Does anyone personally know about IV-Ports?

The most important thing about having a port is that you follow procedures concerning the care and cleaning of it. Don't skip any of the doctor's instructions. If it gets infected it will have to come out. Most people do very well with them and keep them for years. It's a lot better than being stuck repeatedly. You won't feel like a pin-cushion anymore. Good luck to you.

Personally, I wouldn't go with the procedure. I am too concerned about infections. An intravenous port is an open wound, an open door for infections. And Remicade will depress the immune reaction, meaning that your body will not fight the infection.

If ever there was a case for antibiotics, yours is.

You should consult an Orthopaedist who will order blood tests, joint scans and X-Rays to confirm your diagnosis.

Lyme disease is a possibility, even though you have a diagnosis of Psoriatic arthritis. Ask your doctor to test you for the bacteria causing Lyme disease.

Are there any other cases of arthritis or rheumatic diseases among your relatives? Chronic forms of arthritis are usually prevalent in families where a defective gene is passed on by parents to their children.

There are a few hundred types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The good news is that science is progressing rapidly in its understanding of rheumatic diseases.

Antibiotics are now used to achieve full remissions for at least 40%, if not 65% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The prospects for a full remission from Psoriatic arthritis are even more encouraging as it is far easier to treat than rheumatoid arthritis.

For more info, please join our group at:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/antibio

let your MD know that you usually get infections after surgery and they may precribe some antibiotics to prevent you getting an infection. You should do fine with port access, as long as you leave it alone and don't try and access it yourself. Just keep it clean and if you notice any soreness or swelling let your doctor know.

talk to your doctor about what he can do to lower your risk of infection for this procedure...perhaps taking some oral antibiotics before and after ....

i dont personally know about them but my dad has one in his chest for chemo. its so they dont have to keep sticking you with needles