another question about the chest cath

[UkrainianTracksuit]

I have a chest cath that has been in place for a year and a half. (Grafts and fistulas just wouldn’t take.) It will be removed soon since I no longer need it. However, I had absolutely no issues with it and never had any infections. The only people that touched it were obviously dialysis nurses and when they did, they had their gloves and facial shield on. It became a part of me, didn’t think of it there and obviously never touched it. I would tuck it into my bra and go on with my day.

For bathing, I would sit in the bath with the water filled to an adequate depth but nowhere near my upper chest. My chest would remain dry and I would throw on a clean top as soon as I stepped out of the bathtub. Other times, a thorough sponge bathing did the trick. I have really long hair and I managed to wash it in the sink with no issues. I would wrap a clean towel around my upper chest to protect it anyway. For fun, and a break, I’d just go to the salon for a wash and as you know, you lay down for that and no water drips down.

It only required CathFlo twice and other than that, worked like a charm.

At least for me, it was rather easy. My grandfather (since passed away) did HD in clinic into his early 90s with a cath. After a couple replacements, he did well too. He had no issues with infection either.

[Charlie B53]

Mine is anchored quite well with stitching.  I've snagged it pulling a shirt on or off and tugged at it so far without a problem.

We quickly learn to be more careful.

[kristina]

I have a chest cath that has been in place for a year and a half. (Grafts and fistulas just wouldn’t take.) It will be removed soon since I no longer need it. However, I had absolutely no issues with it and never had any infections. The only people that touched it were obviously dialysis nurses and when they did, they had their gloves and facial shield on. It became a part of me, didn’t think of it there and obviously never touched it. I would tuck it into my bra and go on with my day.

It only required CathFlo twice and other than that, worked like a charm.

Hello Ukrainian Tracksuit,
You mention that you "tucked your chest-cath into your bra and get on with the day", but how do or did you protect your chest-cath during the night whilst you are asleep? And why did you require a CathFlo and what is it?
Good luck with your transplant and many thanks for answering my questions from Kristina.

[Tío Riñon]

I think that I've mentioned this previously, but my father has a chest catheter.  He refuses to get a fistula despite the admonishment by doctors that he shouldn't have a chest catheter.  In the almost 7 years that he has had it, I think he had to have it replaced once.  There wasn't a medical problem; just a need to have it changed periodically.

Ultimately, it is your body and your decision as to what to do.

[UkrainianTracksuit]

Hello Ukrainian Tracksuit,
You mention that you "tucked your chest-cath into your bra and get on with the day", but how do or did you protect your chest-cath during the night whilst you are asleep? And why did you require a CathFlo and what is it?
Good luck with your transplant and many thanks for answering my questions from Kristina.

I really had no issues sleeping with it at night. Obviously, I was advised not to sleep on my chest/tummy but that never was an issue. The catheter itself is really in there firmly and the nurses assured me that the Tegaderm bandages were quite sturdy. Another thing is that my clinic had a variety of socks for the lumens and I would tape that part down to further secure it. It really barely moved much.

CathFlo, or alteplase, is a drug used to clear clots from your line. I had two instances, quite randomly, where one line clotted up. However, after the use of medication, it was quickly cleared and no issues.

[GA_DAWG]

One of the problems I had with the catheter was it was placed exactly where the sealt belt harness came over my shoulder. If I moved any at all, I could feel the rubbing of the catheter. Still, the worst part was not being able to shower, and being worried about doing anything physically that might make me sweat and cause the wrapping to come loose.

[babycake]

i saw my heart doc
and he doesnt see it
as a problembu
i just dont feel comfortable
about having it done
i left my vascular doc and email
but have not heard anything back
so i think im going to call him
but any how what i was thinking
why not replace  my graft with the same
that is already in my arm
and see how it works
and if the infection comes
back
 then that will have to be my option
 of having to get the cath in
its my arm
not his

[Charlie B53]

An advantage of the chest cath is that it can be used immediately for treatment where any work on your arm must have at least some minimum time to heal.

Infection within a graft can cause the need to remove that graft but a new section may be put back in.  I would imagine there may still be need for healing of the incision before use.

I had my chest cath removed Thursday after almost 15 months in.  I was surprised how easily the Dr removed it.  After numbing the area he simply grabbed onto it and very firmly YANKED it out!   Done!.  Nurse did have to hold direct pressure on the vein for 10 minutes pretty much the same as we do on my fistula when pulling the needles after treatments.  Still, it was really no big deal removing the cath.

[babycake]

i got some good news today
i posted it under  update