Question: How many catheters can you have?

[carla13]

Hi,
I was on PD until a week and a half ago when I got a 3rd recurrence of peritonitis from an infection that wouldn't settle. I had the PD tube taken out, and now I have a neckline and am on Haemo 3 times a week. I spoke to a patient on the ward who had had two catheters, but had been told that after infection she couldn't have a third as her stomach was too scarred. I'd never heard of this and as I'm anxious to get back on PD ASAP (I can't ask the surgeon as he's gone on holiday for two weeks) I wonder if anyone has any advice for me.

It'll be my third catheter, as I was on CAPD when I was much younger until I was transplanted.

Anything you can tell me will be much appreciated!!

carla
xx

[KT0930]

I haven't seen her in awhile, but MyssAnne had the same problem you did, and had at least two or three caths, I believe.

I've had two - one in 1981, one in 2006-2008. Unless the scarring from peritonitis works against PD in a way I'm not familiar with, that shouldn't prevent you from returning. I've had five or six abdominal surgeries and did PD successfully for 15 months prior to my most current transplant. Ask your neph and PD nurses about that part. The surgeon only puts the catheter in, he doesn't have much to do with it after that, as you know.

[carla13]

Hi,

Thanks for that. I spoke to my PD nurse and she quoted me an e-mail she had sent to the surgeon to ask if my abdomen was ok for another line to be fitted, unfortunately as I metioned before, he's on holiday and won't be back until the end of next week. I'm jut too impatient to wait !!!

carla