posted
Today, I sat down to infuse and noticed that somehow my dressing had peeled off all the way back to the-whatever it is called-hole in my arm, so I tried to tape it back down but it is kind of hard by yourself and it is like taping a piece of unsticky plastic.
Then I called home health and they said if it was taped down it was fine.
I am just confused because of all the trouble they go to when they are putting it on to sterilize it, and now it is just open in places.
Is it okay to have it unsterile?
gambler
Posts: 243 | From chicago | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Hi, it is definitely not okay to have it unsterile. Call your infusion company back right away and demand that they come and re-dress it.
Please make sure that the opening where the line was inserted is at least covered until they get there. Wipe it down with alcohol if it is exposed.
Please don't let this scare the bejesus out of you but it is REALLY important that this area stay extremely sterile.
If the infusion company doesn't come out then they need you to fire them. Talk to your doc about it but in the meantime, when all else fails, go to your local ER and have them redress it.
This happened to me one time and I had to go back to the Special Procedures unit of radiology where I got my inserted under floroscopy. The interventional nurse changed it at 11 at night. They told me to talk to my doc and get a new infusion company. Needless to say, I fired them and had a new company within 24 hours.
Good luck and let us know.
Kelly
-------------------- ...~*Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming*~... Posts: 120 | From New Jersey | Registered: May 2006
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
In a word........
NO
Unless you wish to live up to your gambler monogram!
Get the phleb or nurse to come to your aid...that is what they get paid for you know...
sheesh!
zman
-------------------- I am not a doctor...opinions expressed are from personal experiences only and should never be viewed as coming from a healthcare provider. zman Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
I don't think that sounds right. If it was me, I would insist on having a nurse come and change the bandage - you have the right to do so. The area is supposed to remain sterile.
How long was the bandage on? I wonder why it came off in the first place. I have never had one even come close to coming off. Wonder if it was put on securely, or did you get it wet or if it isn't the correct kind of bandage.
-------------------- Lynne
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead Posts: 63 | From USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Thanks for your replies, I talked to the nurse and she said to ask someone to change the dressing and she will come tomorrow. But I don't have a someone.
I'll figure something out. I soooo don't want to go to the ER.
I did not get that dressing wet, you don't even want to know how little I have been showering. It was a new dressing because of the rash I had, and I did notice it peeling back a bit this morning. It must have caught on my sweatshirt and pulled off.
So, I am sitting here with my dressing kit trying to think of someone who can help.
gambler
Posts: 243 | From chicago | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
take a loose sock,cut the bottom off and pull it up over your dressing,it will keep it from comeing off.
Posts: 510 | From NEVERLAND.USA | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
one time we went to an urgent care clinic to have it re-dressed. (To my surprise, our insurance covered it.)
Posts: 991 | From California | Registered: Feb 2006
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