After suffering a stroke at the age of 20, I was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. This immune system disorder is characterized by excessive clotting of blood. My primary physician prescribed a daily dose of Aspirin to help thin my blood and prevent another clot from forming. A few months ago, a blood clot was found in my left leg. My doctors then prescribed extensive anti-coagulation therapy that included oral pills and daily injections. My fear of needles made the daily injections almost unbearable. As the pills and injections began to thin my blood, huge and painful bruises up to six inches in diameter began to appear every time I received a shot. My entire body was turning black and blue, and the doctors had a hard time finding a spot to administer my injection that wasn’t already bruised. Wanting relief from the pain of the injections, I began searching for an alternative that would not require daily needle sticks.
My searches on the internet led me to the I-Port™, and I contacted Patton Medical Devices to see if their product would be beneficial for someone in my situation. The staff of Patton Medical Devices was very helpful and supportive, and they immediately sent I-Port™ samples to my doctor. As soon as I began using the I-Port™, my daily anxiety over the injections was gone. The device was so easy to apply, and I no longer had to suffer through the pain of daily needle sticks. I immediately began to view my injections as a simple routine instead of viewing them as a recurring traumatic event in my life. After the first few days of using the I-Port™, my doctors and I noticed a more important benefit of the device: no more huge bruises! Even though I was using each I-Port™ for up to six injections, the bruise that was left behind when I removed the port was smaller than a dime! What a difference to look in the mirror and not see horrific bruises all over my body.
I am also impressed with the staff of Patton Medical Devices. They have been in constant contact with me, checking on my progress, asking how the device is working for me, and asking if there is anything else they can do to be of assistance. Everyone is readily available by phone and email, and their positive attitude is very reassuring. It is especially valuable to me that they communicate with each other regarding my situation, so that I don’t have to explain my condition each time I talk with someone in their company. They have even taken on the task of working with my health insurance provider to get the I-Port™ covered by my plan. Instead of leaving me with the paperwork and hassle of communicating with my insurance company, the staff of Patton Medical Devices and their reimbursement specialists has done it for me!
I still use the I-Port™ every day, and it continues to make my journey through anti-coagulation therapy much more bearable. I would recommend this device to anyone that wants relief from repeated injections!
Becky
Katy, Texas
