I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: MattyBoy100 on September 30, 2006, 02:46:03 AM

Title: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: MattyBoy100 on September 30, 2006, 02:46:03 AM

Hi guys,

wanted to let you all know that my fistula was used for the first time on Wednesday.  Yesterday (Friday) the unit got me on a pump speed of 250 when previously I was only going at 200 with my line.  I also got 4 litres more blood through the machine as my line was giving me 50% clearance.

I still don`t like the needles though and got a bit shakey last night cos the needles had to be tugged out of my arm!!!  Guess I'm just going to have to get used to the needles now, doesn't mean I have to like them though!!!  I'm giving myself a round of applause for not passing out yesterday! :clap;

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Joe Paul on September 30, 2006, 02:49:04 AM

Congratulations  Mattyboy  :clap;

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: kitkatz on September 30, 2006, 09:59:11 AM

Good job! It takes courage to let them stick you with those big needles! :wine;

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Black on October 01, 2006, 05:17:14 PM

 :clap; :2thumbsup; Congratulations  :cuddle; :beer1;

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Zach on October 01, 2006, 09:22:05 PM

Good job!  And don't forget to continue to exercise it.      ;)

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: jbeany on October 13, 2006, 08:27:52 PM

Did they give you liquid lidocaine?  I'm about to start, and I'm not sure if that's standard procedure or not, but I'm a wimp about blood draws, so I think I may have to insist on it.

I've been reading about phobias and how to deal with needle phobia.  One of the suggestions was to clench all the muscles in your lower body if you started to feel faint while they were poking you.  It forces all the blood back into your torso, so you don't get so dizzy.  I tried it with my last blood draw- it works pretty well.

Congrats on making it through! :clap;

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Rerun on October 25, 2006, 06:26:59 PM

I have a catheter that I am NOT letting them take out until it has to go because of Gangreen!  BUT, I decided to let them use my fistula for a month.  If it works great.....I'll go back to the catheter.  If it doesn't then I need to get it fixed while my catheter is still in good shape.

I realized that if I went with my original idea and my fistula didn't work..... I'd be SOL (Shit Out of Luck....for the non-Americans)  So, I'm taking charge and letting them try my fistula.

I told them my plan and ended my proposition with "And I don't want any CRAP about going back to my catheter!"

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Stacy Without An E on October 25, 2006, 10:18:19 PM

Congratulations on your new fistula.  It makes a world of difference when you go from a catheter to a fistula as far as effective Dialysis.

I remember the visit to the ER when I was on Dialysis the first time.  My kidney's had completely failed and I could barely breathe.  They later told me if I hadn't been taken to the ER, I probably would have had a heart attack due to all the potassium on my heart.

I was lucky that day because one of the ER docs on staff was a pro.  He came in, grabbed a catheter and placed it in my neck until I could have my fistula surgery.  Once my arm healed, they stuck me for the first time and it was really traumatic.  I don't believe they used lidocaine that day and I let out a large, "Ow!"  One of the other patients started laughing at me.  I still remember him to this day that ol' bastard.

I don't remember who my surgeon was, but I rememver he was a huge ass.  But the work he did has lasted, are you ready for this??  Eleven years.  Eleven frickin' years my fistula has lasted.  Doctors are amazed.  Other patients are jealous.  I should be in Ripley's.

I must admit it's had to be cleaned three times since I restarted Dialysis, but I feel pretty lucky I don't have to have another one inserted.  I've been cut into enough for one lifetime.

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: angieskidney on October 26, 2006, 04:00:52 AM

Ya I remember all the trouble I had with mine and it is good to hand onto the catheter as long as possibel like Rerun. I am glad I listened to people here and kept mine for as long as I did (had mine for 14 months). Now the fistula is finally working without blowing. For awhile there is seemed to blow all the time but it was narrowing.

Congrats on your fistula working well!  :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Rerun on October 26, 2006, 05:12:14 AM

Angie, I've been meaning to ask you how yours was doing.  Glad to hear it has settled down.

How did it go getting your catheter out??  Maybe you posted that already - Sorry but I haven't read it yet.

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: angieskidney on October 26, 2006, 10:11:54 PM

Quote from: Rerun on October 26, 2006, 05:12:14 AM

Angie, I've been meaning to ask you how yours was doing.  Glad to hear it has settled down.

How did it go getting your catheter out??  Maybe you posted that already - Sorry but I haven't read it yet.

Should I answer that here? Don't want to hijack this thread ;)

Title: Re: Fistula Used For First Time.
Post by: Rerun on October 27, 2006, 03:27:46 AM

If you haven't posted it anywhere, start a new one called "Catheter Out" and tell us how it went.