PD catheter post-op pain

[IOnlyGet5]

Had catheter surgery yesterday & have question about post-op pain ...

It's not incision related but a constant pain in lower abdomen far below & on side where catheter was placed.

It gets worse if I forget & try to bend forward & with any movement (walking, standing up, sitting down, even leaning slightly to reach for say my water cup). It's not unbearable by any means but is very uncomfortable.

I assume this is a normal reaction to placement surgery but curious how long it might have lasted for others.

[Cupcake]

Sounds like what it felt like for me a year ago. Should be better every day.

[kristina]

Same here (with my chest-cath) :  it took about two weeks to stop hurting & start with the healing-process & stop bleeding & it also took my body a while (~ two weeks) to "get used to it" & since then it has been alright without any pain. (Touch wood it continues like that...)
The most important point is not to let any water come across the access and keep it safely protected & sanitary clean at all times.
Good luck wishes from Kristina.

[IOnlyGet5]

Thanks you guys!  I try to keep site dry but I've been leaking around exit site since Thurs night... any movement can start the leaking...it's a light pink colored fluid.

[kristina]

Thanks you guys!  I try to keep site dry but I've been leaking around exit site since Thurs night... any movement can start the leaking...it's a light pink colored fluid.

Hello again,
I would ask one of the medics about the bleeding  - just to make sure!
Good luck ! ... and best wishes form Kristina.

[SweetyPie]

I remember my pd cath surgery very well. Even though it was 7 years ago. It was extremely painful. I had to hunch over to walk anywhere, couldnt speak couldnt do anything for about a week. You get this pain because the insertion is pretty intense. They have to use a camera and tunnel inside your abdomen using force. This will definitely make your abdomen very sore for some time. It seem i posted late so I hope you are doing well

[Charlie B53]

My first couple of days got progressively worse.  It wasn't the pain from the incision, this was far deeper and growing daily.

I relized I hadn't had bowel movement. Yet I had been eating regular and about my normal volume which back then, was a lot as I had been very physical and burnt substantial calories daily.

The pain became so great I was considering calling an ambulance as I seriously suspected a section of intestine had 'turned/twisted' thus clamping it off and preventing anything to pass through.

About the 4th day I felt, and hear, a very painful 'Pop', and almost immediately the pain resolved.   Within minutes I had an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

All better now.

I recommend after any abdominal surgery to keep your diet somewhat softened.  Liquids may more easily pass than solids.  After a day or two of near normal bowel activity then return to your normal diet.

[GA_DAWG]

I have heard that abdominal surgery can cause your bowels to shut down. It is usually only temporary, but can be a few days. As I understand, that is one of the reasons they will not discharge a patient after surgery until they have had a bowel movement. Also, I think anesthesia can cause this also.

[IOnlyGet5]

Thank you guys!  You are the best!  I still get pain 4 weeks out but nothing like it was the first 2 weeks. Transfer set was added this week & I was finally healed enough so that they could flush the tube.  I guess I'm getting ready for training as nurse is ordering supplies soon. Thank you all so much for being here & answering my questions. I'm sure to have many more once I actually start dialysis.