Started using my fistula

[donnia]

So, I show up to the clinic on Friday and Tham, my nurse says...."I think we're gonna stick you today"  I laughed and said "nuh uh"  He said "yep" and then I knew he wasn't kidding.  I thought I was going to have to have surgery cause my vein is to deep.  They tried anyway, and it worked pretty easily.  One thing tho..... I am bruised BAD!!!  Did this happen to everyone on their first few times?  Also,  going in, the needles were no big deal.... but coming out they hurt like hell!!!!  Is that normal???

[SpeedFleX]

Yes this is normal, you should see what feels the best when taking the needle out, slow, fast, with light pressure, with no pressure. After awhile it will hurt less because the nerves be as sensible.

I would show them the bruising tho, I don't think it is something to worry about but they might be taking it out wrong which is causing the bruising.

[bolta72]

Make sure they don't put any pressure on the needle when pulling it out.

[donnia]

I think the bruising is from me taking coumadin.  I am really worried about the pain tho... it hurt bad!

[charee]

my fistula was badly bruised the first time they stuck me, we worked out it was from the local anesthetic so they stopped using that from day one, the bruising took ages to fade i had to put some sort of cream that brings out the bruise on 4 times a day and put a hot pack on it. the only pain i had was when they went in and while they were in, pulling them out was fine. good luck

[SheilaW]

My fistula has only been being used for about 6 weeks.  At first I bruised every time they tried a new area.  But once the brusing faded, I stopped bruising.  It is very uncomfortable for the needles to come out, but no longer hurts even though it did at first. 

In fact, the first time they stuck me I bruised sooooooo bad that they let it rest for a week and went back to my central line so it didn't cause any more trauma.  That bruise was beyond painful.

[2_DallasCowboys]

Donnia,

I am sorry about the pain you had with the new fistula,
but am very glad it is working for you.  I am sure the
unit will figure out the best way, and all with be OK

Anne

[AlasdairUK]

IMO it should not hurt at all when taking the needle out. it will only hurt if they scrape the needle against the wall of your fistula. Many nurses don't want blood to squirt out of the fistula so they apply pressure with gauze before the needle is out and this is what causes the pain.

[paddbear0000]

Donnia, I'm sorry about your pain, but glad to hear it's working (the fistula, not the pain!  ).