My fistula stopped working..

[Jess21]

So I almost got myself in the hospital for the second year in a row. 
I've been having problems with my fistula occasionally lately.  So, today the nurse at my normal center was saying she would schedule a fistulagram during my Christmas break if I was still having problems.  I had dialysis with no real problem except for the arterial the last few minutes.  Anyway, fast forward about 4 hours.  My arm by the scar was kinda achy, so I put my hand on my fistula, and felt...only my pulse.  No thrill.  So my bf and I get in the car and head for home (about 1 hour away).  On the way back about 45 minutes later right above my elbow ached for a few seconds, so I put my hand on my fistula and IT WAS BACK! Weak, but back.  So we went to the ER.  My arm was sore to the touch by the scar, but my fistula felt "fine" to the ER doc.  The doc called the nephrology group I go to, who weren't concerned and said just to make a note of it, since it worked fine earlier, and just to come back if I have any problems again.  So I got to come home.
But, my arm/hand still doesn't feel good, achy from the index finger knuckle down to right before the access site.  I just lift it up, it started beating hard.  I just hope it doesn't stop again. I keep checking it every few minutes.  Ugh.  And on a holiday this happens too. I'm calling Friday in the morning to my center, asking her to schedule a fistulagram...now I don't think the problems will "go away".

[okarol]

Wow what a drag. I guess it could be a clot, I just don't like the idea that it could be moving around. Or maybe just narrowing?
So sorry you have to worry about this over the holiday. Take care Jess. 

[Joe Paul]

Sorry to hear this Jess, I hope your fistula will be OK.

[2_DallasCowboys]

Jess,
Sorry to read this, access problems are a real worry!

I hope all will be well

Anne

[RichardMEL]

totally sucky jess.. just what you don't need - specially around holiday time.... A fistulagram is definitely a good idea - even if everything is OK it's better to be safe than sorry and the peace of mind will be worth it.. and if anything is going on it's best to know sooner than later. Hope the pain goes away....

[willieandwinnie]

Jess, I'm so sorry. Not how you want to start the holiday season. Hope they get it worked out quickly. Let us know. 

[monrein]

A huge bummer at at any time Jess but fistula worries during the holidays is truly awful.  I hope it gets sorted out quickly.   

[Sluff]

Sorry you have the added stress around the holidays, hang tough Jess, we are with you. 

[kidney4traci]

Sorry to hear hope it checks out fine.

[G-Ma]

Hope your fistula is ok...yes, get it checked.

[circleNthedrain]

Hope you can get the fistulagram quickly.  Best of luck!

[Jess21]

So, of course the clinic manager wasn't there Friday, the nurse said as long as they was a bruit there was no emergency, said she'd tell the CM on Monday.  I had dialysis Saturday, no problems, the nurse didn't even really believe it had stopped working, until I told her about them pulling clots out a few weeks ago.  I called the CM today (of course Friday's nurse hadn't told her  ), she scheduled a fistulagram for Friday at 10.  My arm is aching again today, but comes and goes, and not as bad..bruit is a buzzing harder than I remember it buzzing in a long time.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.  Oh yes, and the bruise/bump that was between my 2 access points which I though was GONE, is coming back.  Makes me wonder if that's where clots are forming?  Hope it lasts til Friday! 

[G-Ma]

I would call the office that is doing the fistulagram...they told me last time to pass go, pass nurses and call them.  Just my 

[Chris]

Sorry to hear Jess,andhope they figureit out.

All to familiar with idiots at the doctors office. I'm still playing leave a message for the doctor at Northwwestern about all the stuff that has happened to me in November

I hope your fistula is not clotted.