I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: swramsay on August 08, 2009, 08:13:35 PM

Title: Rising arterial pressures
Post by: swramsay on August 08, 2009, 08:13:35 PM
Hi guys,
This past week my arterial pressure has been rising. Normally is't 170's but this week it has been over 200. Right now it's been 215 - 220 the whole run. Venous and effluent are fine.

Could this indicate somethings wrong with my fistula? Maybe the thrill is getting weaker?
What have others done in this situation.

thanks!
Title: Re: Rising arterial pressures
Post by: Inara on August 08, 2009, 08:57:56 PM
Too soon to say, but if continues much longer, you may want to get a fistulogram.  Rising art. pressures are often an early indication of a blockage. 
Title: Re: Rising arterial pressures
Post by: swramsay on August 08, 2009, 09:03:43 PM
You're right.
I just ended my run early because my venous line completely blocked. Never had that happen before. Also had a big 5" clot extending into my needle access after I pulled the needle.

What causes fistulas to block? I hope it's an easy fix.
Title: Re: Rising arterial pressures
Post by: Erin8607 on August 08, 2009, 09:52:22 PM
I've got an extra protein in my blood that causes my accesses to clot off. I've gone through 2 fistula's, 3 grafts and a billion catheters in the last three years.

They didn't find this out until a clot pushed through a catheter I had into my lung back in September. I was in ICU for three weeks. Prior to that, I heard everything from stop sleeping on the arm to make sure you do the proper exercises with the squeeze ball. I wanted to scream if I heard all that one more time!
Title: Re: Rising arterial pressures
Post by: monrein on August 09, 2009, 05:55:57 AM
Clotting causes fistulas to block and that is one reason why even though we're fluid restricted we must be careful not to become dehydrated because that can increase clotting issues too.

Important to do the fistula gram sooner rather than later so they do something before it possibly gets too late.  Inara is right on the money.

Erin, what nightmares you've been through.
Title: Re: Rising arterial pressures
Post by: Zach on August 09, 2009, 09:08:34 AM
Ask you Nephrologist if an aspirin a day might help.

8)