PD catheter surgery - What to expect?

[IOnlyGet5]

I just got a call from surgeon's office & apparently my nephrologist told the surgeon I can't wait until after I move to get access - she wants me to have the catheter insertion surgery before the end of the month. 

So they've scheduled me for surgery on Sept 27...they wanted to do it the 26th but that's my 57th birthday & not my idea of how to celebrate it.

So surgery is a week from tomorrow. YIKES! 

Any words of wisdom or advice?  What should I expect? 

From prior outpatient surgeries i know that historically  I *don't* heal fast (maybe due to fibromyalgia & diabetes?) So I'm not so sure the anticipated 2 weeks will be enough time before they say I'll start training to do PD.

I'm scheduled to move from apartment to a small rent house on Oct 7th & I am worried about how much I'll be able to do after surgery - packing, lifting & physically moving stuff for example, not to mention the great exhaustion I already feel from being so severely anemic due to kidney disease, & severely short of breath from pulmonary hypertensiin & asthma & congestive heart failure.

[kickingandscreaming]

Not the way I'd like to celebrate the day after my B'day either.  The PD catheter surgery is "minimally invasive.) And the recovery is usually straightforward.  I had abdominal discomfort for a while and was restricted in how much I could lift.  Otherwise, it was no biggie.  I healed well and started PD training very quickly. I actually had to have the surgery twice as the catheter didn't work the first time. Good luck and 

[Charlie B53]

Obey your Dr's lifting restrictions!  The increased abdominal pressure of lifting, excessive bending, even coughing, can cause enough pressure to blow the stitches and create a possibly serious problem.  ALL abdominal surgeries should stay very careful during recovery.

Just prior and immediately after surgery think about seriously limiting the amount of starches and cheese in your diet.  You want to stay with a very soft stool.  Keeping a very fluid intestine and bowel will reduce pressure every where.

Mine was a 'Tunnemed' Cath, going upwards from the abbdomin under the skin and exiting between my breast off to my left side.  I found it much more comfortable for me as I could turn and lay on it without pinching off the hose.  It didn't interfear with clothing and was much easier to see and take care off.   Not al Dr's use this method but I think it is worthy of consideration

I did have a small problem after surgery.  I suspect a section of intestine was 'flipped'.  Sort of like a dog can 'flip' a stomach twisting and closing off the passage at both ends.  I felt 'full'.  Too full.  I couldn't have a bowel movement.  Being a 'Guy' I thought it would pass on it's own and didn't bother calling my Dr until a few days had passed.  By then I was more than ready to start screaming, the pain from the very over fullness I thought my intestines would burst.  I felt, and heard, a 'Pop', and all the pain and discomfort was gone.  Within minutes I had to get into the bathroom.  All has been well since.   Now I am far more Religious about eating my vegetables!

.I absolutely Loved PD.  The dietary and fluid restrictions that I now have on Hemo just did not exist.  I was free to eat and drink what I wanted, however much I wanted.

Pay attention to hand cleanliness and infection prevention during treaning.  These are CRITICAL to lasting success.  After 3 1/2 years I made one mistake.  Now on Hemo because of it, but fortunate for me Hemo is working well and even better suits my schedule.   So all is not lost.  I must be Blessed.

Take Care,

Charlie B53

[Simon Dog]

Tunneling and the location of the exit are separate issues.  Tunneling is fairly standard, and is also used when the cath exits near the beltline.

Be sure to discuss the exact exit location with the surgeon so you get one that agrees with you.

[kickingandscreaming]

Speaking of location, think about where your cycler will be located in relation to your bed.   My catheter exits on the right side of my abdomen and my cycler is also on the right side.  So I don't squish the catheter when I lie around in bed.  It just falls to the floor and doesn't have to cross over my body.  It's good to plan this beforehand.