I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: meadowlandsnj on September 29, 2006, 04:16:24 PM

Title: Use my fistula for the first time!
Post by: meadowlandsnj on September 29, 2006, 04:16:24 PM
Thursday I got to dialysis and was told today is the day to use the fistula.  I had the operation August 1 so it's been two months.  My nephrologist has been checking it once a week and he told me it was a "beautiful" fistula...... :lol;  So the nurse manager came down and gave me my official kidney squeeze toy and a sample of a skin numbing cream and then she cannulated my fistula.  It honestly wasn't so bad! It didn't really hurt at all.  Afterwards when they pulled the needle out I only held for about 6 minutes so I guess I'm not a bleeder.  They only used to needle to pull the blood out, the catheter returned it.  They didn't use the top part of the fistula yet.  I was told maybe two-three weeks they'll use it. 
So I finished and I was waiting for my ride and the nephrologist walked in and asked me if they used the fistula.  I said yes and he was so happy, he hugged me.  I'm happy also to be getting rid of the catheter at last.   :clap;
Title: Re: Use my fistula for the first time!
Post by: Rerun on September 29, 2006, 05:39:06 PM
Great, I'm glad you have a good one.   :)

Title: Re: Use my fistula for the first time!
Post by: Epoman on September 29, 2006, 07:39:42 PM
Thursday I got to dialysis and was told today is the day to use the fistula.  I had the operation August 1 so it's been two months.  My nephrologist has been checking it once a week and he told me it was a "beautiful" fistula...... :lol;  So the nurse manager came down and gave me my official kidney squeeze toy and a sample of a skin numbing cream and then she cannulated my fistula.  It honestly wasn't so bad! It didn't really hurt at all.  Afterwards when they pulled the needle out I only held for about 6 minutes so I guess I'm not a bleeder.  They only used to needle to pull the blood out, the catheter returned it.  They didn't use the top part of the fistula yet.  I was told maybe two-three weeks they'll use it. 
So I finished and I was waiting for my ride and the nephrologist walked in and asked me if they used the fistula.  I said yes and he was so happy, he hugged me.  I'm happy also to be getting rid of the catheter at last.   :clap;

I've said it before and I will say it again, DO NOT remove that "cath" until your fistula is working problem free for 2-3 weeks. But I am glad it worked out so well for you. ALSO tell them to DO NOT PUSH down on the guaze until the needle is out. Trust me it is better for your fistula. :cuddle; Now that you are actually using the fistula it will grow much faster due to the pressure of the flow rates. Again congratulations.
Title: Re: Use my fistula for the first time!
Post by: Zach on September 29, 2006, 09:02:10 PM
Don't forget to continue to exercise it!     ;)
Title: Re: Use my fistula for the first time!
Post by: Bajanne on September 29, 2006, 10:36:33 PM
Great news!  Hope everything continues to go well.  I am soon going to have them check my graft since it is nearly a year that I have been using it.
Title: Re: Use my fistula for the first time!
Post by: Joe Paul on September 30, 2006, 02:51:14 AM
Congratulations..as said, don't forget to exercise the arm.  :clap;