Does anyone know how long you should wait to remove the bandage after a cath test? I am on coudamin. One nurse told me the next day and then she went off shift. The second one told me three days. And I could take showers, but don't get it wet. I would appreciate any answers. - Greg

Greg:

I always had mine off the next day. I see you had a catherization and I hope it turned out well? How is everything else going?

Ulrich

I had taken a stress test (chemical) and it showed I had had a large slient heart attack. I sure didn't feel like it. I get around well etc. I tire once in awhile, but when your out in the 111 AZ heat, your bound too. Anyway it turned out to be a shadow of my pacemaker on the heart muscle which was showing up as dead tissue. My EF was at 35, but now they say it is at 46 because I had not had the heart attack. That part I don't understand. I don't hold water,no breathing problems etc, but am in pacing mode most of the time. Other than that I feel great. Thanks for asking. - Greg

How long you should wait to take the bandage off and do things depends of the kind of closure the used in the cath. Best to find out this before they do it or when the dr comes in afterward. Also what kind of bandage did they use. I have hat it stitched and a smaller bandage used and waited 24 hours then had to change dressings for 5 days. Also had a plug with a huge film like covering and was told that I could shower within 24 hours but allow the film to work itself off. Iwas able to see through the film and therefore could see if there was any redness and puffiness to indicate a problem without removing it. Also this film was waterproof and the outside could be washed off.