Fistula Problems

[debral]

Hi Everyone,


I am new here, but my mother has been on the NXstage machine for about 3 years. Everything was going well, until she had to have an Esophagectomy back in September. She is finally feeling better after the surgery. However, the past couple of months her fistula has been bleeding quite a lot. It actually leaks from the needle site, during treatment and bleeds a lot when the needle comes out.  So much, so, that we are thinking, she is not going to be able to dialyze at home anymore. She has had numerous ballooning procedures of her fistula. We have talked to top vascular surgeons. ( we live in NYC.) The fistula works fine, the  bleeding seems to be caused by her thin skin. Anyone have any advice or similar experiences? We are at our wits end!!

Thanks so much for your input!!
Debra

[Desert Dancer]

Hi, Debral!

While I don't have any advice for you I did want to acknowledge your post; I am sure there are others here who will be able to give you the benefit of their experience.

When you have a moment, pop over to the 'Introduce yourself' section and tell us a little about yourself and your situation so you can receive a proper welcome! 

[lmunchkin]

Hey Debra!  So glad you came here.  Can I ask you if your mother is on any kind of blood thinners?  My hubby is and he does bleed somewhat at the point of entry.  Not really knowing of your mothers situation, but whoever is cannulating her could put a thick gauze over the needle and tape it down as tight as they can but not to leave her uncomfortable.  It will stop the bleeding somewhat and allow the blood to flow in the veins.

But yes, we have that problem and my neph says its due to blood thinner he is on.  Also, have someone feel (exterially) for the fluttering in her Venous& Arterial.  If they still feel it then that is a good sign.  Means her fistula is fine.  More than likely, if she is taking blood thinners, that is the culprit. But its better than have thick blood that clots everytime.

Just tell her to place gauze over the entries of both needles and see if that helps.  She might still have seepage, but not as bad.

I know hubby has to hold gauze alot longer after removeal too, so its really a no win situation, just as long as she is getting good dialysis!
Let us know what you find out, ok?

Good Luck & Welcome to IHD,
lmunchkin

[Rerun]

Yes, please go introduce yourself.  I'm so glad you found us.

Has anyone suggested doing something different with her heparin?

[M3Riddler]

Hi Everyone,


I am new here, but my mother has been on the NXstage machine for about 3 years. Everything was going well, until she had to have an Esophagectomy back in September. She is finally feeling better after the surgery. However, the past couple of months her fistula has been bleeding quite a lot. It actually leaks from the needle site, during treatment and bleeds a lot when the needle comes out.  So much, so, that we are thinking, she is not going to be able to dialyze at home anymore. She has had numerous ballooning procedures of her fistula. We have talked to top vascular surgeons. ( we live in NYC.) The fistula works fine, the  bleeding seems to be caused by her thin skin. Anyone have any advice or similar experiences? We are at our wits end!!

Thanks so much for your input!!
Debra

Debra,

Does your mother use buttonholes?  If not, you may want her to ask her nephrologist about starting a pair. If she is using them, you may want to consider a new buttonhole site.

///M3R