Hurts when i drain

[Tanis]

 I started the cycler in november, and eveytime i do the initual drain it really hurts.  even when its in the first fill. Does any one have any suggestions. Thanks

[KT0930]

Tanis, unfortunately, drain pain seems to be very common in PD. Try changing positions to see if that relieves it. If it is only happening at the end of draining, you may already be empty (my nurse told me to think of the peritoneal cavity as one of those kids' drink bags that collapses when it gets empty). Try bypassing the end of the drain and going right into the first fill.

I had pain on filling as well, and though for most who have it, it seems to go away eventually, I had it everytime I was awake for a fill (I also did the cycler). Again, just try changing position. Unfortunately, I never found anything to make it ease completely. Best of luck!

[KICKSTART]

I do CAPD so cant really say , but i have heard mention of a 'Tidal' setting which stops short of a complete drain , its possible your drain is tugging a bit when you are getting nearly empty.

[rookiegirl]

Hi Tanis,

I know exactly how you feel.  I was on the cycler for only 5 days and that was 5 days of no sleep.  Each time I drain, the pain would wake me up and it was intolerable.    I did the Tidal drain where the cycler was set to leave in 250mls but it didn't make the pain go away, it still kept me up.  For the last 3 nights on the cycler, I would wake up and bypass the drain when I felt the cramp.  It would only cramp really bad close to the end.  Because the cramp was so painful, the first 2-3 minutes during the fill was also painful.  But as I filled more, the pain went away.  I insisted to do manual (CAPD).  I'm loving this treatment now.

I talked with my Dr that following week about the drain pain.  He thinks my catheter may be too long.  I've been doing CAPD 2 exchanges/ day since October 2007.  I have been instructed by my Dr. just as soon as I start to feel the pinching pain, to shut off my transfer set.  As of today, unfortunately, my drain pain is still there.  I don't think mine will ever go away, but I can tolerate a few seconds of pinching, just enough time to grab my set to shut it off.

I have heard from others that the pain goes away, some just gets use to it, some it just doesn't bother them.  I wish you the best and pray that yours will get better.

Take care