He's got that catheter in his neck, now what?

[Sara]

He says they didn't tell him anything about how to take care of it, whether he can shower, etc, etc.  What do we need to do with it?  He doesn't start dialysis until next week probably.

[Epoman]

He says they didn't tell him anything about how to take care of it, whether he can shower, etc, etc.  What do we need to do with it?  He doesn't start dialysis until next week probably.

He can shower but he needs to not get the area wet at all or he could cause an infection. Make sure the nurse changes the dressing and cleans the area after EVERY treatment. He will have the neck access until he gets a permanate access put in either a Fistula or a Graft depending on the quality of his veins if he has the Graft put in he may only have the neck access for a couple of weeks if he has the Fistula done he may have the neck access for several months while the Fistula matures. a Fistula is his own veins and a Graft is a artificial tube put in to act as a vein.

So getting back to his neck access just make sure he keeps it dry and clean and all should be well.

[Sara]

Thanks.  Next dumb question, how does one shower without getting it wet? LOL

[Epoman]

Thanks.  Next dumb question, how does one shower without getting it wet? LOL

Well you can just not wet that area wash everything below the chest area. Also wrap up the area with extra gauze and tape. Just be carefull. It can be done if your carefull.

[LifeOnHold]

I had a catheter in my neck for two months, and they let me shower with it-- they gave me IV bandages that have a slot in the middle, and I put 2 of those around the catheter.

I took a shower with the bandages on, soaped them up with antibacterial soap, rinsed them off, then after the shower I took them off, dried off the area with a large square of gauze, then put two new IV bandages on, taped them down and taped the ends of the catheter to my chest so the tubes wouldn't yank on my skin.  I never got any infections.

[geoffcamp]

I use a clear large bandage and it stays water tight, my dialysis center provides them.  Then after the shower I cahnge my dressing by using alcolhol pads to clean the area then put on a new bandage.  I have had a cath for as long as 6 months and never had any problems with infection.

Geoff

[Rerun]

I tape Saran wrap over it and after my shower I blow dry the area on a low setting.  Just make sure no moisture is left because that is where bactera grows.

[Sara]

Do you think it would be worth gently wiping the area with alcohol or chlorhexidine solution a few times a day?  He tends to sweat with his job and you mentioned moisture causing bacterial growth.

[Bajanne]

The way I used to bathe with my catheter was very elemental.  I just held a small folded towel over the area as I showered.  I would just change which hand held it as I manoeuvred.
I had a graft so that just lasted for a while.  There was a time I couldn't bathe at all because I had the catheter on one side and the operation for the graft on the other side, so I was bandaged both sides.  Horrible time!  Just bathing like a sick old lady.

[kevno]

I have had tesio lines (like 2 catherters). in my neck for over 2 years now.when I take a shower I use a waterproof dressing, then chenge it after to shower. Using betadine to clean around the catherters. Then Clean non-woven swabs and micropore tape. It's worked for me, up to now. This line are only supposed to last for 6 months. Thats why they keep trying me with needles, just incase the lines fail.

Kevno