I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: mike22 on August 30, 2008, 04:12:39 PM

Title: graft/fistula
Post by: mike22 on August 30, 2008, 04:12:39 PM

in 2003 i had a fistula put in my wrist. fortunately they never used becuase i got a transplant. unfortunately,my kidney is beginning to fail.   i was told that my viens were too small for a fistula. is possible for me to get an av graft even though i have had a fistula.

Title: Re: graft/fistula
Post by: RobinM on August 30, 2008, 04:44:07 PM

Hi Mike,

I don't know the answer to your question, but I would suggest getting a second opinion.  I was told my veins were small too.  However, a really good surgeon was able to put a fistula in my upper arm.

Robin

Title: Re: graft/fistula
Post by: jbeany on August 30, 2008, 06:23:45 PM

Is the fistula still working?  If it's not, and you do have a problem with small veins, then a graft is a likely option.  They will just put it somewhere besides the wrist that had the fistula in it.

Title: Re: graft/fistula
Post by: G-Ma on August 30, 2008, 08:10:35 PM

See a Vascular Surgeon.  They know how to do fistulas from small veins.  I have small veins and now have a good working fistula.

Title: Re: graft/fistula
Post by: Mercurial on August 31, 2008, 10:10:30 PM

Second opinion from a vascular surgeon outside your doctor's typical recommendation circle is worthwhile.  We have one guy in town that successfully takes on things two of the other vascular surgeons won't touch.

Title: Re: graft/fistula
Post by: breezysummerday on August 31, 2008, 10:46:52 PM

could you possibly still feel/hear the thrill/buzzing from the old site?
even with a stethoscope (just a try it out thought)
your mapping records are somewhere, get a copy
and as suggested, 2nd opinions are okay to ask
for