Your PD nurse should perform the first dressing change. Do not remove the dressing or handle the exit site yourself unless specifically taught to do so.
Sponge bathe while keeping the dressing and catheter dry. If the dressing becomes wet, loose, or soiled, contact the PD team promptly for instructions.
Keep the catheter secured as demonstrated. Avoid pulling, twisting, or pressure on it. Do not open, flush, or use the catheter except as directed by your dialysis team.
Food and activity
Continue your prescribed kidney diet and fluid limits. Do not increase fluids beyond the amount your kidney team recommends.
Take short walks. Follow your surgical and PD teams’ instructions for lifting, exercise, return to work, and when dialysis may begin.
Avoid constipation and straining. Use only the bowel medicines approved for you; ask before using an over-the-counter laxative.
Call the PD team promptly
Report new redness, warmth, swelling, pus, bleeding, fluid leaking around the catheter, or worsening abdominal pain.
If dialysis has started, cloudy drainage, abdominal pain, or fever needs immediate advice from your PD team. Do not wait for the next scheduled visit.
If you cannot reach the team and you feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical care.
Medicines, comfort & driving
Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Ask before adding a pain medicine or laxative, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, ulcers, or take a blood thinner.
Some prescription pain medicines already contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). Check labels to avoid taking it twice. Do not mix opioid pain medicines with alcohol or other sedating medicines unless your prescriber has specifically directed you.
Do not drive while taking a medicine that makes you sleepy or slows your reactions. Follow the time restriction from your anesthesia team, and wait until you can move comfortably and brake safely.
Walk regularly within your procedure’s restrictions. Use your prescribed bowel regimen if pain medicine causes constipation. Drink fluids only within any limits set by your medical team.
WHEN TO GET HELP
Know when to call.
Call 911 for an emergency
Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or heavy bleeding that will not stop needs emergency help.
Contact the practice promptly
Call for fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, repeated vomiting, inability to keep liquids down, or difficulty urinating.
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, or feeling seriously unwell needs urgent medical evaluation. If you cannot reach your team, go to an emergency department.