I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Fisherman on October 21, 2013, 08:50:15 AM

Title: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: Fisherman on October 21, 2013, 08:50:15 AM

 ???i had my fistula done about 6 weeks ago, and a follow up CT scan last week.  I got a letter saying that it looks successful, but I haven't felt the buzz that everyone talks about.  Does this come later, after it's matured?  I'm a little worried about it.  Haven't started dialysis yet.

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: Rerun on October 21, 2013, 08:54:44 AM

Do you feel anything...a pulse?  Have you ever felt anything... and now you don't?  You could go to the nearest dialysis center and just have a nurse "listen" with her stethoscope.  You need to have it checked out so you know.

Welcome to access worries!    :stressed;

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: Bill Peckham on October 21, 2013, 07:37:40 PM

Where was your fistula placed, forearm, upper arm, etc? Can you or a friend put your ear up to the incision site? There should be an audible whoosh.

You should have it checked out any time there is a change in how it looks, feels or sounds but the buzz can take awhile to develop. The CT scan sounds positive - every fistula is different you'll get to know yours well, maybe you have a quiet one.

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: obsidianom on October 22, 2013, 06:13:43 AM

I would have it checked at least by a dialysis nurse. There should be some thrill by now at 6 plus weeks. Have you had an ultrasound done?

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: Fisherman on November 05, 2013, 11:48:51 AM

Thanks for your replies.  I did have a nurse listen and she detected something so I think it's ok.  Just a mother thing to worry about.

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: NDXUFan on November 10, 2013, 11:43:40 AM

Quote from: Fisherman on October 21, 2013, 08:50:15 AM

???i had my fistula done about 6 weeks ago, and a follow up CT scan last week.  I got a letter saying that it looks successful, but I haven't felt the buzz that everyone talks about.  Does this come later, after it's matured?  I'm a little worried about it.  Haven't started dialysis yet.

ND:

Make sure the nurse is not half deaf.  :)

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: Fisherman on November 26, 2013, 12:04:07 PM

Going to have an ultrasound  to see if its open or if there is a blockage.  Then possibly a fistulagram and angioplasty.  The doc hears something, but not enough. Hopefully, it can be opened up enough to use.  GFR is 12 and they're recommending dialysis soon so I need to be ready.  In the meantime I'm still exploring peritoneal dialysis.  Getting a headache from too many decisions. 

Title: Re: No "thrill" with my fistula
Post by: Shaks24 on November 26, 2013, 02:55:24 PM

PD works great for me.