First Use of Graft Today!

[Bajanne]

Finally, they said it was time to use my graft.  I was quite apprehensive, just thinking about the needle stick.  I was even asking friends to come to hold my hand.  Turned out to be an anticlimax.  It wasn't that bad.  I am glad I decided not to have the lidocaine.  They used a #17 needle.  What I don't like about this is that now I have to wait and hold it.  None of that waiting with my trusted catheter!
But, I am now going to be able to go to the beach again!  The catheter is still in. I think they are waiting a bit before taking it out.

[Rerun]

Way to go!  I'm proud of you!      I'm still holding on to my catheter.  Maybe after the first of the year I'll try it?

[Bajanne]

I really prefer the catheter - no pain, no waiting.  But the beach!  When you live in this part of the world, it is awful not to be able to go into the water.  And I could n't do it with the catheter.  I still can't do it, because they haven't taken it out yet, but I expect it out very shortly as my graft is doing really well.
So, sister, you hold on as you can.  I quite understand.

[Bajanne]

TODAY IS THE DAY!  They told me on Wednesday that they would be taking out the catheter before I start dialysis today.  Now that they are about to do it, I feel like I want to wait a bit.  I have been hearing about grafts clotting, etc.    Can't please me, huh?

[Bajanne]

Can you imagine?  The nephrologist was not there when I arrived, so they didn't take out the catheter (it was to be taken out before I did dialysis).  It was a good thing!!!  As usual, the first needle went in fine (I took the lidocaine today), but the second one had  problems.  It seems that side is now a bit clotted.  So they had to use my catheter for the venous flow.  WOW!! 
This is not as easy as some may think.  I was thinking that I was doing very well with dialysis, but now all these possibilities and problems........
I continue to be grateful to this site for being realistic and frank about this experience of dialysis.

[susie q]

I have been using a catheter since starting dialysis....  Tried getting a fistula but it never developed.  I am unsure about going thru that again.. Also had a fistulagram and a couple of ultrasounds.. not sure why it didn't work but the pain was too much... and I'm not a big fan of needles anyway.
As far as the beach... I go..but don't really swim anyway... wading is ok for me lol (miss showering tho) lol

[Rerun]

Well, I know you are not supposed to shower, but I tape (plastic tape) Saran Wrap over my catheter and take a quick shower and try not to put the spray directly on it.  Although, they put this tegaderm HUGE piece of tape over it anyway, so with that and the saran wrap, I have done fine.  BIG NOTE:  After my shower, I use the blow dryer (low setting) to make sure any moisture is eliminated.

But, you are NOT supposed to shower, so don't take my advise, I'm just telling you what "I" do.   

[Epoman]

Well, I know you are not supposed to shower, but I tape (plastic tape) Saran Wrap over my catheter and take a quick shower and try not to put the spray directly on it.  Although, they put this tegaderm HUGE piece of tape over it anyway, so with that and the saran wrap, I have done fine.  BIG NOTE:  After my shower, I use the blow dryer (low setting) to make sure any moisture is eliminated.

But, you are NOT supposed to shower, so don't take my advise, I'm just telling you what "I" do.   

  You rebel! good for you.