2 fistula and never able to use the first one

[dyann]

Things have been so frustrating I have had 3 perma-cath put in since August and a temp one in my neck which hurt so bad  then my fistula placement about 5 weeks ago and it is not working so I go in on Monday and have a second one put in  I am just frustrated at all the problems I am having with these placements  infections and I have so many scars  not a vane person but people ask what I did like I tried to hurt myself or something  grrrrrrr  thanks for letting me vent  I would like to hit them over the head 

[Hanify]

This may be a silly question but is PD not an option?

[lola]

Hang in there, Otto's 1st fistula never worked and  the temp line had to be replaced every couple days as the antibodies in his body kept attacking the tips. He was so ready to give up but thankfully the 2nd fistula was a buzzing as soon as he came out of surgery.

[Brianna!]

I had two fistula placements too! It is very frusterating! The first one failed after a week of being in. The second one, I needed it moved up to the surface. So, now there's a long scar from my elbow to my armpit. And even though I complain about the scars so much, I'm grateful they are there. It means, I can get better dialysis, and I can have my permacath out soon!

I'm crossing my fingers this fistula works for you!!!

[girliekick]

11 perma caths 2 failed av  fistulas with in 6 m.
Im with u. I hope ur solution is found quick. I think in a second attempt it is very important for u to have lots of trust in ur doc
good luck
girl

[RightSide]

I know exactly how you feel, and I know the anguish and heartsickness you must be feeling.  Because I've been there too.  Here's my list of failures this past year for comparison:

26 March:  Fistula operation in lower arm.  Clotted after five weeks; never usable.

June 1:  Needed bladder surgery for unrelated problem; next fistula surgery postponed.

2 July:  Fistula operation for upper arm.  Blood vessel ruptured, lost a lot of blood, ruining my carpets; fistula never usable.

4 July:  Revision surgery for upper arm fistula.  Stenosis (blocked by neo-intimal hyperplasia) after six weeks; never usable.

12 August:  Another upper arm fistula operation, replacing stenosis with vein from other part of arm.

26 October:  Upper arm fistula works for first time, with one needle, 17 gauge.

14 November:  Upper arm fistula works with two needles, 17 gauge.

1 December:  Upper arm fistula works with two needles, 16 gauge.

As you can see, it's been a nine-month slog to get a fistula that works for me.  But it looks like I finally got one--after four operations.

So if you can get a fistula working after just TWO operations, I envy you.  I only wish I had been that lucky!

[kellyt]

My first fistula in my left wrist never worked.  I went in one month later to get the upper arm fistula.  Nasty scar, as he cut from elbow to armpit, but who the heck cares.   That one worked great up until I got a transplant and then it stopped the day after surgery.  I never used it and I'm not complaining.

[dyann]

Thank you everyone  I had the fistula placed again yesterday (Monday)  Doctor said the vein is much bigger and better that he feels this one has a better chance of working.  I know that only having two fistulas right now is not bad, it was just all the surgeries from them and the perma-caths and trying to work fulltime do hemo at home 6 days a week and keep up with the girls activities cleaning house and meals and now I have creditors coming after me for unpaid bills that I got behind on and it was just overwhelming.  My sister is helping me with getting the bills on track, and I am just going to take one day at a time  I cannot control everything and if my house does not get cleaned well so be it. so thank all of you for writing back I needed to hear from you .