Second opinion with vascular surgeon

[Adam_W]

Last Monday I had an appointment with a different vascular surgeon to see what to do about my access problems. Well, he had never even heard of a leg fistula, and he has very limited experience with leg grafts. He did, however refer me to a hematologist to see if I might have a clotting disorder that may have caused my two fistulas to fail. It seems unlikely, though, due to the excess bleeding that I've been experiencing with my graft. Although the heparin during dialysis could be a factor in the graft bleeding issue. If I do have a clotting disorder and it can be treated, I may be able to try one more time at a fistula in my right arm (or leg if I can find a vascular surgeon who can do leg fistulas), but if I have one and it can not be treated, I will probably have them stick in a PD catheter and I will prepare to trade my NxStage in for a Baxter PD cycler. Like I said in some of my previous posts, I prefer daily (or nightly nocturnal) hemo, and I don't like the idea of switching, but if it's a choice between having a PD catheter in my belly, or having a hemo catheter in my chest, I would prefer the PD catheter, since I wouldn't have quite the same risks that I have with a hemo catheter. The nice thing is if were to find I absolutely can't stand PD, than I would be able to go straight back to home hemo, possibly on the very same NxStage machine that I'm on now (although I found out that if any of the home patients at my centre wanted to use a Fresenius machine, they would get one and train us on it, even though they only "officially" offer the NxStage). I have my appointment with the hematologist next week, and maybe I'll actually get some helpful information. By the way, if anyone knows of any vascular surgeons in Indiana who will do a leg fistula (not a graft), I'm all ears, or uh, I mean eyes.

Adam

[Sluff]

I hope the best for you my friend, kind of scary when they start telling you they never heard of a leg fistula.

[kidney4traci]

Adam, sorry to hear you are having problems.  I had missed your posts and wondered how you were doing.  Hope you can get it worked out soon and as painless as possible.  Are you still making your miniatures?

[BigSky]

Most vascular surgeons have not heard of leg fistulas as they are rarely done.  Leg fistulas are kinda a last resort on the fistula front.

Its well worth seeking out a doctor who has done hundreds of fistulas and has had a high success rate with them.  Even if it means driving hundreds of miles to find a good doctor.

Too many it seems do not have the experience and it leads to clotting issues.

[devon]

I'm sorry you're having such problems with the fistula, Adam! I hope you find a good knowledgable surgeon!

-Devon

[KT0930]

Best of luck with it, Adam. Sorry you're having such problems!

[Joe Paul]

Too bad you don't live closer, I have an excellent surgeon here in Pennsylvania. I hope somebody can help you so you can continue with the hemo. Good luck to you