When I was diagnosed with kidney disease, it took four years to need dialysis. I had to make the choice of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Now that i’m settled into dialysis I wanted to share my experience and share some tips for a smooth experience when getting your catheter placed. I can only speak about my experience with a PD catheter. Overall my recovery was rough but manageable and like to believe that being prepared help my recovery. I was lucky that all of supplies arrived before my surgery date pulled around in October. Everyones timeline for needing dialysis is different so please don’t take my experience for the absolute and only experience.
What is a PD Catheter?
A peritoneal dialysis catheter is a soft, flexible tube that’s surgically inserted into your abdomen. Unlike hemodialysis which filters blood directly, PD uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneal membrane) as a natural filter. The catheter allows dialysis fluid to flow into your peritoneal cavity, where waste products and excess fluid move from your bloodstream into the solution. After a prescribed dwell time, the fluid is drained out, taking those waste products with it.
The catheter itself has two parts:
An external portion with a connector for attaching dialysis bags
An internal portion that sits in your peritoneal cavity
The Placement Procedure
Pre-Surgery Consultations
Before my surgery, I met with both my nephrologist and the surgeon who would place the catheter. They explained the procedure in detail, assessed my abdominal area to determine the best exit site location, and ordered necessary pre-operative tests including blood work and an ECG. This was a daunting task but it’s best to have everything cleared before surgery.
Helpful Tip – Preorder your post operation items now. The last thing you want is to be unprepared. Below is a list of items and things to consider.
- Seatbelt Cushions – This cushion was so helpful on the ride back home. Here are a few options.
- D. Cozy – Surgery Seatbelts.
- Hapi Poppy – Surgery Pillows
- Waterproof Covers – When you get the okay to shower. I found these patches very helpful.
- Carbou. – Transparent Film Dressing,6″ x 8″
- Houseables – Waterproof Bandages Post Surgical, 6×8
- Pillows for Recovery – Having a body pillow made sleeping a bit easier.
- BedLux – Body Pillows of all sizes and styles.
- Moon Pine – Pregnancy Body Pillow
- HONEHO – Mermaid Body Pillow
- Bed Pillos – Pack of 4
- Fiber – Fiber is going to be your friend when you abdomen is in pain.
- Metamucil – Fiber Chews
- MiraFiber – Fiber Chews
- Miralax – Miralax Powder
The Surgery Day
My PD catheter placement was done under general anesthesia as a laparoscopic procedure. Some patients might have it placed under local anesthesia, but my medical team recommended general anesthesia in my case. The entire procedure took about an hour, though I was at the hospital for most of the day.
The surgeon made a small incision near my belly button to insert the catheter, tunneled it under my skin, and created an exit site on the side of my abdomen. They used tiny cameras to ensure proper placement inside my peritoneal cavity.
I woke up with a dressing over the exit site and some discomfort, but the pain was manageable with prescribed medication. I urge you to please discuss pain management with your doctor. I I went home on the same day to rest with medication, instructions for the first few days. You’ll need to make sure you follow up with your nurse and travel to your clinic for exit wound care.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Preparing for my PD catheter placement involved several steps:
- Medical Evaluations: My doctor ordered comprehensive blood tests, chest X-rays, and an ECG to ensure I was healthy enough for the procedure.
- Medication Adjustments: My doctor didn’t change any of my medications but yours might.
- Bowel Preparation: The day before surgery, I followed a clear liquid diet and took laxatives as prescribed to ensure my bowels were empty for the procedure.
- Home Preparation: I arranged my living space to accommodate recovery, setting up a comfortable area where I could rest while keeping necessary items within reach. My body pillow and additional pillows came in handy to feel comfortable during waking hours and sleeping hours.
- Support Planning: I arranged for a family member to drive me home and stay with me for the first 48 hours after discharge.
Recovery and Healing Process
The healing process took about 2-4 weeks before I could begin dialysis treatments. During this time:
- I kept the exit site clean and dry, following my nurse’s instructions for dressing changes
- I avoided showering for the first week, taking birdbaths (sponge baths).
- I couldn’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds to avoid strain on the abdominal muscles
- I slept on my back or the side opposite my catheter
- I took stool softeners to prevent constipation that could put pressure on the catheter
My PD nurse checked the catheter weekly, performing low-volume flushes to ensure everything was working properly. By week six, we began training for how to perform my exchanges at home. I was comfortable by the following week to do my own dialysis treatment in the clinic during training. I used that time to adjust my prescription by letting the nurse know how much of the fluid made me feel uncomfortable. By the end I had my prescription and time on the machine.
Accepting Your First Order of Supplies
Your first supply shipment will be large. I am currently on one yellow and one green bag a night. Two bags a night. One box of fluid contains two bags, two days worth of bags. So consider 30 boxes plus the additional supplies. You’ll receive cotton pads, catheter cleaner, exit site cleaner, your cassettes, gloves, masks, sterile pads, caps, and clamps. I suggest buying a rolling cart. I purchased one like the picture below, if you’re interested here is the LINK. I love this one because it has hooks and those hooks are perfect for the tube organization. It’s big enough to hold all my supplies like my blood pressure cuff. I’d like to share the one I have, which I love because it bluetooths your BP to their app. It’s so much easier that using the blood pressure storage. Mine is old, but see the updated version LINKED HERE. Omron has a lot of other options of as well.
Additional Items I Found Helpful –
- Drain Toilet Clip
- PD Catheter Belt
- Heating Pad – Microwavable Heating Pad/ Electric Neck Heating Pad
- Digital Scale – iHealth Digital Wireless Scale
- Catheter Anchors
A drain clip helps your waste line go directly into a toilet. The line is long, or you can attach it to a bucket and empty daily. I prefer the bucket to avoid tripping over any cords on my way to the bathroom. I also suggest finding your style when it comes to belts to hold your catheter in place. The one I linked was useful for me. I have tried others but this one was the best. I also use the catheter lanyards which go around your neck. You might find them more comfortable.
Heating pads for your neck and shoulders come in handy if you ever get air in your line. It hurts something wicked and the best relief for me has been to put a heating pad on my shoulders. Your nurse will explain what this means and what to do for relief during training.
A digital scale is needed as you’ll have to take your weight every night along with your blood pressure. The last item I love with all my heart is a catheter anchor. It goes on your belly to keep your catheter in place. I suggest using this after you have healed and your nurse says it’s okay. You will need to clear the area well with alcohol for a solid stick.
I hope this post was helpful. As I state on my disclaimer page, I’m not a doctor and my post should not be considered medical advice. This posts contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you purchase using the links I have provided.
