Fistula is Ready to Use!

[GraphicBass]

Glory be! I'll be able to take a REAL shower by next weekend, if all goes well.

Visited the vascular surgeon this afternoon and he officially pronounce my fistula "ready to go." Pretty fast  — it's only been about 2 months since the surgery, but everything is "thrilling" right along. Even my clumsy fingers can feel the pulse.

I have a note from the doctor to tell the center to get started Saturday  (I'll call them tomorrow to give them a "heads-up" so they can lay out the proper set-up ahead of time, like they prefer to do. The nurses seem eager to get started using it, and I'm ready to get this catheter out of my chest, for sure. If we can do the stick two treatment days in a row, I can go in and have the catheter removed.

Not looking forward to big, sharp needles coming at me point-first, but since I'm generally OK with smaller needles, I should be OK.

I may even watch!

Later...

gary

[tyefly]

Good for you ..... I couldnt watch for the first month.....    Now I do it myself......     

[Rodneyss1]

Good for you, my friend!.  I go on Tuesday to have mine blessed by my surgeon.  I expect an "Yes".  My center told me that even if they get the approval, they will take their time using the fistula. They want to get consistant use out of the fistula (4-5 weeks) before the catheter is removed.  Anyone else hear of this?  I know one thing, I hate this catheter and I can't wait for them to start sticking my fistula!!!

[Poppylicious]

They want to get consistant use out of the fistula (4-5 weeks) before the catheter is removed.  Anyone else hear of this?

My Blokey had a months consistant fistula use before they removed his catheter.  I'm in the UK though, and have no idea if it's standard practice here.

 

[Poppylicious]

Oh, and yay! GraphicBass!  I hope it works okay!

 

[Desert Dancer]

WOO HOO!!  I know JUST what you mean about the shower. Congratulations and enjoy!

Only two sticks to get your catheter out, huh? That must be record time; my center had me go about a month to be certain everything would go smoothly.

[RightSide]

That's fantastic, GraphicBass. 

If you're anything like me in that regard, you'll find the fistula to be a real liberation compared with the catheter--a chance for you to feel "normal" again when you're not dialyzing.

[Riki]

check into emla cream.  It can be a bit pricey, but well worth the money spent on it.  It freezes the skin, so you don't feel the needle going in.  You can get a 5ml tube for about 10 bucks.  I can make that last about 2 weeks.  They have larger tubes, and they have patches, which I think are kind of neat, and would be good for someone who's just beginning.

When they started with mine, about a year ago, they had a protocol.  they did one needle and one line 6 times, 3 for artery and 3 for vein, then they did 3 with both needles.  All together for me, it took about 2 months to get it, cuz one of the first times I was stuck, they infiltrated, and my are swelled up.  It looked like I had a golf ball in there.  That was in February.  I got the line out in June, after what I think was a threatening call from my mom to the neph. *L*

As for showering, it's been 7 months.  The novelty has not worn off yet.  I did a year and a half with that foolish line.  I was so glad to see it go.

[texasstyle]

Great news that fistula has matured. You want it to be nce 'n strong so it's ready for use. After all, there is going to be an awful lot and force and pressure going through 3 times a week for a few hours. My husband's took about 3 months to mature. Had it for 4 yeas now with no complications from it. Remember not to let anyone ever take your blood prssure from that arm. Good luck starting dialysis!

[murf]

I know this sounds strange don't be over diligent with fluid restrictions. I was and clogged up my fistula requiring another one. I always remember my neph saying as I left his office: "drink more". Fine line between over and under imbibing.

[Cordelia]

Good luck with it! I'm getting a fistuala soon and will be glad to get rid of the main line. I wasn't allowed to shower for the first 4 months with the central line and now I can but I am still looking forward to the fistuala.