Fistula Maturation & Infiltration

[grannysgirl]

I finally had a fistula inserted in my arm. I truly hate it. I am stuck a minimum of 3 times at each treatment. My arm is swollen and black & blue. I have iced it, put heat on it and complained to my doctor. My cathether was infected and had to be removed. It was MRSA for a third time within 3 months. I have found cannulation to be very painful even with the lidocaine cream that suppose to make it painless. I truly do hate D. I know we are not suppose to skip treatments but I find myself doing so as often as I can. Does anyone have any suggestions to make this process painless?  With technology being so advanced today why hasn't anyone developed a better way for D? My fistula is infiltrated at least twice a week. I have been stuck by every tech and the one charge nurse at this center. My arm hurts and sharp pains are experienced after treatment. What do I do next?

[carol1987]

Is your fistula deep?? DO they have any idea why it is so difficult to cannulate?

[tyefly]

   I went thru the same.... new fistulas  infiltrate often....   lidocaine cream does not deaden the area enough for them to use sharps.....  its fine for buttonholes... I would have them use lidocaine injections.....  I know alot of people say they MAY cause tissue scaring but  the pain is too much with out it....  I often hear many of the nurse day   " just suck it up "     No way...    I infiltrated the first couple of weeks.....  and it was sore .... try to get the same person to stick you ...talk to the charge nurse.....try to get the same person even if they are in another area...just for the first few weeks.....your fistula will toughen up   and it will get easier.... they well ladder at the beginning...  after a couple of weeks have them start buttonholes...  that is where they keep sticking the same area  and then it becomes like a peirced ear.....  and the pain   is way less..... It took me several weeks to even look when they would do it.... Look as soon as you can   because then you will learn what angle the needle needs to go in....and if someone else who hasnt stuck you before you will then be able to help them with the correct angle....OR   better yet  you start sticking your own needles in.... it scary at first  but you know when you feel pain .... For me  I  stick my self now with button holes and with a little lidocaine cream  I dont feel any pain....  really...     I feel for you .....   its so hard when you first start.......  and I agree ....you would think that there would be something easier..... like just a plug and go