How long does an unused Graft last ?

[brmoore]

     Three years ago when my GFR dropped to 18 they put a graft in my upper arm. As my GFR has remained at 15 since then I have avoided starting Dialysis. How long can an unused graft last ? Does it go bad and need to be replaced ??
                                                                                                                     Bruce

[lizabee]

I don't know, but that's a good question!  I am on dialysis now but going to be getting a transplant by year end.  Hopefully I will not have to use my graft again soon after that, but I was also wondering what might happen to it if it went unused for years.  I do know a man at my unit that has been through 2 transplants, and was able to use his after both failed, and I know they both lasted for at least a few years.

[kristina]

Hallo, Bruce,
I don't know the answer to your question. I am also pre-dialysis.
I am interested to know what disease you have got?
And, why do you think your kidneys have not deteriorated further in that time?
Is there anything special you have introduced to keep away from dialysis?
Thanks for the answer, kind regards, Kristina.

[brmoore]

Hi Kristina:
    Aside from kidney failure I have Crohns disease. I am a fanatic about keeping the renal diet, and believe it or not I have never cheated. Have not had a tomato, potato, cheese etc. etc for about 4 years. I also make sure that I do 2 to 3 miles on the treadmill every day. Before I started the renal diet my GFR went from 31 to 19 in just 2 months. I also restrict my fluid intake to about 32 ounces a day.
    All of the above may have nothing to do with the fact that my GFR has remained stable (15 to 16) but I like to think it has.  If not I will really be pissed off as I no longer dream of sex - those dreams have been replaced with dreams about 100" pizzas, Big Macs and gigantic Banana Splits.
           Bruce

[kristina]

Thanks Bruce,
I also keep strictly to my diet and keep fit
and hope that this may have a positive effect.
I do hope you get your question about the graft answered
and I send you kind regards, Kristina.

[Chris]

I have not used my graft in almost 9 years and mine still works. However everyone is different and individual results may vary. Mine is in my bicep area.

[kristina]

Hallo, Bruce,
Please excuse my asking these questions
but I am in a similar position to yourself,
and I am trying to get my diet as helpful
as I possibly can.
Are you a vegetarian?
Do you have a simple diet, what does it
consist of, and which food do you think
assists your kidneys most of all?
Thanks, Kristina.

[brmoore]

Hi Kristina;
    No vegetables for me as I have had a Jejunostomy (cut off above the illium) due to the Crohns disease. I keep my diet to Chicken, plain fish,beef, hot cereals (cream of wheat). I make sure I eat these in small amounts to keep my intake of Protein below 50gm per day. I also
keep intake of Sodium to no more than 1500 mg per day. As a side dish I eat a lot of Rice and substitute Olive oils and Garlic as sauces.
I avoid eating anything that comes in a can (except for Cranberry Sauce). My wife is very understanding and cooks everything fresh. This diet has also kept my Blood Pressure normal which is most important.
    The truth of the matter is that this diet sucks - I look at Hot Dogs and actually cry. I think the diet may kill me before the Kidneys do, but I'll stick with it.
    When I was first discovered to have ESKD I was sent to a class at the Hospital. At this class they gave us a binder with all the lists of foods we could have and which to avoid and sample menus etc. - I have tried to follow it to the letter even though it has caused me to lose a lot of weight.
            Good Luck: Bruce
   

[kristina]

Many thanks for answering this, Bruce,
and I wish you and your wife the very best
and good luck, Kristina.

[Lillupie]

I had that same question because i get pressured often to get a fistula, and i am planning on someday getting a transplant. So, my neph says that they can go in and snip it off.

Lisa

[Chris]

I had that same question because i get pressured often to get a fistula, and i am planning on someday getting a transplant. So, my neph says that they can go in and snip it off.

Lisa

They won't do that here, either the transplant center or my local neph won't approve of it. It's a just incase assurance for them if I have to go back on dialysis and avoid another surgery and risk of infection from cath placement.

But if you are able to get it, don't do it soon after the transplant. The first year is the questionable stage because the body has to get use to everything and rejection is most prone then. Maybe wait 2 1/2 or 3 years to be safe.

I wish they would remove mine though, it itches like crazy and unsightly to me. Grotesque looking.

[Lillupie]

Grotesque looking.That is why i refuse to get a fistula! I have seen so many of them that are ugly.

LIsa

I had that same question because i get pressured often to get a fistula, and i am planning on someday getting a transplant. So, my neph says that they can go in and snip it off.

Lisa

They won't do that here, either the transplant center or my local neph won't approve of it. It's a just incase assurance for them if I have to go back on dialysis and avoid another surgery and risk of infection from cath placement.

But if you are able to get it, don't do it soon after the transplant. The first year is the questionable stage because the body has to get use to everything and rejection is most prone then. Maybe wait 2 1/2 or 3 years to be safe.

I wish they would remove mine though, it itches like crazy and unsightly to me. Grotesque looking.

[Chris]

Either way they can be bad. My fistula stopped working so I can't tell I have one except for the scar. The graft though you can clearly see on my bicep and if you scratch, it easily bleeds because it is so close to the surface.