I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: JScott1753 on August 13, 2009, 10:30:42 PM

Title: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: JScott1753 on August 13, 2009, 10:30:42 PM

After four and a half months, my catheter was finally removed today! But it wasn't easy.

The cuff designed to prevent pulling out the catheter(although we know it still can happen!) had tissue grown to it, resulting in local anesthesia, several small incisions, and a final painful "popping" release. The doctor said it was one of the most difficult cath. removals he had ever done. The local is finally wearing off, but it's not too uncomfortable.

At my treatment beforehand, I was very concerned I might not get it removed because the tech that put in the needles on Tuesday didn't check how the graft angles down to the vein attachment, and did a very sloppy stick which resulted in a very sore left arm, and the most important thing was the "thrill" which had been strong the last three weeks was barely audible, with a popping sound instead of the usual "whooshing" sound. Fortunately all went well, and then I went  and got my catheter yanked(not really!)

Jon

Title: Re: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: Rerun on August 14, 2009, 12:29:26 AM

YEAH!  It is out!

                        :yahoo;

Enjoy your SHOWER!!     :cheer:

Title: Re: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: monrein on August 14, 2009, 05:18:49 AM

Catheter removal day was always a huge celebration for me (one good thing about the excellent tissue seal around it is that it really protected you from infection at that particular point of entry) and the eventual shower was absolute bliss,
Glad for you that it's out and continued good luck with your fistula.

Title: Re: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: willieandwinnie on August 14, 2009, 05:29:14 AM

 :yahoo; Jon. Still in the shower? Glad it is out and what the techs and nurses.  :cuddle;

Title: Re: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: RightSide on August 14, 2009, 07:43:44 AM

Congratulations!

When you shower, wash that area of your chest, over and over and over.  No need to worry about getting it wet now!

Go swimming if you can, summer isn't over yet!

I truly envy you.

Title: Re: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: maritza0486 on August 14, 2009, 08:08:14 AM

A tough time with the removal, but hey, it's out! That's what matters! Lucky you. Hopefully mine is removed by the end of this month like they said was possible. If I were you, I would sleep in the bathtub, LOL.

Title: Re: It's Finally Gone!
Post by: LightLizard on August 14, 2009, 01:07:46 PM

i had fun with my catheter removal too. the doc actually had to put his foot on my chest to get enough leverage to yank it out. :rofl;
i laughed while he struggled. he asked me, 'what's so funny?' i said, 'if i had known it was in that secure, i could have done high-wire acts with the dang thing!'
good luck with your dialysis, JS.