Would you expect me to cover up.

[Torchout]

I've recently had a line put in so I can have dialysis. Basically all that shows are two little tubes .

They're located just in front of my right armpit. I'm currently wearing a v neck top and they're obviously visible in the v.
As I'm in a renal ward a high percentage of patients have them so it's not weird here.

If you met me in the wild would you want me to hide them away, or would you be fine and not end up talking to them .

I'm going to need a new wardrobe as the plus side of kidney failure has been weight loss

No you definitely shouldn't have to feel you have to hide it. If other people have a problem then that's their problem. They should just be glad they're not dealing with all you're dealing with. Good luck OP x

It's up to you, they are nothing to be ashamed of.

The only thing is, people are going to notice and ask you what it's about. You might get fed up with that and it wouldn't be difficult to wear something that covers that area. No doubt you will do at work.

Good luck with your dialysis.

I wouldn't expect you to cover up. I think you will need to be accepting that some people might stare and you might hear kids asking 'what's that?' though. People stare when anything is a bit different. I wouldn't let that bother me though.

However one thing that occurs to me is infection risk. Do you need to be careful to protect the tubes from potential contamination? What have the nurses said about keeping it clean?

Wouldn't bother me at all!

I don’t think anyone would expect you to cover up. I don’t even think anyone would notice.

you Should dress how you want and in what makes you feel comfortable. Asda do a range of ‘accessible’ clothes that are designed for wires/tubes etc if you find it difficult to find things that allow space for the tubes

People will likely look, not because of a negative thought but just because it’s outside of the norm and when you see something different it takes a moment to process, understand what you’re seeing and choose the right reaction. Whether or not you cover up depends on your tolerance and comfort level with that. I think the vast majority of people would look for a second, realise and adjust, the occasional child who has not yet developed a filter might ask a question (still remember the horror or my 3 yr old asking a lady in Tesco wearing a full burka/hijab why she was dressed like a ninja) but I hope most people would be respectful or at the very least silent.

I wouldn't give a shit, however PPs are right that it may attract attention. Even just from kids. But the determining factor here should be your comfort, not anyone else's!

It seems an odd area to be visible unless you have no bra on and are wearing a very loose, strappy top.

As someone else said, I'd personally get sick of people potentially staring/asking about them. Unless you DO want to discuss it though? Its up to you whether you want them on show, but I'd also be checking the infection risk and whether they are better tucked behind clothes. Best of luck with it all.

No need to cover it, but be aware you may get responses in a broad range. Some people feel emotional discomfort about anything connected to illness/disability/mortality and some will be rude/dysregulated enough to make that known to you.

If you were going to be in someone’s wedding photos or some other formal setting I would expect you to cover up. But otherwise at any other time I would want you to dress however you felt comfortable.

Why?

Would you expect someone with glasses or a hearing aid to hide them for wedding photos?

I’m going to show my age here - will you not be cold with vest top on? Hospital are much warmer than most in door places.

When my DM had a central line fitted, she chose to cover it up to prevent people looking, staring, asking questions.

i would never expect anyone to cover up a line, a bald head from hair loss, etc unless they wanted to.

people will look, because that’s what people do, but most people will just go about their day.

No you shouldn’t hide them away. I had a picc line at the top of my arm for chemo and had a cover to keep the site clean but I didn’t cover it up.

If you were going to be in someone’s wedding photos or some other formal setting I would expect you to cover up.

Why?

This, all day long.

Not at all

I had a central line and didn’t cover it up. I wouldn’t give it a thought, enjoy your new wardrobe.

I personally probably would hide it, if it’s easy enough to do so, as people can be quite squeamish. Or ask questions about it, with I maybe couldn’t be bothered to answer if I’m not in the right headspace for it.

No but glass and hearing aids not the same. A catheter/stent punctures the skin and speaking from experience, often has dried blood visible. Day to day fine to have on display if the person wants, but in a formal situation such as a wedding like I mentioned, it would be better to have under clothing.

I would not be allowed to wear a v neck strap top at work and so I would have to cover up but obviously at home I can wear what I want.

Is it uncomfortable to cover up?
Perhaps you could speak to your work about it if you are client facing and can’t wear certain clothing.

Not the same, but my oldest has a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump. The pump clips onto clothing and people often ask what it is. I would not be at all concerned by any medical equipment that you have to use, and wouldn't make any comments.
As an aside, before the insulin pump several comments were made about injecting. People often thought it was illegal drugs!
Just get on with your life, ignore ignorant people.

Just to note, in case it is ever important, I would expect you to be covered by the Equalities Act 2010. So you do what works for you, especially in the work place if you're working at the mo.

Yes!

For a start, it’s nobody’s bloody business, and I would hope we all have enough decent manners not to gawp or ask pertinent & nosy questions.

I work with the glorious general public, and see people with varying disabilities, illnesses etc.
It would not occur to me to comment at all.

Sometimes, a customer will tell me their issue, if it means for example, they need a particular seat, extra help, or if they are deaf, partially sighted or just a bit wobbly. I then adapt my job so I can help them.

Crack on, OP, wishing you well 🌼