worrying before it happens

[BRANDY]

What about blood clots in fistula, I read its time to got to er if this happens will it not  pass by its self. and about the thrill if it stops what  is the danger there? please clarify these two problems. and any others that might occur

[monrein]

Brandy, I think you're worrying a little too much.  It's normal to be concerned of course but the truth is you can't control too much of this.  What you can control is making sure you have a good vascular surgeon...the best in your area, that he/she does vein mapping ultrasound first, that you tell the surgeon your concerns and then you just have to gather yourself up and jump off the cliff (metaphorically speaking of course).

Once the surgery is done, be careful not to cut off circulation to it in any way, do your exercises if they suggest them to you and all should be fine.  Cross any other bridges as you hit them.

[jbeany]

The thrill stops if there is a clot.  Yes, you need to take immediate action.  I'm not sure going to the ER will help, though.  You need a vascular surgeon to repair it.  When mine clotted, I immediately called my center.  They arranged an appointment the next day with the surgeon.  He was able to bust the clot, and get my fistula working again.  (An appointment the same day is more common, but the doc was out of town!)

What you can do is get a stethescope.  Listen to your fistula on a daily basis.  Feel the thrill.  Get familiar enough with it that you can hear any changes in sound, or feel if the thrill is getting weaker.  This indicates a narrowing, and can be repaired with a fistulagram.  The vascular surgeon can balloon open any narrow spots and keep the fistula working.  If you notice any change in your fistula, tell your nurse or doc.  They can test the internal pressure at the dialysis clinic while you are hooked to the machine.

[BRANDY]

Thank you monrein and jbeany for your info .  I think I really am trying to gather info in case  something does happen. But yes I still am a little worried . But you two have  helped ease my mind  thanks   Have a great day

[petey]

Brandy,
I'm a "worry wart," too, so I completely understand why you're thinking and asking "what if...."  My husband Marvin (the patient -- I'm the caregiver) always says to me, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it" and "Let's not borrow trouble from tomorrow."  That doesn't help me, though.  I still worry about what I'll do if something happens to Marvin's fistula, to his home hemo machine, to the washing machine, to my car, to my hair dryer, to ... you get the point.  I was raised by a Coast Guard father, and the Coast Guard's motto is "Semper Paratus" (which means "always prepared").  Daddy taught us children to always think into the future and have a plan for what we'll do if something goes wrong.  Even though I've been "out" of Daddy's house for 25 years, I still think this way.

I'm not much help to you, I know, but at least you're in good company.

[BRANDY]

Petey------I couldnt say it any better  you said exactly what I feel   thanks    and yes I do feeel like Im in good company