Fistula

[Wat76]

Hi All,

I am getting a fistula tomorrow morning and I am scared to death.  Number of questions to ask? 1.  Is it really that bad and 2. how long have those with fistula had it before having to use it.  I heard that after six months of getting a fistula you normally start D.  Please answer these two questions.  I am thinking of cancelling my appt today.  By the way I have PKD.

[Phil]

Hey there! Just like you I'm days away from getting my fistula surgery. My twin brother has already had his fistula surgery 6 years ago, and its still working perfectly (even after his transplant 4 years ago!).

From what he tells me, and from my research the surgery is NO BIG DEAL. It might be a little weird because its done under local anesthetic (they numb out feeling from yor arm). My brother using his fistula only after 4 weeks from surgery, which is a little on the short side. Normally it takes about 6/8 weeks for a fistula to mature enough and be ready for dialysis.

I fully understand ALL your worries about getting a fistula, but it is the best way to go. Our fistula is our lifeline.

[Wat76]

Thanks Paul, when is your surgery.  I have to be at the hospital at 6 Am if i go through with it.  I am just so afraid.

[staceyand joe92]

I had my fistula surgery last Dec 08 and started using it in May 09. It is still humming away even 6 months after my transplant. Surgery was not bad at all. A little sore but nothing that a couple of Tylenol can't take care of.

[galvo]

Wat76, I felt exactly the same as you. However the operation was a breeze without any pain at all (some people do have some slight discomfort). Because I had an infected catheter, they started using my fistula at 7 weeks and it's gone fine. I've been using it for 6 months now. There are some days that are not wonderful, but, overall, Fisty is my friend.

Good luck and come back with all the gory details!

[kellyt]

It's not horrible at all.  I had two fistulas placed about a month apart (first one didn't work).  You're in and you're out.  My 2nd fistula was more sore than my 1st, cause it was larger and in the upper arm.  Take a pillow for the ride home to rest your arm on and take it easy.  I got my working fistula Oct 31, 2007 and I never had to use it.  I received a living donor transplant on Nov 5, 2008.  Yes, a year later.  Take care of yourself.  Don't cancel.  Get it done, cause you don't want to have to get a catheter.  Get'r done now.  Good Luck.

[Mizar]

 My Husband, got His Fistula, a little over Two Years Ago. It was Outpatient, in and out. They sent Him Home, with some Heavy Duty Pain Killers and He never took One of Them. It is still Working fine and no Problems.

[Stoday]

Same as Mizar's husband. Given pain killers on leaving the hospital but never needed them. It was no big deal; no need for you to worry.

[kitkatz]

You are not alone with being scared.  Funny, as I have been on dialysis eleven years with grafts in my left arm.  The doc now wants to do a fistula in my upper left arm.  I know what graft surgery i like and having a graft taken out of the arm.  Cannot be as bad as the last one.  But we shall see.

I wish you good luck and hope you keep your appointment.

[Wat76]

Thanks for the encouragement i went ahead with the surgery it was not as bad as i thought. my arm is in pain but other than that all is well. i hope the first step was the hardest. thanks for all kind words.
 

[kitkatz]

Hope all is healing well for you. Good job you went through with it!