anyone here have an AV Fistula/ Graft Installed?

[nightwalker]

Can't find much in the way of any posts around AV Fistula Grafts Vs. AV Fistulas- Going in to see my vascular surgeon in morning for mapping and he wants to talk with me about getting an AV Fistula Graft placed in lieu of the tried and true "gold standard" AV Fistula that appears to be the standard for pretty much everyone on this site, other then the PD folks. Anybody here have any success with a graft? Or maybe not so great of a story?  I know it's supposed to heal faster, it' made out of synthetic material instead of marrying your vein and artery together,  and the sticking uses more of a ladder technique, but other than that, I don't seen any real opinions here on this forum. Thanks!

[Chris]

Are you diabetic?
Do you suffer from calcification of tthe circulatory system?
I had a fistula first that did not last long and I later found out the surgeon expected that to happen. I had to have a graft installed 4 months after the fistula was installed. The graft lasted 15 years before it cotted off. It was my back up lifeline if my transplant failed, but doctors did not want to do anything. I would say the choice is yours that depends on your health. Your doctor should not push you towards one thing without giving you all the information to make a wise decision. I am thinking that it maybe easier to do than a fistula also.






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[nightwalker]

yeh thanks for the feedback, Chris. No thank God I'm not diabetic nor do I suffer calcification, but I do have a host of other health issues with eye sight etc ( all congenital) ...Question, did you get the graft loop method installed, or the straight line graft? Are you in-center hemo or do you self administer your treatments? thanks in advance sir






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[Chris]

My graft is a straight line placed on my bicep, I was in-center and never self administered, that was unheard of at my clinic back then (1999). Needle insertion was better than with the fistula. It was less painful, but that could be due to location and how close to the skin it is.