10.1: Returning to normal activities after having your IPC inserted

When can you leave hospital?

Discuss this with your team. It will usually be the same or next day. Driving straight after the procedure might be uncomfortable, so you might want to arrange a lift or have someone travel with you.

Dressing and stitches 

You will have a dressing over the IPC site that should be kept dry (see advice below on washing). Your community nurse will change the dressing and review the site regularly. You will have stitches (also known as sutures) that help to keep the IPC in place for the first few weeks. After this your body forms a tight seal around the IPC so they are no longer needed. The stitches are not dissolvable and should normally be removed 2-3 weeks after insertion (follow the advice of your team). This can be done by community nurses or by the team who inserted your IPC.

Returning to activities

Anxiety around physical activity with an IPC is common. For the first 2 weeks the stitches should keep the IPC secure, so walking or gentle exertion such as light housework or gardening should not be a problem. After 2 weeks your body will have formed a tight seal around the IPC, so you can return to other more physical activities, if you feel up to it. There should not be a problem with lifting or moving your arms above your head (for example fishing or golf). It would be sensible to restart activities gently to build up strength and confidence. Heavy contact sports should be avoided.

Showering, bathing, and swimming

It is important to keep the IPC entry site dry in the first 2 weeks to reduce the risk of infection. Showering is ok as long as the waterproof dressing is in place. Using a hand-held shower can help minimise soaking of the dressing. If the dressing does not stick well afterwards, it should be changed. At first you could time showers to be just before your drainage, when the dressing will be changed anyway. After the first 2 weeks, your body will have formed a tight seal around the IPC and you can shower, bathe and swim as usual. It is still important to make sure the entry site is clean and dry afterwards, so change the dressing if it gets wet.

Sleeping

It is not uncommon to find sleeping uncomfortable at first. This often gets better with time as your body becomes used to the IPC. Sleeping on your back or the opposite side is normally most comfortable. Others have found using extra pillows for support helpful.

Travelling by car or plane

There is no reason not to drive with your IPC in place. Discuss with your doctor or nurse if you are planning on air travel. While the IPC in itself does not prevent international travel, there may be other factors relating to your medical care that need to be considered.