I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Rain on November 19, 2011, 04:30:14 PM
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I am not new to dialysis but I am new to putting in my own needles. My question is how far about should I needle from the previous treatments puncture site? I have only been going up by a few millimeters. I am not doing the button hole technique, but I suppose to rotate my sites.
It just noticed that after 3 years of needling in center my fistula is getting big, and i don't want it to get bigger. I also want to protect my arm as much as I can. I just wish I educated myself earlier.
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We always moved about 1/4 inch. And avoided pseudo-aneurisms.
Carl's fistula is pretty long, so we got a good week and a half to 2 weeks out of laddering up before having to start at the bottom again.
Aleta
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Rain, i don't remember - are you someone who was told not to use buttonholes? I have learned that they will help preserve your fistula. Have you considered buttonholes?
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yes i was the one that was told not the do button holes. The hospital doesn't do it due to high infection rates with patients that has had them
But i am doing a great job at self needling.
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Rain, I know that when I cannulate my husbands fistula, I keep a least 2" between Arterial & Venous. I was never told not to do Buttonholes, but I do the ladder method. I also know that fistulas are not very appealing, but the bigger the better the flow, and eaiser the stick! I think his is "beautiful" and is serving him Well! He really doesnt care what others think! I love it, and that is what matters to him!
lmunchkin
:kickstart;