I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: dwcrawford on May 11, 2009, 07:39:02 AM

Title: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: dwcrawford on May 11, 2009, 07:39:02 AM

Who has experience and/or knowledge of the Button Hole Technique.  My fistala should be ready for use in a month or so.  A nurse in the center claims to be an expert in etablishin button hole.  I'd appreciate any insight as to Yea or Nay.

Thanks, Dan

Title: Re: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: glitter on May 11, 2009, 10:20:24 AM

I beleive it is the healthiest thing to do-

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=965.0


this link is the IHD guide to buttonhole

Title: Re: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: Wallyz on May 11, 2009, 10:47:13 AM

Yes on buttonholes-  ask her to help you set your own.

Title: Re: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: monrein on May 11, 2009, 11:24:48 AM

Definitely a great way to go.  Have the same person consistently (that means every single time if at all possible) to establish them and then take over yourself to ensure consistency.  You could of course set them yourself which is what I did so that consistency is built in but use the experienced nurse to guide you in the whole process.  Good luck.

Title: Re: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: del on May 11, 2009, 04:09:30 PM

Definitely YES to buttonholes. But like monrein said make sure it is the same person needling until they are established.

Title: Re: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: jbeany on May 12, 2009, 10:24:23 AM

Everything on here that I've read say they are better for the fistula and hurt less to stick each time - sounds like a win-win to me. 
I've got a graft, though - so I'm still laddering with sharps!

Title: Re: Button Hole -- Yes or no?
Post by: Stoday on May 12, 2009, 04:10:21 PM

The policy at my center is to encourage buttonholes, but only if you stick yourself. That's because they can't guarantee the same nurse every time.