I finally feel "the thrill"

[kellyt]

On Wednesday a.m. I had my 2nd fistula placed in my left arm.  When the surgeon cut into the elbow he found that the veins there were just as small as the veins in my wrist, although the veins in my forearm and upper arm are "perfect".  He ended up cutting all the way up the underside of my arm up to my armpit!  He also repositioned the vein so that it will be closer to the surface.

Anyway, I removed the wrap this morning and I can feel "the thrill", however, it's not super strong.  My question is does it get stronger as I work the fistula (with the exercise ball)?  I still have some swelling and a little numbness, as well.

Thanks.

[Joe Paul]

As the fistula gets stronger, the thrill will probably be more pronounced...mine did.

[Sluff]

Glad it is working Kelly.

[KR Cincy]

It will get stronger, but don't start working that ball too soon..give everything some time to heal before you "pump....it up!"

[kellyt]

Thanks everyone.  Also, will I be able to feel it constantly or just when I touch it?  Because right now I can only feel it when I touch it.

[Joe Paul]

Thanks everyone.  Also, will I be able to feel it constantly or just when I touch it?  Because right now I can only feel it when I touch it.

When my blood pressure was up, I could HEAR it, but now that the B.P. has been under control, I can only feel it when I touch it.
Also, get in the habit of checking for the thrill everyday.

[angellady07]

I'm glad everthing went well Kelly. 

[livecam]

Thanks everyone.  Also, will I be able to feel it constantly or just when I touch it?  Because right now I can only feel it when I touch it.

They are all so different its hard to say how it will be when it is developed and ready for use.  I have a very strong thrill or "bruit" in mine, it can be seen pulsing visually but there is no constant sensation of blood moving in it.

[donnia]

It is a wonderful feeling isn't it kelly!

[JBLadyB]

It will get stronger, but don't start working that ball too soon..give everything some time to heal before you "pump....it up!"

[MattyBoy100]

It will get stronger and with time, you may notice it especially in bed if your mattress is very springy and you lay with your arm flat on the mattress you might feel it making the springs vibrate - mine does!

[livecam]

It will get stronger and with time, you may notice it especially in bed if your mattress is very springy and you lay with your arm flat on the mattress you might feel it making the springs vibrate - mine does!

Just a wild guess but I'll bet the girls love that Matt!

[donnia]

It will get stronger and with time, you may notice it especially in bed if your mattress is very springy and you lay with your arm flat on the mattress you might feel it making the springs vibrate - mine does!

Just a wild guess but I'll bet the girls love that Matt!

LOL!!! That is so funny!!!

[MattyBoy100]

I haven't actually had anyone in my springy mattress to feel the thrill yet!  I am open to offers though.

[kellyt]

I was able to take off the wrap and bandages today.  The incision is huge!      It goes across my elbow, turning and going straight up the inside of my upper arm ending at my arm pit!  ouch!  I'll have to post a photo.  It hurts so bad!  I'm still swollen and the bruising is medium, I'd say.  I can't wait until I can use my arm again.  Washing our hair and face with one hand is difficult, at least for me.

I'll go take a photo now....   


______________
Let me rephrase that - the incision is huge, but my arm is also huge!  How long until the swelling goes down?  wow!

[kellyt]

okay, here's my incision!    This photo might need resizing!  I don't know how to do it though.  Sorry!

Kelly ~*

[okarol]

Good LORD! Well, it sure is a nice tidy incision, even though it's gigantic, it looks like it will heal nicely!
Looks painful though! 

[charee]

wow i have never seen one that huge it looks really painful kelly hope the pain goes soon

[kellyt]

thanks.

this is embarassing...anyone know if I can safely take a glycerin suppository?  This kind of hit me out of the blue today.  It must be the result of the vicodin or the stuff they injected in my arm before surgery.

help!!!