I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Pre-Dialysis => Topic started by: wvgirl on February 17, 2012, 10:52:43 AM

Title: Fistula branch?
Post by: wvgirl on February 17, 2012, 10:52:43 AM

I saw the Nephrologist this morning for my dreaded appointment. I am now free for another 4 weeks at least.  :)
I had my Fistula created Oct 25th. At my Nov. Nephrologist appointment he said he thought it had a branch and wanted me to tell my surgeon at my upcoming appointment, which I did. She was great, said she thought she felt it also, and sent me for an ultrasound the following week, which showed one large branch and one small one. I got a phone call the next week, saying my follow-up appointment was postponed because my surgeon was no longer working for them.  ???
My next appointment, with a different surgeon, and he says no need for any worry. The fistula was fine and almost ready to be used.  :bandance; No surgery! I was happy.
Anyway, now my arm has an enlarged vein under where the fistula is. The fistula is at the elbow and is growing quite large and very ugly, but under that is another vein that is bulging out. My Nephrologist looked at it today, said to stop squeezing my ball so now I have to see another surgeon in another town to check the branch.
My question is, has anyone else had a branch? What is the surgery like? How badly do they affect the fistula?
I just really want this thing ready to be used.

Title: Re: Fistula branch?
Post by: Pam on February 17, 2012, 11:31:29 AM

My fistula is in my upper arm at the elbow also. I have a vein underneath of it. There is a nerve there and about once a month I can really feel it. I went to the vascular surgeon and he said there was nothing wrong. It could be tied off but since it wasn't broke don't fix it. the only time it can be seen is when I'm hooked up. Once you start dialysis get button holes! Ive been using the same ones for almost 3 yrs and my fistula is still pretty flat
Pam 

Title: Re: Fistula branch?
Post by: boswife on February 17, 2012, 05:11:34 PM

Bo had a 'branch' and they tied it off.  I really didnt know anything at the time to question there motives.  All has been well though and it was very simple (for him) .

Title: Re: Fistula branch?
Post by: wvgirl on February 17, 2012, 08:17:44 PM

Thank you Pam and Boswife.. I too have been having a really sharp pain right at the bend of my arm. It just started in the last week. It hurts really bad, but it only hurts for a few minutes at a time. Maybe that is the nerve?
I will definitely ask for the buttonholes and it's nice to know the surgery is easy. I am tired.  :)