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Meinuk
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« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2008, 02:03:03 PM » |
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Karen, first try to figure out why it is sore. Here are some questions to ask yourself and talk to your nurse/Dr:
How old is your fistula? Have you ever had pain before?
Did it hurt during treatment?
Is it swollen?
Is it sore to the touch?
Could it be infiltrated?
Can you feel the thrill in both sides (the venous and arterial)?
Go in, and you can address all of this with your dialysis nurse before treatment. (they may suggest that you come back the next day, or have a fistulagram, either way, you should go in and have them look at it)
In some cases, during treatment, the needle can go against the fistula wall and irritate it, or the needle could have hit a nerve when it was first cannulated. Getting to know your fistula is part of being on dialysis. Most important, make your unit aware of your pain, and make them do something about it. Dialysis shouldn't hurt excessively. (needlestick being the initial ouch are generally the norm)
If the fistula is irritated, it may go easier on you to lower the pump speed for your next run.
Of course, my final statement is going to be to ask if there is any way that you can learn to self cannulate and use button holes. (I was able to do that my lat month in center before I went home on NxStage)
When I was in center, I always had Tylenol in my bag. Tylenol was my best friend during those days.
Good luck. And I hope that your arm is feeling better.
Anna
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