Catheter site infection

[brandywine]

So, after having this thing in a whole year, I finally got an infection. I have to say that I'm not surprised. In fact, I'm surprised it took THIS long. The surgeon placed it on my belt line, so every skirt or pair of pants I wear cuts right into it. It doesn't help that I'm overweight either. And I have ultra sensitive skin that welts up with bandages, so I normally don't have it covered.

I noticed yesterday that it was more red and darker, and last night, one section was tough/hard to the touch, like a knot. I saw the nurse this morning, and have been prescribed 500mg of Keflex 3 times a day in addition to antibiotic ointment on the site. My drain fluid is still clear, so that's a good sign.

Anybody else have issues this far out with their cath site? Not sure what to do to prevent this from occurring again. And as for tape on the bandages, it LITERALLY takes my skin off. I have very sensitive skin.

[bleija]

what kind of tape are u using, i have very sensitive skin as well, and i can only use micropore, the others ripp my skin off, and i do mean that literally... its a pain, bc my clinic no longer carries it, my nursae gave me the last of his supply, so i dnt know what im gonna do when i run out...

[brandywine]

The traditional paper tape seems to be the most gentle, and I've tried pretty much every type that Walgreens sells. Glad to know I'm not alone in that. I have psoriasis and eczema issues too, so I'm not shocked that the tape is giving me grief.

[bleija]

try to look online, for tape for sensitive skin or check a psoriasis site see if they have any suggestions, i dnt hhave psoriasis, my skin is just really sensitive on my stomach

[jeannea]

I use paper tape but I only tape my tube to my stomach when I shower cause I don't like it hanging. I know that your pants can cut in. What I do is I use high cut briefs for undies. They cover my site. And if I don't want to wear a belt I just tuck my tube on the side of my undies. My nurse says I don't have to bandage the site. Then all my pants have at least some elastic in the waist. I know it's not fashionable but I have to be comfy. I use the gentamycin ointment every night. So there are ointment stains on the waistband of my undies. Oh well.

I hope this isn't TMI. Just some ideas. I hope you heal soon.