Pleural Catherer

Hi. My dad had one placed two days ago. It’s called an IPC and does not get removed unless there’s a problem like a blockage etc. it gets drained 3 times a week. I have watched the process once then the nurse will come Mon, Weds, Fri for 2 weeks so we are confident doing it then we can drain it for him with a special kit ourselves. I understand that it only drains the excess fluid so the lung/s can inflate further but it will not stop the fluid from being produced. My dad has Epithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma. If you’d like to chat any time, please feel free.  

Hi Steph

Have you been provided with a clinical waste bin or just the clinical bag?

reason is we have just been given clinical bags which are having to be left for a week to be collected. Our dog is trying to rip the bags open.

i don’t think this is adequate for infection control and I was wondering if anyone else had been given a clinical waste bin as I am going to request one.

hubby has been going through 2 drain bottles per visit

Hi Ebony, we just use the yellow bag that is in the pack. We do not live in the UK, I’m in Australia so rubbish disposal is different here. We have been told by the respiratory nurse that it just gets put in our normal household rubbish over here. I questioned this and they said that is how it is treated. Dad gets 500-600mL per visit. 

You’re probably wondering why an Australian is in a British forum. I lived in the UK in the 1990’s and have great respect for Macmillan Cancer Support. Also, a Welsh relative lost his battle with cancer Xmas 2018. He was supported by this great organisation. Cancer is cancer no matter what part of the world we are in and if we can come together to support each other, it comforts me. 

Steph

Hi Steph

aw I didn’t realise you were in Australia and your refuse collection would be different.

Absolutely agree with you that if we can come together to support each other, this site has members from all over the world, unfortunately we are in a position to need it, but I don’t know where I would be without it.

There are some very helpful and caring people on here and again I agree with you Macmillan staff are all angels.