Removing a hemodialysis catheter

[RightSide]

After 13 months, it looks like I finally got a fistula that works with 16 gauge needles.  Yay!

I saw my neph on Friday, and it looks like the "temporary" catheter that I've now had for 13 months is finally going to be removed.

I'm concerned that the catheter has been in there for so long that removal may pose problems.
Can anyone tell me what to expect? 

Are there any difficulties, potential complications, etc., in removing the catheter that I should know about?  And how much pain and post-op bleeding will there be?

[marie]

I had mine in for a year and it came out pretty good. They just numb it with that lidocane shot, I think thats what its called.  And then they just pull it out. I was in and out in about 30 minutes, it was sore for about 2-3 days after that but it was so worth the pain. lol   and the best thing is you can take a shower the next day !!! 

[dwcrawford]

had it for only about six months but zero pain in removal.  I was laying there dreading him starting yank, when he held it up and asked me if I wanted to see it.  I was told not to shower totally until the center nurse said  to.  Being  the meanie she is it as another week.  Thank god for inventing fistulas....

[MIbarra]

I had mine in for about 20 months. I felt pressure and tugging when he pulled it out, but nothing too serious. Very minimal bleeding.. sore for a couple days.

Dan, I was told I could take a shower the next day! Hmm..

[dwcrawford]

Manuela, I guess my doctors and nurses are just meaner than yours are.  Or perhaps the  liked the way I'd started to smell?

[pdpatty]

My flesh had grown onto the collar of cath. No pain when he tried to pull it out. He just numbed it more to cut it out. Only slight bleeding afterward. I did wait until Sat (like he said) to shower,although I had been showering while I had cath  in.

[Brianna!]

I was given the stuff to not remember the surgery. What's that called? haha. So I fell asleep or something when they were cleaning around it, and when I woke up, I was at dialysis. My mom asked me how I was feeling, but I don't remember that.

I was able to shower after two days I think. It was sore for like a day. I got freaked out when I saw the scar. I just wasn't expecting it, I guess!

I can't wait to get this catheter out!

[peleroja]

I've had two hemo catheters removed.  The first time the doc numbed me with lidocaine and cut a one inch incision and then pulled it out.  I required three stitches.  That is apparently old school.  The second time the doc numbed me with lidocaine and pulled and tugged and it was out.  I had no complications either time.

[billybags]

My husband had his out last week, the doctor did it in a side room. He said it took about half an hour and it hurt like hell.  They dug and dug and could not get it out so , they had to get the  largest sharpest knife and they dug great big  chunks out of his chest to get it out.  Sorry I was feeling really naughty then. Been :bandance;It did take about half an hour and after he had to lay down because it was bleeding a bit. He was fine after in fact he had his stitches out to-day 2 stitches no problem. You will be fine.

[fc2821]

  Don't worry it will be over before you know it.  I had two before I got my fistula.  The first one wasn't working properly so they had to replace it.  You feel a little pressure when they remove it but I didn't feel anything else.  They gave me "local" anesthesia.