Initial Venous Pressure

[caregivertech1]

Our initial (1st 10 min.) venous pressure has jumped about 40 to 200 then settles back to 135 for the remaining 3 1/2 hour treatment. The 135 is normal for us but we used to start at around 160. The buttonhole is about 2 1/2 years old. Should we be worried since the 135 is still the pressure during treatment ? Maybe the buttonhole is getting old. Our arterial pressure remains at 110 with a Qb of 340. Any ideas? Thanks.

[cassandra]

When my venous pressure used to be higher at the start, and dropped to virtually normal later, it used to turn out the fistula needed ballooning. Have you been for a scan lately? As it's the venous it could be higher up the arm (the narrowing).
It could also be that the needle moves to a more comfy position (that's what I used to think antway).

No point worrying, just have a scan done, cause something is different, and it could be something 'simple'.

Luck and love, Cas

[Vt Big Rig]

While 200 is not Bad for the Venus, I get nervous with any change. I usually start at about 200 and settle down to 150 ish.

watch it for a day or two. If in doubt, call the clinic.

[PrimeTimer]

Our initial (1st 10 min.) venous pressure has jumped about 40 to 200 then settles back to 135 for the remaining 3 1/2 hour treatment. The 135 is normal for us but we used to start at around 160. The buttonhole is about 2 1/2 years old. Should we be worried since the 135 is still the pressure during treatment ? Maybe the buttonhole is getting old. Our arterial pressure remains at 110 with a Qb of 340. Any ideas? Thanks.

My husband uses buttonholes too. Whenever he experiences changes in pressure (venous or arterial) he's usually needed a balloon job (angioplasty). He's had his fistula a little more than 3 years and altho he's needed several angioplasties, these balloon jobs are what has helped keep his fistula alive. If you've gone more than 2 years without needing any ballooning, I'd say that is pretty good. Won't hurt to get a scan. Better to get ahead of things for just in case than to have your fistula suddenly stop working.

[caregivertech1]

Thanks for the comments. I was kind of hoping since we run at 135 VP all except the first 10 min that all might be OK (for now). We had a revision 2 1/2 years ago in her upper arm and all has been great since then. I'll definitely watch it closely !!