Living with a Pleurx Catheter for Lung Fluid Drainage

Just thought I would bump this post up. Anyone have or had the Pleurx in-dwelling catheter? Thanks in advance.

Hi Elaine! I’m so glad your sister has both of you helping her but I know how hard this is on everyone who loves her. Hopefully someone in the community with direct experience will be able to respond soon but in the meantime it might be helpful to submit a question in the Ask Now box located at the bottom of the Home Screen of the app to connect with one of our oncology nurses. I bet they might be helpful in educating you all on what’s typical in this type of supportive treatment your sister is dealing with at the moment. Thank you for being a part of our community. ♥️

Suzanne - great idea and thank you so much for the kind words! 

I had my Pleurex drain for almost 6 months before it became Loculated and removed 1 month later.

Margaret - thank you so much for sharing your experience/timeframe. That helps! Sending blessings your way.💜

I couldn’t handle the drains so the cardiac surgeon did the talc procedure in my pleura and it worked. It’s all healed up nicely. He said I’ll never be a triathlete but I’m okay with that. At least I can breathe now!

PleurX catheters can be a helpful solution for managing recurring pleural effusions, and it sounds like this approach is providing some relief for managing the fluid buildup. Many community members have experience with these catheters and find them beneficial for maintaining quality of life while avoiding frequent medical procedures. Hopefully others who have lived with PleurX catheters will share their experiences to help answer your questions about long-term use and daily management.