Fistula after Transplant

[Alison McNeilly]

Just wondering if anyone has had issues with their Fistula post transplant. My Brother is nearly 3 years with the new kidney he has an upper arm Fistula that ends just below the elbow It was always a large very noticeable fistula but  over the last few weeks it has got really big like 3/4 x the size it was previously he gets pain in the arm and pins and needles in his hand and he had mottling on the back of his hands earlier. It doesn't buzz the way it used too. He is waiting to see the surgeon to get it tied off. Is there anything we can do in the meantime to ease the pain and size of it?

[Rerun]

Well, if you are worried you my ask to see the surgeon sooner for an evaluation.  That sounds big. 

[Speedy1wrc]

Post transplant mine went down somewhat. No other issues though.

When he raises his arm way above his head, do the pseudo aneurism's deflate? They should and if not it may be signs of a stenosis above the fistula.

A doppler will tell if there are any iossues. Have it checked out as soon as he can if he is having pain or other symptoms.

[RichardMEL]

Just over 2 years post tx and my fistula is almost 9 years old.... can't say I've had any issues. It's still thrilling away. Aneurysms went down  a little but still stick out like.. well they do.. but I don't really care. Its my lifeline happy that it still works just in case I need it soon (no thank you that it is not a request!! lol).

Every so often at clinic if I wear a t shirt and so it's "on show" docs comment about tying it off "sometime" but don't make a ig issue of it. The only comment I have heard is that they think maybe a fistula does add extra stress on the cardio system just by being there not even being used - hence the tying off procedure. My answer for now is if it's working and not causing me any obvious probs with BP or whatever then I'd rather keep it. I'd hate to tie it off now and need it in 1 months or something and have to start again IMHO.

I agree that if there's any concerns with it - specially pain - to get it checked an sorted out rather than just put up with it. Sounds like something might be up so best to get it checked out