I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: msf21 on November 25, 2014, 11:55:56 PM

Title: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: msf21 on November 25, 2014, 11:55:56 PM

Just started a new job. Part of the training is a CPR class. Will i be able to give chest compressions if I have a dialysis fistula in one of my arms? I am worried I could damage the viens. btw its a new fistula, I have only had it for a little over a month.

Title: Re: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: Michael Murphy on November 26, 2014, 05:26:54 AM

I don't think so but your fistula is important enough to ask the doctor who created it. 

Title: Re: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: iolaire on November 26, 2014, 05:47:26 AM

No but talk to your doctor to make sure its ready for that.  Personally I've really felt ok doing most anything with my few year old fistula arm.  I do try to take it easy but work it more than is recommended.

Title: Re: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: JW77 on December 07, 2014, 02:36:48 AM

Main thing is to get your fistula good and strong. Fistulas take 6 months to fully mature (my observation anyway)

http://fistula.memberpath.com/Patients/PatientEducationalMaterials.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dialysis/Pages/How-haemodialysis-is-performed.aspx

Fistula Fanatic:
Facebook page for better fistula care:

https://www.facebook.com/purplechick820?fref=nf

 

Title: Re: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: amanda100wilson on January 29, 2015, 04:29:42 PM

Not sure initially,  but once it is fully healed, I don't see why not.  However, defibately a question for your vascular surgeon.

Title: Re: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: kristina on January 30, 2015, 06:52:48 AM

Hello msf21, (I still get confused about your avatar
because kitkatz had exactly the same avator for some time...)
... I have just looked up CPR (CPR = abbreviation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
and I would first consult with a trusted doctor before attending a CPR-class,
just in case attending & taking part in a CPR-class could endanger the fistula, which is really a life-line ...
Good luck from Kristina.

Title: Re: Are you able to perform CPR if you have a fistula?
Post by: msf21 on January 30, 2015, 10:01:44 AM

All is good. I talked to the doctor and he said it wouldn't be a problem. I already took the class and I had no problems. I had to favor one arm over the other but I was still able to pass the final test. Thanks for everyones input.

Kristina- I didn't know anyone else still used the avatar. I grew up watching garfield and it was my favorite cartoon aside from Looney Tunes.

All time favorite cartoon:

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v976505DjnbzTzX?h1=Duck+Amuck-Daffy+DUck+LooneyTunes

One saturday morning while i was in my mid-20's, my younger sister saw me on the couch in Pj's, eating cereal, and laughing my butt off. She asked "how old are you?" I still laugh at that memory.