My dads fistula

[Dadsdecision]

Hi everybody-- its been a long time since Ive been on here-- things have been ok with my dad and his dialysis. He had his fistula surgery a little over a month ago and last week he had to get an ultrasound on it because the doctor
could not hear the blood flowing through- so tomorrow we will find out what the deal is and if he needs an angioplasty or something. My dad is 82 and also has liver disease and CHF. He is very weak. He can use a walker to get to the bathroom and back and thats about it- other than that he has to use a wheel chair. He is living at home with me and my family. I guess Im just venting because he is going to be so discouraged if he has to have another procedure or surgery- He keeps saying everyone said this was an easy operation and nothing to it and now there are all sorts of problems. He hates needles too- There is so much to do and so much going on- he needs to go to the podiatrist, eye dr, and now all these bumps are growing on his arms- looks like crystallized salt or something but they are hard and in the skin- very strange. Anyway, Ill let you know tomorrow what his surgeon says... wish him/us luck... 

[willowtreewren]

 

I hope it goes well. Set-backs can be so very discouraging!

Aleta

[sullidog]

hope all goes well, the only concern is a clotted fistula should be delt with right away instead of a week later cause the longer it is closed the harder it is to break up the clot, did your dad or the doctor feel anything?

[Dadsdecision]

He has to have another surgery for a fistulagram? or graf? Like an angioplasty I guess.... Always something

[ReneePa]

Unfortunately, many have to have a fistulagram.   If there's a narrowing in the blood vessel,  it can cause poor flows or even clotting.   Hopefully the clinic where he goes to monitors the access flow.  That's always a good indication if something's going on. 
Teach your father to feel his fistula everyday for the "thrill" or the buzzing feel.  If it's in his lower arm, have him squeeze a spongy ball or a balloon with sand in it.  That will help strengthen the vessels- making it easier to be stuck. 

I hope this helps some.   

[Dadsdecision]

Ive been so busy I forgot to report back here! Im sorry and thank you for the replies... Well my father had the fistulagram... but NOW he has to have another surgery to get one of those vecro grafts? Its never ending.
That means we have to go to the cardiologist to get cleared and then primary dr to get cleared. Im so exhausted. Its very hard doing all this for my dad by myself and trying to take care of husband, kids and myself.
My dad is very weak all the time and he gets so upset when there is a set back. Sometimes I just dont know if all these surgeries are worth it. He is very tired. But I dont think he is ready to go yet. And whenever I see
him weak or take a step backwards I freak out afraid of losing him. This has been going on for about a year now. Oh well... guess just have to take one day at a time- like with everything

[boswife]

This all just makes me cry..literally    I feel your pain and exhaustion in it all and your broken heart..  It is so hard to watch someone fail, and to have to keep putting them through more is, well the hardest thing i feel i've had to bare.  Im sorry, and i hope things take an upturn for you,,,, at least for a while and give you all time to gather some strength..Bless you and all your doing..

[willowtreewren]

 

Yes, one day at a time. My father is slowly failing, but not from dialysis. Old age and self abuse are taking their toll. Still not easy to watch.

 

Aleta

[lmunchkin]

  and    to you! Just be there for him, Im sure he appreciates your being there!

lmunchkin

[Dadsdecision]

Thank you all for your words...

Next month is going to be busy busy busy...... Plus Im supposed to get a mammogram Monday- I hope that will be ok! crazy times....