Question about needling

[Rain]

I am not new to dialysis but I am new to putting in my own needles.  My question is how far about should I needle from the previous treatments puncture site?  I have only been going up by a few millimeters.  I am not doing the button hole technique, but I suppose to rotate my sites.

It just noticed that after 3 years of needling in center my fistula is getting big, and i don't want it to get bigger.  I also want to protect my arm as much as I can.  I just wish I educated myself earlier.

[willowtreewren]

We always moved about 1/4 inch. And avoided pseudo-aneurisms.

Carl's fistula is pretty long, so we got a good week and a half to 2 weeks out of laddering up before having to start at the bottom again.

Aleta

[fearless]

Rain, i don't remember - are you someone who was told not to use buttonholes?  I have learned that they will help preserve your fistula.  Have you considered buttonholes?

[Rain]

yes i was the one that was told not the do button holes.  The hospital doesn't do it due to high infection rates with patients that has had them

But i am doing a great job at self needling.

[lmunchkin]

Rain, I know that when I cannulate my husbands fistula, I keep a least 2" between Arterial & Venous.  I was never told not to do Buttonholes, but I do the ladder method.  I also know that fistulas are not very appealing, but the bigger the better the flow, and eaiser the stick!  I think his is "beautiful" and is serving him Well!  He really doesnt care what others think!  I love it, and that is what matters to him!

lmunchkin