Problems with my buttonhole - can someone help me?

[cdwbrooklyn]

I've started my buttonholes 6 days ago and everything is good; however when the nurse stick me with the blunt needle, I feel a sharp pain from my nerves.   It's funny because, I didn't feel the pain when she first stuck me with a sharp needle.  Now that I am getting the blunt needles, I am feeling a very sharp pain from a nerve she keeps hitting.   However, the buttonhole works well and after the blunt is in I don't feel anything no more until I am taking out the needle.  Can someone please tell me how can I fit this sharp pain from the nerves?   I am a little bump about sticking myself on Monday because of the sharp pain from the nerves.  Had this happened to anyone?   

[Bruno]

My experience is that the pain is less with a blunt...the whole point of a buttonhole is that you don't use a sharp. Non the less, you have to get the buttonhole in the right spot and all I can suggest is that if you are feeling pain when you should be feeling less pain (and remember there is nothing pain free with cannulation) you may need to try another spot which means starting all over again.
My arterial is in it's fourth spot and my venous in its second, but trying again was worth it, they are now lovely buttonholes and I barely notice the needle going in. But my problem was that my first tries were not working properly, not like yours.
The only other thing that I could suggest is that you put the needle in at the right angle and direction. And your arm position is absolutely crucial. You will certainly get pain even with a blunt if those three things aren't right.
Sometimes when I get pain and stiffness, I pull the needle out, take a deep breath, relax and try again.

[YLGuy]

Yes, we had to move the holes and start new ones.

[monrein]

One of mine went right through a nerve which did hurt but i just got used to it and since I was sticking myself I was more focused on getting the needle in.  Very soon, it wasn't real "pain", just a sensation that I grew to expect and the spot worked well so I kept at it.  If it hurts too much I'd start a new one.

[cdwbrooklyn]

Thanks everyone,

I will try it again today in a different position and see if I still feel the sharp pain from the nerves.   However, the buttonholes work very well.  I really don't want to start another buttonhole if the ones I have are really working well.  I just wanted to see if the sharp pain will go away after awhile.  Anyhoo, I will let you guys know as soon as I get home from training today.   

Thanks again 

[cdwbrooklyn]

Good news!!!  I've put my own needles in today (blunts).   It was not that bad and I felt very little pain.  I didn't feel the sharp pain that much at all.  I am very proud of myself and (of course) I have a good trainer.  This Nxstage thing will work well with me.  I am so blessed to have found this site because this is where I found out about Nxstage.  Thanks.

Can someone tell me how much boxes they received and how do you store your supplies?   I'm putting my supplies in a four drawer-unit expect the dialysate bags.   Do my method works for anyone else?   

Thanks again you guys!!!

[boswife]

   i can tell you this, im SOOOOOOooooooooooo excited and proud of you for putting in your own needles!!!  thats going to be huge for me (well, putting them in for hubby that is) and i am going to be one happy lady once that is accomplished!!  Anyway, im so glad that it went well and the pain was minimal.. I can hardly wait till we are THERE!! Well, there and behond..lol    Congratulations!!  This is going to be good im glad 

[YLGuy]

  Great job!!! 

[Bruno]

I should have mentioned that there is often a bit of pain when you stick the blunt in...nothing's pain free, but I reckon the blunts don't hurt as much as the sharps - perhaps you get used to it. Anyway, to me, that twinge means I've hit the right spot.
I'm at home now, got my delivery of supplies which I've stored in the laundry (the dialysate) and the rest I managed to fit in the built in wardrobe. The machine is along side my bed because I want at some point to try nocturnal. I was surprised that I was able to store everything away, ther must have been 50 boxes.
But I'm home at last and tomorrow's the big day when I learn to fly solo.

[tyefly]

I have had only one pair of buttonholes since I started D.....   they work well....   they are in my upper arm  so I have so fat to go thru....  venous is deeper ....   When I put the buttonhole needle in and I am not at the correct angle  I quickly find out.... as I hit new fresh meat.... and that is painfull.... so when there is no pain  then I know I am aiming correctly..... sometimes it takes me 15 to 20 minutes to get a needle in.... just a lot of fat.... I use tape to tighten up the area....   it take a lot of practice....  I still sometimes forget the correct angle...   anyway....    practice make perfect...

[catfish10]

 :clap;congratulations!!! it is such an empowering feeling to know that you can stick yourself, i have button holes too and unfortunately i must say i have less pain with a sharp as well, i dunno what it is.  of lately my fistula has become extremely painful during entire treatment., a stinging sensation.  but it works well arterial and venous pressure not a problem and fluids are removed with little trouble at all,  just painful!

keep up the great job!!!

[cdwbrooklyn]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words.   Today, was a little difficult as I was too excited because I did well yesterday.   However, I have to learn where the angle is.   Once I get the angle than I will have less problems putting the needle right in.   Anyhoo, I'm getting there.   Thanks so much guys. 

[Bruno]

I'll tell you what I have trained myself to think as I needle (I've only been doing it for a few weeks and I'm still terrified)...I say to myself
"location, location, location" then when i have the right spot, direction and angle..."deep breath, relax".
I've even tried putting a mark on my arm with a biro so I aim in exactly the right direction then all I have to concentrate on is the angle.
I also find that sometimes if it (the needle) is not going in or meeting resistance that it is better to pull it out, "deep breath, relax" , and start again. This last part really helps because I always thought if you didn't get it in one go and pulled it out, you'd bleed badly.
I was SO relieved to find I didn't.