Exactly What Can I Do when My Fistula Is Installed?

[GraphicBass]

I started dialysis less than a month ago, and we're using my permacath right now, and probably will be for another few months.

Since dialysis takes up so much of the work day, I'd like to be able to use a laptop to continue working during the sessions. In fact, since I am self-employed (we're a publisher, but I do most of the design and production work), I NEED to keep working to keep my income up, projects going out, money coming in and insurance paid!

But once my fistula is in place and in use, exactly how much range of motion will I have with that are (left upper) while in a dialysis session? I've read some comments on the forum about needles slipping out with too much movement and such. It's hard to tell at my center as most everyone else sleeps or watches television.

I don't need much movement, as my work is "mouse-heavy", but some left hand typing is unavoidable.

I know I'll find out eventually, but I do like to worry in advance, so any guidance is appreciated.

gary

[jbeany]

I had a left upper and did all kinds of things on D.  I typed on a laptop, sewed and made jewelry, and when I was on home hemo and had more room to stretch out supplies, sculpted figures out of clay, which involved running clay through a hand cranked machine similar to a pasta maker.  I did have occasional days with bad needle positions.  The insertion points tend to ooze blood when you are moving more.  If it was bad, I'd just stop wiggling and read a book.  Most of the time, though, I could do quite a bit.

I made these on D - if I can manage them, you should be fine with a little left-handed typing!

[Pam]

My fistula is in my upper left arm. They use so much tape. I can't see the needles slipping out. At first i tried using my laptop but it was too big and hard to handle. I bought a netbook just for D. It is Small and works just fine. I have enough movement so it is not a problem to get it out of the case or put it away. It has a mouse but I have never used it. Since my start time is 6:30 am I sleep alot.

[GraphicBass]

Thanks very much for the info; now I can stop worrying! And I'll be able to meet my deadlines! Yay!

My laptop is a little large — a 17" MacBook Pro, which I need for the graphics work I do (large screen make work easier). I intend to buy a padded laptop table to ease the weight, or make a board that will stretch across both arms of the chair. I use a wireless mouse with it, since I hate trackpads, so at least there's not a wire hanging things up.

gary

[rsudock]

Every time I am on D I have my netbook and I type away with both hands on this site! My fistula is in the upper left hand side. I just type away...you'll be fine.

xo,
R

[thegrammalady]

my first fistula was in my right wrist. i used to crochet while on. since i hold the hook in my right hand it involved a lot of twisting and turning. it worked out just fine. never had any problems.

[billmoria]

I use a netbook at d. I almost never type with my left hand where I have an upper arm fistula. Some of the older machines allow more movement but mine is very sensitive. I don't type much as one hand or one finger typing is very tiring for me.
Your wise to make adjustments to make it easier for you.
Good Luck

[gothiclovemonkey]

My fistula is also upper left side, but its so close to the bend of my arm that i cannot bend my arm through the whole 4 hours, without infultrating. I can do alot one handed though, it just takes practice!

[MooseMom]

My fistula is also upper left side, but its so close to the bend of my arm that i cannot bend my arm through the whole 4 hours, without infultrating. I can do alot one handed though, it just takes practice!

I haven't started D yet, but I have a feeling I'm going to encounter this problem.

[Gandalf]

Like Pam, I found the laptop a little too cumbersome, and now have a smaller Netbook which I use.  You will find that your mind/body quickly accommodates the restricted movement imposed by the needles and makes provision, without you even being aware of it.  My fistula is in my left upper arm, and I found the needles are pretty stable once inserted.  The only issues have arisen when I have dropped documents, and tried to retrieve them off the floor.... NOT GOOD!