I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Ken Shelmerdine on June 16, 2009, 05:46:19 AM

Title: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on June 16, 2009, 05:46:19 AM
I thought my fistula was doing pretty good until yesterday. It has been single needled now several times with one blow and 1 unsuccessfully. But generally speaking most attempts have been successful.

The fistula is 9 weeks old and the doc says that instead of becoming one robust vein it is branching off to become about 4 veins, a bit like a river delta and it's possible that because the blood is being divided amongst these veins that no single vein will be able to develop to its full potential and form  a proper mature fistula.

So now I have to have a scan and then surgery to have some of these extra veins shut off. Anyone here experienced this and does it normally have a successful outcome?
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Bajanne on June 16, 2009, 07:35:38 AM
Sorry I can't help you on this one since I have a graft, but just want you to know that my caring thoughts are with you and I hope it all works out in your favour :cuddle; 
We Brits have to stick together, you know.
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Inara on June 16, 2009, 07:50:44 AM
In my experience, the surgery is usually quite successful.  Once they tie off the extra veins, the fistula becomes stronger and easier to use.  Hope it goes well!   :)
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Rerun on June 16, 2009, 09:03:11 AM
Yes the girl next to me had them tied off and was fine.

Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Romona on June 16, 2009, 09:04:03 AM
 :grouphug;
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: kaeli211 on June 17, 2009, 03:11:13 PM
I had this done last year and it was by far the simplest and easiest surgery I've had - less anesthesia and only a few stitches. I hope it goes that way for you as well...
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on June 18, 2009, 03:09:14 AM
Thanks for your replies. I feel reassured now and not stressed out about it. It's just great what you can find out on IHD. Many Thanks. :thumbup;
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: paul.karen on June 18, 2009, 09:44:08 AM
Hey Ken hope they fix your fistula up and you are done with all problems dialysis wise.

I do have a question for you.
In all honesty as you have done both hemo and PD.

If you had a fresh start and knew the ups and downs like you do now which dialysis treatment would you pick as if it were your first time out?
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on June 24, 2009, 03:23:03 AM
If the proper warnings were given in the first instance about just how bad peritonitis could be be and it's possible complications I would have chosen Haemo. But I was seduced by the thought of still being able to work full time and the hard sell that I was given by the clinic. So in hindsight it would be haemo even with all the inconvenience of attending a centre three times a week as I now do.

Also although I felt well doing PD I must have been slightly under par and not realising it because with haemo I feel absolutely 100%. I did a 3 mile walk yesterday I just seem to have that boost of extra energy with haemo.
Best wishes Hope you are OK
Ken
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Hanify on June 24, 2009, 04:24:12 PM
Thinking of you Ken - good luck with the op.  I've done Haemo and PD too, but I would definitely choose PD, so there you go.  Although, I never did night time home haemo, which does sound pretty good!
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: Stoday on June 24, 2009, 04:38:58 PM
Thanks, Ken, I find your comments very helpful.

I was slightly miffed that I was unable to choose PD because I'd had ulcerative colitis two years ago. I had not considered the risk of peritonitis. I feel happier with my lot now.

 :thumbup;
Title: Re: Fistula Branching Out
Post by: paul.karen on June 26, 2009, 05:12:26 AM
Thanks for telling me how you feel about both options Ken.
I hope they get your River Delta squared ( :o) squared away for you soon.