Fistulagram

[galvo]

The word is that I'll be up for a fistulagram next Monday, as my flow is running at 300. I've read all I can find on the topic here, but I would appreciate any advice, recommendations and happy or horror stories.

[pdpatty]

Had it done,may depend on the doctor ,but it was NOT painful. No big deal and I am a real woose about pain.
Of course ,he didn't have to do anything to my fistula other than inject it with dye as it was not narrowed. Was just poor techs ,not my fistulla.

[Jean]

Good luck Galvo, I just know it is going to go well for you.   

[Stoday]

Galvo — it's gonna hurt. 

Jennyc had something like that earlier this year. She said "burnt like the bejesus! they ballooned"

Cor — am I glad it's you and not me having to undergo the procedure.
 
Only read the link if you're not squemish, galvo.   

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=17490.msg304088#msg304088

[chiefsfan301]

I have had three, pain was not noticed. My flow now checks at over 2000.

[cookie2008]

I had numerous fistulagrams they are not bad until they balloon them, I had it done with and without sedation, and I will only do it with sedation from now on, you will be awake they dont put you to sleep.

[mogee]

I get a fistulagram and angioplasty every three months.  I don't get any sedation because I go home by myself using public transit.  The procedure is not painful,  except when the narrowing is expanded by inflating a tiny balloon.  The pain from the balloon is very intense (at least 4 out of 5) but it only lasts about a minute.  Good luck with your procedure.  Keep us informed of the outcome.

[galvo]

Thanks, gang. Sounds a breeze, Stoday.

[natnnnat]

Sorry this is off topic, but that's a fine cat photo you've put up there galvo.  Good luck with your fistulagram.   Gregory never had one, so I can't offer his comments on that. 

[paris]

I'll be thinking of you Galvo.  Hope it all goes well and you don't have pain.   

[thegrammalady]

i've had several and have always had light sedation. can't imagine it done without any and would insist on it if they weren't planning on using it. but then that's just me. best of luck, hope everything runs smoothly.

[galvo]

Thanks again. Nat, the photo is of the lovely Camilla. Note the shaved leg; she had just returned from the Vet and was not happy. The Vet nurses all agreed that she was "the worst patient ever!!"

[jdwills83]

I am going to have a fistulagram done soon and the one I had about a year and half ago was very very painful, the dye burned and they had to stop because I kept screaming for them to stop. I am very afraid and I really do not want to go because i have anxiety and i do not deal with that much pain well.  Will my fistula be ready to use after they balloon it  and is there an alternative to this procedure??

[galvo]

Well I had the fistulagram yesterday. On the pain scale of 1 to 10, I would give it minus 2. Just a slight bit of discomfit. Doctor was happy with the result - he found a narrowing and ballooned it open. Dialyised after and they were delighted with the flow.

[Jean]

thats great news Galvo.I am glad it went well for you.   

[natnnnat]

   That's a very good amount of pain.

[Stoday]

Glad to hear it went almost pain-free. Erm — How much Scotch did you drink before the procedure? 

[paris]

Glad it was a 2, Galvo!    And laughing at Stoday's reason why you didn't feel much pain!!   

[galvo]

Thanks all. Just the regular daily bottle, Stoday.

[thegrammalady]

glad to hear everything went well 

[galvo]

Tks. The thrill is really thrilling and sounds great.

[ChickenLittle56]

Galvo, I am glad that you are thrilled at feeling the thrill. 

[okarol]

Thrilling! Good to have the buzz working!