The Surgeon "cancelled" my fistula today

[Joe Paul]

After 4 years and some, my fistula had to be shut off because of 2 large aneurysms. As some may recall, my fistula was used after being only 3 weeks old. The 2 aneurysms were not pleasent, but the fistula worked great since day 1. I had a transplant this past January, and so far, everything is going as good as it gets. I was sad to see my fistula go, but after a close call of tearing it open, I knew it was time to have my life line removed. Surgery went well, and as you can see, I am typing this almost 12 hours post surgery. Surgeon told me my veins in the left arm would be excellent for another, if need be, but I pray that's wouldn't be for a long time to come. Sorry for being long winded. BTW, I want to say hi to all, its been a while - maybe catch some of you in chat, that would be great.

[okarol]

I am happy the surgery went well. I am in chat! 

[Zach]

Always good to hear from you!
 

[monrein]

Nice to hear from you JP and especially good to hear that your transplant is doing well.

[Mimi]

Well, nice to hear from you Joe Paul.  It gave me a start when I first read the title, I thought "oh no".  So glad it was not what I thought.  So good to hear from you, it has been awhile.  Stay in touch so we'll know what is going on with you.  Happy Thanksgiving.

[Joe Paul]

Hi Mimi , great to hear from you, Monrein, Zach & Karol again. Yeah, its been a while, and I apologize to you all and many others I haven't caught up with in some time. The Surgeon removing my fistula is just another step in my recovery. I put having the Fistula removed, off, so that I could catch up on things around the home that being on dialysis put on hold for me for what seemed an eternity. I tell you all, I didn't realize the pain involved in this surgery, seems to me, the surgery putting it in wasn't this painful. The fistula was very large, and as of late, my body has been rerouting the blood supply in my arm, and its a wild feeling not having the thrill that I fought so hard to protect, I cant explain. Whats going on now is another vein there, on the underside of my arm, is growing to be the main supplier of blood to the rest of the arm,  and is fighting for space, while the remains of  the upper half of my fistula continues to drain and fill ,(which doc says is normal ), adding to the pain. There is a section of fistula, at the bend of my right arm, that is still living, and, that is where the Surgeon put a gortex band to stop flow up stream to upper half of the fistula, that is causing lots of the lower arm discomfort. Again, all normal according to Doc. My being a right handed person (where fistula used to exist) I'm sure is helping all the pain be more intense, and right arm feels heavy and cumbersome, hard to control objects I lift, even my coffee cup seems it weighs a ton. This is not a rant or complaint, as I said, just another step in my recovery. That's the extent of my experiences for now, I will post more news as it all unfolds.

[okarol]

This vascular stuff is such a mystery to me Joe. I hope they can get it worked out. Meinuk has had her fistula removed as well. I will see if I can find the thread. Take care my friend. 

[Joe Paul]

Thanks Karol    I did go to the Surgeons office yesterday. He unwrapped the bandages, removed all paper stitches and said all this is normal and expected. Surgeon did say he neglected to tell me or my Wife, that what he had done was to actually cause a clot, and the pain and warmth is to be expected only because he had to end up using a Gortex patch which my body sees as a foreign body, and so long as there is no green or yellow drainage, all will be well. The constant  pain, he says, will last up to 3-4 months or until the body eats up the clot. Like you Karol, even though he explained all this to me, I am still not absorbing all that he says. Doctor says he respects my concerns, and how that I love my new kidney, and, I am welcome to  call and ask any questions that I have concerning the well being of the removal and healing of the site/ fistula. Again Karol, and all who have posted, thanks for all your continued support 

[Sluff]

I am just glad you have real answers JP. Glad the kidney is working well also.

[okarol]

I hope the pain isn't too bad. Just be sure you don't ignore possible infection symptoms (which would be warmth, pain and a fever - plus the nasty drainage) and hopefully you'll be fine.

I found the thread with Meinuk's fistula removal http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=18735.0

[Chris]

Hey JP, glad the surgery went well and everything is working out.

[Meinuk]

JP, I am sorry that you had to go through this.  It sounds like the thrombosis/clot is worse than anything that you had prior.  I am wondering why he chose not to excise the whole fistula.  Mine was totally removed from the anastamosis to the shoulder.  I have three incisions (which left two long scars and one small one) but because he removed the whole vein, I had no complications.

I hope that time heals this and that the rest of your journey is pain free.

[Joe Paul]

Thanks everybody . Hi Sluff, nice to see you again, and Chris, well you know me LOL . Thanks again to all who have posted. Arm is well, it still aches until the new blood flow takes shape. Unlike a fistula, I am not allowed to exercise the arm, more then normal everyday activities. I'm sure by now Doc knows I'm not one to sit now, its work, work, work - remember I got this old house same day as my transplant, hahahahha.