from that should again.

 

[ozarkgunner]

My daughter had one for her chemo after a tumor was removed. She was active with it. It didn't inhibit anything but bath time.
How ever, I wouldn't shoot right handed for a while, and atleast until you speak wth your doctor. You don't need to worry about it moving or coming out. It has a larger piece under the skin. they can be pulled out, but you will knw when it's happening. It's gonna hurt like hell. The only real things to worry about with them is pain from bumping them, and infections from getting them dirty, or not keeping them clean.
Like I said, consult your doctor first. And good luck.

 

[mikewayde]

Possibly an implantable portacath? I would guess no shooting until you consult your Dr.

 

[smitty240]

OK guys, I'll sit tight until the 15th when I go back to the Doc.

 

[Rosstradamus]

I know someone who had one of those ports. He made a pad for his shoulder out of a folded towel and cut up a mouse pad to make a recoil pad for his FAL Para (metal stock). Nothing bad happened... except to the centers of numerous targets. He's still alive. YMMV.

 

[FROGO207]

I had two of them. One on each side, for chemo (lots of it for a long period). I could not get out of the hospital bed let alone fire a firearm. They did tell me to be really careful of it once I got home. I would not chance it IMO. A call to the doctor would be in order before attempting it at the least.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

It's a little late now, but barring contraindications, you should have asked to have it placed in the left subclavian instead of the right.

Thanks for bringing this up, so that others can learn about this - it is certainly not something I would have thought about until post-procedure.

 

[danprkr]

Call doctor! Ask them!​

Not to be a jerk, but I have some serious health issues, and trust me, you don't want to make mistake with something like this. The fixes could take longer, and do more damage than the original problem. I know this from experience. I was operated on 9 times in 2 years, and have at least one more ahead of me in a year. Mostly not my fault, but some of it was because I didn't want to wait to go back to work.

Don't do it without Dr approval. Just don't! This is the voice of experience speaking!

 

[Big Matt]

"It's a little late now, but barring contraindications, you should have asked to have it placed in the left subclavian instead of the right."

That's true, but having beeen in a similar spot a year ago; I believe that it's placed where it is so that he can drive and the seatbelt won't wreck it if in an accident. Of course, in the passenger side that goes out the window. But then again who knows? Every one I've seen has been on the right side. Arm/wrist AV fistulas they like to put in your non-dominant arm so that your dominant hand is free.

Regardless, I wouldn't shoot rifles or shotguns until it's out and healed. Supposedly there can be a lot of issues with infection and other complications. I was very diligent with mine and had no problems whatsoever. Better safe than sorry.