Needle size

[Aqualung]

     I've been on dialysis since mid April... They started me with 17 gauge needles,went to 15 gauge after a week or two.. The other day I asked them to start with 14 gauge and and push the machine up to 500 instead of 450..I've had one treatment at this rate and felt no ill effects.. Now my question is Am I doing the right thing?? Am I helping myself or hurting myself by doing this?? I am hoping to get a better cleaning of my bloodand to cut my time down on the machine.. Any comments are welcome!!

[cassandra]

I am not a doctor, but I try to keep my pump speed as low as poss, also in-center, never went above 300. The higher the pump speed , the more stress on your heart, and veins.
I never spend more than 3 hrs 3x a wk (in centre) cos didn't drink much.

Good luck, and take care, Cas

[obsidianom]

All the resaerch is showing increase blood speed is damaging to the fistula and can effect the heart. Also 14 guage needles will damage the vasculature more. I would caonsider staying with 15 gauge and slowing down the speed . You can check with your team on all this. I have posted articles on blood speed and fistula damage.
Whats the rush? A little longer on the machine will be better for you anyway.
I have slowed my wifes speed down after seeing the research.