I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Tinah1968 on April 15, 2009, 12:56:10 PM

Title: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 15, 2009, 12:56:10 PM
Hey everyone just have a Question
I have not been feeling well. I went to the Dr yesterday and my Fistula moved. Not really sure how that happened. But I have to have a Fistula Gram on Friday. I hear it is not a big deal but, I thought maybe I would ask you guys since I know that you will tell me the truth. Does it hurt? Do you know how long I have to wait to use it?  Is there another option if it is no longer useable? As they said it does have a thrill and I do feel it but they said that the Fistula makes a Sharp turn in my arm and they don't know why. Just worried and not sure if I should be.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: jbeany on April 15, 2009, 01:05:38 PM
They should give you a sedative, so you won't feel much pain at all.  It probably won't be more than sore afterward.  I've gone to dialysis immediately after a fistulagram - it shouldn't interrupt your dialysis schedule at all.  I'm not sure about what they mean by "moved" in your arm.  Hopefully, they will be able to balloon it back into shape.  If they can't, though, it means they will put in a temp cath for you to use until the fistula can be fixed or another one can be placed.

Hope it all goes well for you.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 15, 2009, 01:08:31 PM
Thanks Jbeany the Cath is what I am really worried about... I am afraid of getting one as I hear infections are more frequent with a cath.  Just a little nervous.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: thegrammalady on April 15, 2009, 01:14:07 PM
i've had 3. they were no problem. i had a sedative with each (if they don't offer, insist on it) it's my understanding that if a vein becomes blocked it will look for an alternitave path. that happened to my first fistula. when the original path became blocked 2 new ones appeared.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: dwcrawford on April 15, 2009, 01:28:10 PM
ewwww   that don't sound like a lot of fun...  I have to have the cather for 10 weeks... while the fistala heals.  Surely one can go that long without an infection...

Tinah... haven't seen you around in a while.  You been ok?  Yes, Methodist for me. 
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 15, 2009, 01:31:49 PM
Yeah been a little sick DW, feeling a little weak and hadn't logged in in about a week. But I hope this new medication helps me... I am serious if you need anything I will go to Methodist. Socks, crosswords anything let me know. I will come by.. Don't hesitate to ask. We are all praying for a quick recovery on your fistula.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: dwcrawford on April 15, 2009, 01:37:48 PM
I appreciate the offer but I think I'm covered.  I like the surgeon.  He seem genuinely interested.  He said the fistala would take about three or four minutes but the cath would be 30 or so.  I think I dread that more.  Sorry you've been sick.. I kept looking for your name.  Hope you will feel better now.

Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 16, 2009, 04:35:30 AM
thegrammalady  I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your response. I will make sure to ask for a sedative.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 16, 2009, 06:59:19 PM
well tomorrow i have the fistulagram. i sure hopr it is fast and easy. gotta remember to get a sedative.. So much going throughmy mind. I hope that it is alot better than the thoughts i have running around in my head..  Wish me luck i hope this fistula will be useable.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: dwcrawford on April 17, 2009, 04:01:38 AM
Tinah, I'll be thinking about you.  Let us know how things go. 
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: paris on April 17, 2009, 03:13:06 PM
Tinah, You have been in my thoughts all day.  Hope you are doing ok and everything went well.   :grouphug;
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 17, 2009, 06:51:36 PM
Hi everyone I just woke up and thought I would let you know it was doing well. I feel good and my fistula is useable. (YAY!) But they had to do Angioplasty on the vein to open it up... But it is okay now and will be able to work in 2-4 weeks. Thank you all for your prayers..
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: dwcrawford on April 17, 2009, 06:56:19 PM
Tinah, its good to hear from you.  I hope it wasn't too bad today.
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 17, 2009, 06:58:54 PM
It was alot better than I thought.. Not really knowing what I was getting into I feel good that I can use the fistula.. 
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: jbeany on April 18, 2009, 08:33:23 AM
It's always scariest the first time, isn't it?  Glad things turned out well!
Title: Re: Fistula Gram?
Post by: Tinah1968 on April 18, 2009, 03:31:20 PM
Yes Jbeany I think being in this situation that your never sure and every first is scary. but, with lots of support from family my friends and IHD I went in scared but with  good thoughts.. I made sure to ask for a sedative like Grammy suggested and it all worked out.