Access update

[Adam_W]

Well, my access situation is a little better. I still have the catheter, but I'm back to using the graft for the arterial, and using the catheter just for venous return. I'm scheduled to have vein mapping done on Dec. 5 on my other arm to see if maybe a native fistula can be put in there. I was also talking to one of my friends at my church who's been a hemodialysis nurse for 30 years (she worked at my old centre), and she was talking about a centre in Ohio where most, if not all of the patients have fistulas in their legs. They have very few physical restrictions, they all use buttonholes, and they all self-cannulate. I'm curious about the idea, and I will see what my vascular surgeon has to say about it. I'm still frustrated about my graft problems, but it actually felt GOOD (not literally) when I was able to once again put a giant needle in my arm. On Friday, I'm going to try it with both arterial and venous in the graft.

Adam

[Rerun]

Thanks for the update Adam.  Hang in there.

[Sluff]

Hopefully after the vein mapping they can find the best place that will last. Good Luck Adam.

[paddbear0000]

Good luck!   

[Adam_W]

I successfully used the graft for the arterial again today, only had one alarm when I moved my arm a certain way, and I ran at my usual 450 blood flow the entire tx. Tomorrow I'll try the graft with both lines. Maybe all it needed was a rest. Grafts weren't originally intended to be used six days a week, week after week. I sure am hoping I can get a working fistula in my other arm or my leg.

Adam

[Bajanne]

Good news. Keep on keeping on.  I hope you get things going in a way that is comfortable and easy for you. 

[donnia]

Good luck Adam!

[Joe Paul]

Good luck   

[Adam_W]

I'm using the graft for both arterial and venous now, but I'm still getting excessive bleeding. My pressures on the machine are surprisingly good, though. I have an appointment on Dec. 5 to have vein mapping on the other arm done. I won't be at all surprised if the graft messes up again, but I'll use it as long as I can and worry about it messing up when/if it happens. I'm also not going to jump right into having the catheter taken out, because as much as I hate it, I need that backup. I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Adam