Naomi’s Portacath is Flushed by Nurse

During her home recovery from her recent hospital stay, Naomi had daily visits from the Hospital in the Home nurses. During these visits, the nurses would observe Naomi’s vital statistics, such as blood pressure, and change the bag of antibiotic fluid that was being automatically being delivered into Naomi 24/7 by the pump to which she was attached.

In these following photos, which were taken three weeks ago, the nurse also flushed Naomi’s Portacath. This is a small valve implanted in Naomi’s chest, below the skin, with a pipe leading directly into an artery near her heart. This was implanted to allow the nurses easy access to her bloodstream while she was participating in a drug trial. Every month a bag of the trial drug would be given to Naomi through the port, and would allow for blood samples to be easily taken. Part of the care for the port included flushing it monthly with saline solution to keep it clear of blockages.

Since Naomi has been in hospital fighting the infection, she has come off the trial. The port remains, however, while Naomi and her specialist decide what the best new treatment for her will be. Part of the Hospital in the Home nurses’ duties then, was to flush the port when needed.

Naomi has since completed her IV antibiotics course, and is now free of the pump and doesn’t need the inconvenient daily nurse visits. This has been a great relief for both of us! As of today, Naomi is doing well, but is starting to suffer from the effects of the deteriorating prosthetic knee joints which will both need to be replaced early in the new year.