First Flushing of Pd catheter

[denise1040]

Hello,
Today was my first flushing of Pd catheter. Everything went fine. Will start training on DEC 13. For now I will go weekly to get it flushed and drained. Hope I don't forget what I learned. I have to clean it myself tomorrow. Pd nurse said exit site looks great.  Was hopeing when the surgery tape came off, the itching would stop, but still itchy. Hope that goes away soon. Will update later.

[KICKSTART]

Itching is good ..itching is a sign of healing ! As long as you dont cut corners you will be fine. Good luck !  I also found that some tape made me itchy.

[VintageVera]

I just got my catheter repaired and was sore/bruised-feeling for about a week, then the itching started. That lasted about 10 days. My initial tubing operation took longer to recover from. Hope this helps. VERA

[brandywine]

Going for third flush today. I start my classes next week. Nurse said she wants me to do 3 liters per exchange. Does that sound like a lot? I was very uncomfortable with the little bit she used just to flush. Can't imagine carrying around nearly 5 pounds all day.
Also, anybody else get a gas bubble during exchange? I got one in my right shoulder and it was very painful.

[billybags]

Three litres sounds a lot, in the UK it is 2 litres. I believe we only have 2 ltre bags and 5 litre bags. or 2000 bags and 5000 bags. Ask questions.

[paul.karen]

Pain in your shoulder generaly indicates that therre was air in the line.  It is painful and can easily be avoided.  before connectiing to your cath make sure (look) at the line and see that there is no air in it.  An inch or so of air is ok but more then that reprime the line.

it pains your shoulder cause the air travels up hits your shoulders usualy and fights to get out.

[ardyce]

Brandywine,

Yes 3 liters is a lot.  Normally 2 liters is what is used and if you carry some during the day that is about 1500ml.  Don't let the nurse make you carry to much liquid.  Since you are just new to this they should start you off with a smaller amount to let your body get use to carrying liquid.

Good luck and don't let the nurse mke you carry to much liqiud.