Question about pleural effusion catheter procedure

[Natsmb]

I'm having a catheter drainage tube put in for a pleural effusion. also, while they do this they will be taking out a sample from a nodule in my pleural space. They've given me the literature on this procedure but I would prefer to check with people who've actually had the procedure and can give me a heads up on what to expect and so on. I've long since learned that what the patients actually have to say about it ends up being far more helpful than what the doctors read to you out of the protocol pamphlet.

What was the procedure like and how much time did you spend in the hospital? What complications and adjustments did you have to make afterward? any helpful tips. I'm a little bit nervous about this. I know it's supposed to be fantastic but I would like to have a heads up about day-to-day management.

[Aspin]

I have a pleurex drain which was put in months ago. It was an out patient procedure. I had a lot of pain the first week so they did a nerve block which worked. I am drained three times a week now by a home health nurse as I cannot do by myself because in my back. I can no longer where a bra because of where it is placed. I cannot travel because of needing drainage. But I am now use to it as it saves trips to clinic to get new punctures and drains.

[Natsmb in reply to Aspin]

Thanks. What kind of pain did you have? Apparently I have to stay in the hospital 24 hours and they said that I will need pain meds. Also, I I'm going to have a biopsy done because they're going to be in there anyway so maybe that's part of the length of the stay? a lot of people told me it was just an outpatient procedure but the doctor is playing on 24 hours.

[Shorty864]

Dear Natsmb, I have had one put in and also had it removed. It took about a couple of hours all in all. Not pleasant but not painful, except for the injected anesthetic. Did not suffer afterwards and saved me a lot of travelling back and forth to the hospital. Would put it in again if necessary. They removed it because of my ascites which had in the meantime returned and they were afraid of infection.

I was able to wear a bra.

Take care my dear.

Anne XXX

[Natsmb in reply to Shorty864]

Did you have problems sleeping in a comfortable position? also, they told me I would have to be really careful in the shower. Were you able to take baths?

[Shorty864 in reply to Natsmb]

No I did not have problems sleeping or have problems with showering - do not do baths.

[Aspin in reply to Natsmb]

No I cannot take baths. And I cannot shower in my back unless it is covered.

[Di16]

I had one before my initial surgery. I went into hospital 3 or 4 days before the operation so they could drain the effusion before they operated. I think they must have given me a local anaesthetic, but I don’t remember it. I know the procedure was not painful tho I had expected it to be. It was then on continuous drainage till after the operation, then it was removed, again not painful. Di

[Natsmb]

Thank you all! My surgery is supposed to just requires 24 hours in hospital. Good to know it is not painful!

[Aspin]

Did you have your procedure?

[Natsmb in reply to Aspin]

In two days