I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: JScott1753 on June 04, 2009, 10:43:39 PM

Title: A Graft Question
Post by: JScott1753 on June 04, 2009, 10:43:39 PM

  Since I reported on my surgery a few moments ago, i realized I need to ask a question to other members with a graft.
  When using my access, we were doing buttonhole. And, I was close to asking about learning how to do the needles myself.
  But, now, I have the graft.
  Are those of you who have a graft able to do your own needles? I realize the training may be more involved; I am willing to learn. And yes, I realize there will not be any more buttonholes.
  Just curious.
  Jon

Title: Re: A Graft Question
Post by: Lucinda on June 10, 2009, 10:06:52 PM

Hi Jon...sorry, just saw this thread.

I do my own needles and I have a graft.  I just ladder up and down the graft.  I do exercises to help strengthen the muscles and tissues around the graft so it doesn't move while I am trying to cannulate but by all accounts it is only a little tougher than a fistula.  After the first few times you'll be fine!

Title: Re: A Graft Question
Post by: jbeany on June 11, 2009, 02:47:13 PM

I stuck my own graft.  It got harder the longer I did it though - with the scar tissue that's built up at the bottom, it's like pushing a nail into wood.  It got pretty awkward at the end, before I switched back to in-center, but I can still do it myself if I need to.