New fistula and pain

[grannyM]

I had surgery 6 weeks ago right arm and the fistula is maturing.  I have a question about fistula placement.  I asked the surgeon this week and his only answer to me was, "oh, did I do that"  This is my concern, the fistula starts in my elbow right in the elbow crease, then up towards my bicep.  I am right handed and bend my elbow hundreds of times a day.  If the fistula is pinch very long it is very painful.  Just typing at the computer is enough to give me pain. When I fall asleep I bend my arm and wake up in pain with my hand swollen and barely able to move my hand until I have my arm straight for a while. The only help I have had from staff is,,,,, don't bend your arm..... I am frustrated. Does anyone else have their fistula in their elbow and will the sharp pains stop over time as I use my arm?  I was never told about PD until four days after the fistula surgery, I went right in for the PD cather and sorry I let everyone rush me into the fistula.   

[smcd23]

I have no advise on the pain, but I know they did not want to put hubby's fistula in his dominant arm for that reason - potential complications and pain. I'm sure someone else may have more advise but I'd be calling the surgeon looking for options and ways to fix. Not sure if a revision would help but if you are going to do PD maybe he can remove the fistula? And if you ever need another, I'd definitely make sure they use the other arm!

[Southpaw]

Why didn't the dr. put your fistula in your left arm? They usually don't put it in your dominant arm.  I had mine put in about 2 months ago and mine hurts too. My hand swells and it just bothers me. My dr. said there is a nerve there and that is why it hurts. Mine is in my right arm from the elbow up also but I am left handed so i don't use my right arm as much.  Mine has been starting to feel better in the last week so yours might feel better as time goes on.

[grannyM]

The veins were larger in the right arm and to my thinking the easier task rather that try the left arm.  The fistula starts a good 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the elbow crease and goes up so any bending of the arm pinches.   My arm was so wrapped at first I couldn't bend my arm. Later the first bulge was right at the scar line into the elbow then to the bicep.  Since this is my first experience, I asked at the clinic while I was on HD and each reassured me it looked great and just right.  So if it is so great is it OK to bend my arm pinching the fistula when I brush my teeth, eat a meal, comb my hair, type, hold a book, ect. Any bending of the arm pinches the fistula.  I am beginning to doubt everything those at the clinic tell me as most has NOT been as they have told me.  So you with a fistula who experience and live with a fistula is this the norm? 

[cassandra]

I'm sorry for your bad experience with your fistula so far. Mine is in my dominant arm too, and also starting in the elbowcrease. I'm afraid I don't have much more positive to say that I do remember that the sharp pain will subside with time. I bought an electric toothbrush, and sit as much turned to either the left or right when typing so I stretch my arm out constantly, and don't wear any jewelry or something on my right arm. The techs might want to use the bulge in your elbow all the time, and it will get bigger through that, but the 'vein' to the bicep, and your shoulder will develop as well if you make them use that piece. Its only been 6 weeks after an operation which is pretty painfull afterwards at the best of times, so be patient. It will get better, and (may I say this) you will get used to it.

Lots of luck, and love Cas

[Cordelia]

OMG, I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't understand why the surgeon didn't put the fistula in your non-dominant arm, that is what they did for me. I have mine down at my wrist and am I ever glad!

[Sue]

My fistula is in my dominant arm - wrist - It was put there because the veins in my left , non dominant arm, were not suitable. I have been trying to use my left hand more so that when the time comes I will be able to 'stick' myself !
I had the op in April, no pain at all really but the back of my hand is still numb / tingley

[grannyM]

Thanks to each of you for your thoughts.  I was told to be very careful with the fistula and guard it as it is my lifeline... then the Dr puts it where it will be bent all day long.... so i will just let it be, bending or no bending I do have a life to live and do enjoy each day.

[cassandra]

that's the way to do it.

love Cas