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Stinky and in need of a shower - Dialysis Tips

May 1

2 min read

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The catheter coming out of my chest is finally healing but it's been days since I've showered. The one thing they tell you about your catheter is DON'T GET IT WET! There is a high risk of infection and since it's connected to your heart, it can really make you sick fast. So here is how we tackled covering up the catheter area. It's been 4 months and so far, we have succeeded in keeping it dry. And I say "we" because you need help. This is a 2 person job and it's an added 10-15 minutes to cover up before taking a shower. Here is what has worked for me...


Supplies:

  • Cling wrap (I'm using Glad)

  • Waterproof medical tape (small and large size)

    • Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape, Waterproof Transparent Medical Tape, Secures Dressings and Catheter Tubing - 1 In x 10 Yds, 6 Rolls of Tape https://a.co/d/aMShONc (1" x 10 yrd)

    • 3M™ Transpore™ Surgical Tape, 1527-2, 2 in x 10 yd (5 cm x 9.1 m), 6 Roll/Carton, 10 Carton/Case https://a.co/d/bfqNeHe (2" x 10 yrd)

  • (2) Waterproof film dressing (Hola Health)

    • Waterproof Shower Bandage Protector [Pack of 50], 6"x8" Dialysis Catheter Shower Cover https://a.co/d/9axmrUp (6" x 8") (Love these!!)


Shower Prep:

  • First, we tear off a 1/2 an arm length of cling wrap and fold it in half. This drapes slightly over the shoulder and over the catheter. I take another smaller piece of cling wrap and wrap it around the tubes of the catheter.

  • Apply waterproof tape (small 1") all around the ends of the cling wrap. Press it down good to ensure there are no holes round the edges.

  • Now apply the waterproof film dressing on top of the cling wrap and tape. I use 2 films to cover the whole area from my shoulder to the end of the tubes.

  • Add more tape (large 2") around the film. I especially want a lot of tape around my neck. The bending can cause the tape to lift. I often hold down the tape at the neck area when I'm washing my hair.


Don't take a long shower....and try keeping the area out of the water when you can. If you feel tape starting to peel up, get out of the shower and dry off the area quickly. Some days it peels off easy, other days it helps to have someone to assist.


I usually take a shower on dialysis days. In case it does get wet, the dressing should be changed by the nurse before treatment. They should be cleaning the area and looking for signs of infection.


Catheter cover for shower
Catheter cover for shower

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