Fistulagram

[meadowlandsnj]

I have to get a fistulagram done on Wednesday--Never had one.  What do they do?  ALso--I have three broken bones in my ankle/foot and have a hard time getting up on a table.  I'm using s wheelchair now.  Casn they do it while I'm on a chair??  I am unusually nervous about this--should I do anything  beforehand?

Thanks
Donna

[thegrammalady]

they shoot dye through the vein to look for blockage. it is done in an operating room type treatment room and should be done with some form of sedation. an iv will need to be started. if they find blockage that they think can be removed they run a wire with a balloon which expands. i have had 3 of them done and it wasn't a big problem. although there have been posts from people who did have problems. i think most hospitals consider it out patient surgery.

[okarol]

More info here: http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=4287.0

[LightLizard]

if a blockage is detected and the fistulagram goes ahead, that is, they insert the wire and baloon in your arm, ask to be sedated. otherwisse, it can be quite uncomfortable and if it takes awhile to complete will get painful.
i didn't know you could request sedation when i had mine done and i was really pissed off when the doctor said, near the end of the 40 minutes, 'well, you're quite the trooper, most people ask to be sedated during this...'
 

[JasonEb]

I had a fistulagrom in April of '06.

I was under sedation but wasn't totally under.  I remember the sensation of the doctor roto-rootering my arm, but it didn't hurt.  I was out of the hospital a couple hours later.

The only complication I had was a light infection, but one dosage of antibiotics cleared it right up.

It's no big deal (as medical procedures go).

~Jason E.

[jbeany]

It's not something that can be done on a chair.  They will prep you with an IV, so you'll be laying on a gurney.  When they wheel you into the room, they will slide you from the gurney to the table.  It will  be a bit awkward with a bum foot, but it shouldn't be a problem.

[Chris]

Hmmm, wish they tried this instead of automatically going for inserting a graft. I hate this thing so much, it always itches and the skin is easy to break due to sticking out so much. Not sure if the doc wanted to try the procedure since he knew how bad my veins were in the first place due to diabetes when he did the fistula. Maybe he should have done the graft first. I think they will need to do this for my graft if I need to go back on dialysis though.

[Mimi]

I just had one today to find out if there was any way to keep my fistula from dying.  There is none.  My veins
are too small.  There were three different places that were closed down.I guess I will be getting a graft when it
comes time for dialysis.  I did not have an IV.   The Dr. shot something in my arm to deaden it.  The shots hurt but after that I didn't feel anything.  It isn't something to be afraid of, however my arm has swelled up tonight and I have a hematoma.  Good luck to you.

Love, Mimi

[glitter]

I am sorry it isnt working for you Mimi, my husband has been having issues too, his gets worked on next wed.  As if all this issn't hard enough, then you have to worry about the fistula too. I dont know anything about grafts, although plenty of peeps here do....hope your not in pain tonight!

[BigSky]

This goes into a little more depth.

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/radiology/angio/fistulagram.cfm

[paddbear0000]

I don't know anything about fisulagrams, but I justed wanted to give you a hug! 

[meadowlandsnj]

Thank you everyone--the fistulagram went good and it's working perfectly--it's the way the needles are being put in. 
Thanks for all your support!!

Donna

[Robby712]

Good to hear.  I had one about a year ago and it was a piece of cake.  (as soon as I was drugged) 

[thom]

I had one today, i tell you it bloody hurt. that need right in the fistula scarr. the cool thing is you can see you heart pumping away 10 to the dozen. quick procedure though holmes. hope you're ok ( i don't really, i'm just saying that )

[meadowlandsnj]

Good to hear.  I had one about a year ago and it was a piece of cake.  (as soon as I was drugged) 

You were drugged? That's not fair!  I didn't get anything!     I had a very handsome and gentle doctor do it, though.

Donna

[Robby712]

Well, once they started the "balloon" portion of the treatment I was given a dose of "happy juice".  After which I may or may have not asked a man that makes 6 figures a year to "make me a poodle". 

There is something wrong with me.