catheter procedure

[jambo101]

 My second attempt at a fistula has now failed and next Friday i get the installation of the catheter, what am i in for procedure wise? Thanks

[Simon Dog]

Laying on your back in a semi-conscious pain free state in an OR, assuming your procedure is similar to mine.

[jambo101]

How long does the operation last?

[Simon Dog]

Danged if I know, I was not keeping time and I was also having a PD cath removal done at the same OR visit.  I'd guess 30 minutes or so.

[lulu836]

I've had at least one for 3 years.  Pain while installing depends on doctor, Radiologist or Surgeon.  Say goodbye to long, warm showers, swimming, drinking your fill of soda, your friends' backyard pool, working up a sweat while mowing or running a 5K etc.  If I must have D, a catheter would be my choice.

[Simon Dog]

Catheters pose serious infection risks, hence the fistula first initiative.

As to showering - see www.korshield.com - worked great 4 me.

[rcjordan]

>showering

My cath is on my upper right chest.  I cut off a cheap, $1 poncho so it draped just below the area.  It's made of saran wrap, so it is thin enough that I can pull the hood back and pinch it tight enough to form a seal around my neck while I wash my hair.  If the dressing gets damp, I splash it with alcohol.  Works ok.


>how long

30 minutes

[kristina]

My catheter was also on my right upper-chest and fortunately I had it for about four years without any problems and no accident either and I feel very grateful about it.
The important point was for me at all times, to let no water ever to come near the chest-catheter and since water runs everywhere, I just used a flannel from the hip upwards and from the hip downward I used the shower.
Fortunately, the London Water-Board provides interested people with a very gently-and slowly-running shower-head, which not only saves water (which is their interest), but it certainly prevents accidents to happen with fast-running water on my chest-catheter (which was, of course, my interest...). This gently-soft-running shower-head from the London Water Board went really well with me and saved me from any infection and/or accident and I am very grateful for that.
Good luck and best wishes from Kristina.