Cathetar site infections

[pdpatty]

I had cathetar put in back in Feb. It wouldn't drain so they had to go back in and tie it down. About 2 weeks after this,I got an infection in the site. It seemed more in the top layer around the site and spread in the skin  down my belly. The surgeon placed my exit very low on my belly.

I now have another infection like the first. The site was also oosing blood but after it stopped bleeding,it didn't hurt as bad. I am taking Levaquin for 10 days and using a prescription antibacterial cream.

Did any of you have trouble with your site?

[goofynina]

Sorry your having so much trouble with your catheter PDPatty, are you putting any medication on the site itself?  have you tried just letting it air out, do not cover it, just maybe when you get out of the shower, allow yourself to airdry and maybe just lay there with nothing on it for a couple of hours.  Good luck and Godspeed my friend   

[Sluff]

I hope you figure out how to remedy this situation soon. Wish I could help. Good Luck.

[maisha_r]

Mine is oosing blood at least once a week and white staff everyday, will check comming Monday, i was just advised of using iodine swabstick daily,  but i  am not sure if is a good remedy or not.

[KICKSTART]

Its funny in the Uk we are told to look after our sites differently ! We have to keep them covered at ALL times , dont get wet and clean in a sterile way eg , all packs of swabs/hands and anything else used must be sterile. We only clean them with sterile water as well. I find it strange how its ok for you not to need to give them any special care as such and can leave them uncovered. Have you had a swab to see if there is any infection ?  Hope it gets better soon , nothing worse than your site playing up.

[Wattle]

Down here    we are trained the same way as Kickstart. It is recommended that your exit site is always covered and held with an anchor tape. An antibacterial soap is used daily to wash the site then is is dried and covered.

It is NOT o.k for your exit site to be oozing anything. I would get your site looked at before it turns into a full blown infection. An exit site infection can become a tunnel infection which leads to peritonitis.

[Chicken Little]

I'm not allowed to leave it uncovered.  They only time it is uncovered is in the shower and when I'm changing dressings.  I clean it daily with an antibacterial soap, the kind you shower with before surgery, put gentamicin cream on and a securely taped gauze bandage.  I also wear a Patients Pride belt.  I've never had a problem. 

I hope your site gets cleared up soon Patty.