I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Whamo on November 02, 2011, 07:54:33 AM

Title: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: Whamo on November 02, 2011, 07:54:33 AM

I'm getting a fistula on my inner arm.  My veins were too small on my wrist.  The surgeon told me it would take two operations.  Does anyone have any experience about this to share? 

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: cattlekid on November 02, 2011, 08:00:03 AM

That is interesting.  I had a similar problem - my veins on my wrist were too deep, rather than too small.  The surgeon started on my wrist and then went to the inner arm.  After surgery, I now have four scars on my arm....the useless one on my wrist and now three on my inner arm.

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: sullidog on November 02, 2011, 05:43:18 PM

I haven't, but from what I understand there's the fistula creation, and then bringing the fistula to the surface.

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: Riki on November 02, 2011, 05:48:27 PM

I've never had to have a fistula brought to the surface.  The fistula that was put in my wrist was never used. It was there as a back up to PD.  The one I have now is an upper arm fistula.  2 of the 3 sites are rather deep, but not too deep that they can't be used.

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: mcclane on November 04, 2011, 03:09:44 PM

i only had one surgery, but initial assessment by the surgeon said that the wrist/forearm had a good sized vein.  When it came time for the surgery, he made an incision there but it turned out to be too small, so he went up close to the bicep area (where the elbow bends on the inside).

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: Riki on November 05, 2011, 09:46:51 AM

That's where mine is, Mcclane.  I have 2 sites close to the elbow that are really close together and deep, but they were usable.  After a few months, another site developed a little higher up, and I can feel it going into my armpit, but I won't let them needle there.. *L*

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: Whamo on November 05, 2011, 03:01:27 PM

Thanks for sharing your experience with me.  I just saw "Puss and Boots", the movie, with the wife.  It's a fun twist on Jack and the Beanstalk.

Title: Re: Inner Arm Fistula
Post by: Riki on November 05, 2011, 06:24:06 PM

I love coincedences... the commercial for the movie was just on tv... and my own puss is sitting on my knee.. he has no boots, though..

I want to see the movie, but I'm waiting for a friend to heal from a surgery earlier in the week, and we'll go see it.