I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Home Dialysis - NxStage Users => Topic started by: cuteangrylittlemuppet on December 06, 2010, 11:18:15 AM
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(N00b alert!) This is very basic self-canalization stuff.
So I have a permcath and a 10 week old fistula. Do have to use my permcath as we initiate home-hemo? Aren't there people who get the fistula placed preemptively and go directly to using it sans the catheter middle step? Can't I remove the catheter and just use my fistuala.
Honestly the tube going to my heart is surrounded by scar tissue and is terribly uncomfortable, is there any REAL reason (besides this is how we are used to doing it) for me to do the catheter-fistula combo treatments?
Is this possible and/ or safe?
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I can't answer your question. I'm still pre-ESRD. Have you considered PD as an alternative since you're having so many problems with your medical team about home hemo?
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Well, I'm pre-dialysis but had my fistula created back in March, so it is ready by now to be used when necessary (which won't be for a long time, I hope! ::) ) I don't know anything about permacaths, but I would think that the only real issue is whether or not your fistula is ready to use. If it is fully mature, then I would guess you could start using it. Is your fistula mature yet?
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You'll have to wait for the fistula to mature a bit...ten weeks might or might not be enough, it's quite variable. Some do go straight to fistula but that's because the fistula was placed well in advance of starting D. Until you've used the fistula totally successfully for a while, it's important to keep the permacath otherwise you have no access and therefore no dialysis. You should be using the fistula and not the catheter for home hemo and it's wise for the fistula to have been stuck by experienced nurses before you start self cannulating. New fistulas can be quite tricky and delicate. Sometimes with a new fistula, one needle will be in it while the other will use the cath..again a part of the toughening up the fistula.
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Yes I had to use my fistula for a few months to get it toughen up..... infiltrated many times at first..... Now I have been using it and sticking my own needles for over 6 months..... never infiltrated at all.....
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My fistula, as some may recall, was only 3 weeks and a day old. A couple battle wounds, I just had it removed but the thrill never left it, rest in peace old friend, you served me well for 5 years.