Removal of Chest Catheter

[jasperkat]

My husband's second fistula is finally working.  They have successfully used it with two needles four or five times.  They are talking about removing his catheter.  What do you guys think.  Personally I think we need to give it a couple of weeks.

[angela515]

I would get it out, but it's up to your husband really.

[thegrammalady]

if your husbands doc is like mine, he's in a complete panic to get the cathater out. my fistula worked for several months before there were any problems and they had to put a cathater back in. we are getting ready to start using it again. there is no reason to expect problems, might as well pull the cathater, it's not a big deal

[lamillinger913]

The catheter is such an infection magnet --- that's why they like to pull them as soon as the fistula is mature enough to work well.

Personally, I couldn't wait to get my chest catheter out so I could finally take a real shower (without having to tape up everything in plastic.)

[bolta72]

Iamillinger hit the nail right on the button, infection can set in and its right near the heart, it is a pain to get it put in and taken out twice, but if his arm is ready, safer to get it out. And yes yes yes for those showers. I wish him the best this time around

[BigSky]

Personally I would get it out as soon as possible.

Had one get infected.  Not fun.