A Graft Question

[JScott1753]

  Since I reported on my surgery a few moments ago, i realized I need to ask a question to other members with a graft.
  When using my access, we were doing buttonhole. And, I was close to asking about learning how to do the needles myself.
  But, now, I have the graft.
  Are those of you who have a graft able to do your own needles? I realize the training may be more involved; I am willing to learn. And yes, I realize there will not be any more buttonholes.
  Just curious.
  Jon

[Lucinda]

Hi Jon...sorry, just saw this thread.

I do my own needles and I have a graft.  I just ladder up and down the graft.  I do exercises to help strengthen the muscles and tissues around the graft so it doesn't move while I am trying to cannulate but by all accounts it is only a little tougher than a fistula.  After the first few times you'll be fine!

[jbeany]

I stuck my own graft.  It got harder the longer I did it though - with the scar tissue that's built up at the bottom, it's like pushing a nail into wood.  It got pretty awkward at the end, before I switched back to in-center, but I can still do it myself if I need to.