I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: tigmonster1968 on June 28, 2018, 02:18:08 PM

Title: Fistula
Post by: tigmonster1968 on June 28, 2018, 02:18:08 PM
Hi all, I just got home from bringing my bf to the vascular surgeon.  The Dr said that the fistula he created is now mature.  I dont know why Im excited about this but I am.  I guess now the center can test it out and then I will start training to be his care partner for home hemo..?  My bf is legally blind so basically I will be doing it all....can anyone give me some words of advice, what to expect, negatives, positives, funny stories...whatever you got!


Scott's girl
Jodie
 :bandance;
Title: Re: Fistula
Post by: GA_DAWG on June 28, 2018, 04:12:36 PM
I was told it would not be quite so hard and I would feel better after I got a fistula, which turned into a graft. I was pleasantly surprised to find they were right. Good luck to you guys.
Title: Re: Fistula
Post by: cassandra on June 29, 2018, 03:02:24 AM
If I were you I would ask bf if you can feel his fistula as if you were a nurse. Get to know 'it'. Ask where it's extra tender. Where it feels straight. Do I understand correctly that he will get button holes? If poss you and the nurse discuss where to go. Use Emla cream/spray (numbing)


Good luck, Cas
Title: Re: Fistula
Post by: tigmonster1968 on June 29, 2018, 06:14:51 AM
Not sure if he is getting buttonholes, I'm excited and scared at the same time.  I guess next step is to get with his nurse at dialysis.  Time to learn more!
Title: Re: Fistula
Post by: Cowdog on June 29, 2018, 06:42:42 AM
The "Sticking" is the biggest fear and the task to master. Google "Stuart Mott cannulation". Lots of good info and his techniques work!!
Title: Re: Fistula
Post by: cbatsea on June 29, 2018, 05:04:56 PM
You will be "in training" for some time....there's A LOT to learn.  I've been hubby's caregiver for 2 years now....I still get nervous..and I absolutely HATE sticking him.  We are doing "buttonholes" but he heals so quickly, it's been a long road.  His arterial buttonhole is good....his venous is a bitch.  We have been working on it for 2 months.  Sometimes, it's a breeze...sometimes, I still have to use a sharp  needle on it.

Stay strong.  This is a long-term thing.
Title: Re: Fistula
Post by: MooseMom on July 01, 2018, 11:05:18 AM
You will be "in training" for some time....there's A LOT to learn.  I've been hubby's caregiver for 2 years now....I still get nervous..and I absolutely HATE sticking him.  We are doing "buttonholes" but he heals so quickly, it's been a long road.  His arterial buttonhole is good....his venous is a bitch.  We have been working on it for 2 months.  Sometimes, it's a breeze...sometimes, I still have to use a sharp  needle on it.

Stay strong.  This is a long-term thing.

I really admire anyone who sticks a spouse/partner.  It would be so easy to just say "no".  You're a hero in my book.  Your hubby is very fortunate.