Fistula attempt #2 - a disaster

[hillary]

I just came home from my 2nd a/v fistula surgery.... the 1st one was unsuccessful 2 months ago, and the doctor told me this one was too.  During the procedure my vein broke ( I have terrible chemo veins)...and I now have a huge swollen purple arm and a non-working fistula #2.

THe next step is to get a graft. I guess I have to wait until this heals first.  Problem is, I am really losing time here.  I feel like I am circling the drain.  I am already at only 10% kidney function, dealing with a lot of symptoms and feeling sick all the time and I need to get started! But I dont want to get a central line.

Is a graft like a central line? Where I would not be able to bathe or go swimming?  IF it is then I dont want it.

I am so beyond frustrated and upset, there are no words.

[Rerun]

I swear, they know a person has bad veins and they put you through hell and Then and only Then will they do a graft.  A graft is like a fistula only it is not your vein but a gortex (or something) tube.  I have a loop graft in my right lower arm.  It works great.  Make sure if you get a "loop graft" you ask if you are a red thumb or a blue thumb.  It will be important so they don't run you backwards.

A catheter is not that bad and if you have to use it until the graft can be used then so be it.  You will feel better and the anticapitation will be over for you.  It will be okay.  Plus with a catheter there are no needles so you can get acquainted with dialysis first needles later.

Try and get some sleep tonight.   

[Angiepkd]

Hillary, I feel terrible that you had to go through this. My dad had bad veins also, and ended up with a graft. He used that same graft access for almost 13 years with very little trouble.  He had no restrictions for water/ bathing.  He also had the neck catheter for a while and had no problem with that, either. Hang in there! When they finally get you a good access site it will be smooth sailing.  Hoping you get some relief and feel better soon!  I agree with Rerun. Get the cath if you need to!

[WishIKnew]

I, too, had two failed fistula attempts right in the middle of my cancer surgeries.  I feel for you and hope they get you a good access soon!

[Wat76]

I, to had 3 failed fistula attempts and 1 graft that failed.  So, after 4 failed attempts, I had to get catheter in my neck, I had that for 6 months with no problems, took very good care of it.  I decided to go with PD because I was so frustrated.  I have been doing PD for about 2 months now and so far so good.  It will be okay, I know eventually, I may have to have another neck catheter or attempt to get a working fistula later down the road, but for now, I am going to be content with PD.  I pray that all goes well for you.

Debra

[Clara]

Hang in there.  My 2nd surgery was supposed to last an hour to transpose the vein that had already been connected to the artery.  Unfortunately part of the vein disintegrated.  The surgeon put a graft in that part but that will not be the area used during dialysis.  The surger lasted four hours and then I threw up for four more hours from the anesthesia.  You can do this.  Hang in there and take care of yourself.  Good luck.

Christi