Fistulagram?

[Brianna!]

Has anyone had one of those? I'm getting one Wednessday and i'm nervous. My nurse said it doesn't hurt, but I don't know if I should believe her or not. So....what's a fistulagram like?

[RightSide]

A fistulagram is basically an angiogram of your fistula(s) and associated blood vessels.  A contrast dye is injected into these structures to enhance the X-ray images, and then X-rays are taken.  (This injection shouldn't hurt any more than the usual cannulation.)  The whole thing takes a couple hours.  You will probably be sedated, so you need to have someone take you home.

The ONLY major caveat is that the contrast dye is known to be somewhat nephrotoxic.  If you still have some residual kidney function left (perhaps you can still produce some urine), then there is a 1-3% chance that the contrast dye will destroy your residual kidney function.  This is called contrast-induced nephropathy--a dramatic irreversible increase in serum creatinine level.  For this reason, you should discuss this issue thoroughly with your physician and radiologist.  There are some steps that can reduce risk (such as dialyzing right after the procedure, removing the contrast dye from your bloodstream).  Of course, if your kidneys have stopped working completely, then this doesn't matter.

There is also a slight risk of an alllergic reaction to the dye, but that's rare.

Good luck!

[Brianna!]

Uhm. My nurse said it will take a couple MINUTES not HOURS! Ugh. That's why I don't trust her word. I'm having dialysis after it. Thanks though. :]

[cookie2008]

I has a fistulagram and fistulaplasty it took about 20 minuites, the surgeon numbed my arm he didnt sedate me. The procedure felt like alot of pressure and I had swelling and bruising after.

[Brianna!]

You had swelling and bruising after? Seriously! Ugh. No. I do not want this done. Not at all. Stupid fistula. lol