I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: maritza0486 on July 07, 2009, 07:08:22 PM

Title: My AV Fistula
Post by: maritza0486 on July 07, 2009, 07:08:22 PM
I have had my AV Fistula for 3 1/2 months already and for some reason, it is just not mature enough yet. I guess it is because I have small veins. I admit, I have not been pumping the squeezie as much as I should but I have noticed that it has grown some just not enough to start using. Tomorrow I have an appointment to get an xray done on it to see what is really going on. They might give some fluid to it so it can grow a bit more to start using. I really can/cannot wait to start using it. I can because I know the needles are going to hurt...I cannot because I want to remove the catheter already. Let's see what happens tomorrow. I am trying my best not to feel hopeless and negative. I am usually a very positive individual with extremely high hopes in everything and always with the feeling of being very blessed. Dialysis makes you feel miserable and crappy and hopeless and uhappy at times but you have to fight through those bad feelings. I have to remember that God is here to support me and provide me with so much blessing. Plus, I have my family and my boyfriend who all believe in me and my progress. I will be ok. Anyway, I guess I am just venting now. Thanks for reading.
Title: Re: My AV Fistula
Post by: RightSide on July 07, 2009, 08:15:35 PM
I wish you the very best of luck with your new fistula. 

Believe me, worrisome as your situation is, it's far better than my own.

I've been trying to get a working fistula since March.  I've had 3 surgeries already; and one fistula clotted up on me before I ever got one day's worth of use out of it. 

Beyond that, I haven't any family near where I live.  I live alone.  You have a great support network.  I've had to find my own support here in this website, and also within myself.

So I want you to know how much I envy your situation.  Take care.



Title: Re: My AV Fistula
Post by: Rerun on July 07, 2009, 09:40:44 PM
Sometimes a new fistula has what they call "Scavenger" veins which have to be tied off because they take blood from the fistula.  They will know something tomorrow.

Best of luck.            :cheer:
Title: Re: My AV Fistula
Post by: Loretta on July 08, 2009, 12:07:29 AM
Fistula problems are very worrisome.  I think what you are feeling is very common among us with kidney failure.  I am wishing you the best.  Don't give up.  I have 13 incisions all trying for a permanent access, and am still trying!  I pray things work well for you.
Loretta
Title: Re: My AV Fistula
Post by: maritza0486 on July 08, 2009, 12:25:26 PM
I wish you the very best of luck with your new fistula. 

Believe me, worrisome as your situation is, it's far better than my own.

I've been trying to get a working fistula since March.  I've had 3 surgeries already; and one fistula clotted up on me before I ever got one day's worth of use out of it. 

Beyond that, I haven't any family near where I live.  I live alone.  You have a great support network.  I've had to find my own support here in this website, and also within myself.

So I want you to know how much I envy your situation.  Take care.

Sorry about your situation. I am here if you ever need someone to talk to. This is actually my 3rd fistula because since I have small veins, it usually does not last long. So this 3rd one so far is doing well and I am happy about that. So, anyway, they did the procedure today of blowing up the vein so it can mature faster. A mini tube was put in with a camera in it so they can check it out. I go back in 3 weeks so they can see if it has matured more or not. I hope this one works out. I have high hopes on it. It is aching pretty bad right now but its all good. I can deal. Thanks for the support guys. I appreciate it.
Title: Re: My AV Fistula
Post by: nkviking75 on July 13, 2009, 09:39:14 PM
I certainly relate.  My first fistula wasn't good enough to use for several months, then worked for 2 1/2 years.  The next one, about 3 months.  During my 3rd fistula surgery the surgeon decided my veins weren't big enough and I woke up with a graft.  It also worked about 2 1/2 years.  Since then, three attempts at new grafts have quickly failed.  Just last week they put a stent in the vein above my most recent graft, and it failed almost instantly.  I'm "blessed" with small, deep blood vessels that are prone to spasms.  Needless to say, I'm frustrated.

If any doctors or nurses are reading, is there anything that one can do to encourage blood vessels (not just fistulas) to grow?