Port-a-Cath

Hi Jessica's Journey Supporters!!! Well it's 12:02 am(...that's that whole sleep thing I was talking about) Tomorrow I have to be in Day Surgery at 6am...why? Good Question.

I have very small veins. No matter how hydrated I was, I was always a VERY hard stick. So in 2009 when I began a new IV (intravenous) treatment that I would have to do monthly, the decision was made for me to get a port.

What is a port? Google says it is a central venous catheter is a tube that goes into a vein in your chest and ends at your heart. Sometimes this type of catheter is attached to a device called a port that will be under your skin. The port and catheter are put in place in a minor surgery. The catheter helps carry nutrients and medicine into your body.

I had the port implanted surgically, so I could easily recieve my medicine. Great idea you would think!? Not really, because the my port gets clotted often. There are two way you can unclog the port: 1. Cathflo- 

Cathflo binds to fibrin in the thrombus, converting entrapped plasminogen to plasmin, helping to break down existing thrombotic occlusions. 2. Catheterization- This is a surgercal procedure, where the doctor's go in through your groin and unclog the clot. The procedure is done in outpatient surgery and they give you medicine to twilight you.

Well I'm going through the Catheterization procedure tomorrow for the um ...I've lost count of how many times I've done this. I know the surgical techs by name and voice. LOL I've also been watching a life time movie while blogging so now it's 1:18am. I am really going attempt to sleep! Well make sure you add me in your prayers tomorrow morning! Good Night!

Let Me Introduce Myself and My MS Story

HELLO! I am Jessica Let me tell you about my experience with Multiple Sclerosis. At age 6, I had a stroke, now we know that it was not a stroke, but it was the first sign of MS.  At age 17 years old, I lost vision in my left eye. I thought I scratched my eye.  After going to countless numbers of doctors, I ended up at Shands in Gainsville.  There I was diagnosed with optic neuritis with is usually a symptom of M.S.  I was admitted into the hospital and given a spinal tap, blood work, MRI and numerous diagnostic testing.   It was confirmed that my diagnosis was Multiple Sclerosis.  To this day, I really cannot explain how I felt, being so young diagnosed with a disease that has no cure. It was life changing.  I was immediately given sol-u-medrol (IV steroids) I also had to begin taking shots 3 times a week, it was life shattering. Having M.S. was something I could not control, but I realized I could control my educational track. I graduated from high school later that year.  I attended community college, where I earned m my A.A degree.  I then went to The University of North Florida where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree majoring in History and minoring in English.  I continued my education and received my Master’s Degree in Education with a Disability Services track.  I also worked throughout my time in school.  I wanted to be independent. As my disease progressed, many of my abilities have slowly been lost.  I have to use a walker, wheel chair and electric scooter depending on what my unpredictable disease decides to hand me that day.  I am no longer working (but I am on the hunt for employment) and am on disability. I want to let you take this Journey with me...Jessica's Journey! I am so excited to start this blog and bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis!