I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: staceyand joe92 on March 08, 2009, 08:21:46 PM

Title: new fistula
Post by: staceyand joe92 on March 08, 2009, 08:21:46 PM

I had my fistula surgery mid December 08. I just got the ok to begin to use it.  Two out of the six times have ended badly. Once with an infiltration and once getting stuck three  times with an infiltration before the nurse finally gave up and decided to use my permcath. I was suppose to have the permcath removed this week but have decided to wait for the removal a few more weeks to give  the fistula a little more time to mature.  The vascular surgeon said the fistula was ready to go.  Has any one had trouble using their new fistula and how long should I wait before I have the permcath removed?

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: Chris on March 08, 2009, 08:30:19 PM

You are exercising with a squeeze ball right? Probably, but just had to ask.
When I had mine done they started using mine 3 months later. First time was a pain, but worked. We are all different and you may need a little longer and a better tech or nurse to stick you.

Good Luck

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: kellyt on March 08, 2009, 08:43:00 PM

When I got my fistula my doctor said it would take 3-6 months to mature.  Good Luck.

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: cookie2008 on March 09, 2009, 06:25:39 AM

We started to use my fistula at the end of Jan. I had my permacath removed at the end of Mar.

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: paul.karen on March 09, 2009, 06:45:55 AM

Sounds like it may have been the nurse and not the fistula?

When you try again make sure another nurse sticks you.
Sorry your going thorugh this with a new fistula.

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: swramsay on March 09, 2009, 08:59:17 AM

yuk.
The first time they did my needles, I asked who was the most experienced. I got the head nurse to do mine the first couple of times and then only 2 other techs that I had confidence in. That was the first 3 weeks then I moved to home hemo and do my own.

sorry you had these problems.

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: monrein on March 09, 2009, 01:28:50 PM

My fistula also infiltrated a few times at the beginning, even when I cannulated but I did only one needle to give it a break and used the permacath if necessary.  It did toughen up in time and only when things were consistently pretty easy did I have the permacath removed.

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: staceyand joe92 on March 09, 2009, 03:14:24 PM

Thanks for all the great advice.  I used the fistula today with no problem. I asked for the best "sticker" and one of my fav nurses did it. I think I'm going to wait another month to get the permcath taken out just to be safe. Who knows maybe I'll get "the call" and I won't have to worry about any of this any longer.

Title: Re: new fistula
Post by: kellyt on March 09, 2009, 07:28:41 PM

Quote from: staceyand joe92 on March 09, 2009, 03:14:24 PM

Thanks for all the great advice.  I used the fistula today with no problem. I asked for the best "sticker" and one of my fav nurses did it. I think I'm going to wait another month to get the permcath taken out just to be safe. Who knows maybe I'll get "the call" and I won't have to worry about any of this any longer.

That's the right attitude!   :clap;

I'm glad it went more smoothly this time.