Fistula complications

[MooseMom]

When I went to see the vascular surgeon, he mapped my arm and said he found a good vein sorta in the middle of my arm.  I asked him specifically if he saw anything or had any reason to think that I might have problems getting a good working fistula.  He said that I had a 90% chance of success and not to worry.  But of course I am worried; the more I read on this forum, the more I am becoming aware of all of the problems that can crop up.  How possible is it really to get a good fistula first time around without any complications cropping up that entail more surgeries and other procedures?  This surgeon is supposed to be the most experienced in the area and is the go-to guy when fistulas go wrong.  He says he does about 20 a month, so I think he is competent, but I know that that alone does not ensure a working fistula.

I think I am running out of time and will need a mature fistula quickly.

[Pam]

Hey Moosemom......I want you to start seeing some of the good things instead of focusing on all of the bad! I had my fistula placed in Dec 08. It was outpatient and no problems. In Feb 09 I had the revision surgery done. That is when the veins is too far in the arm and they have to raise it. Dr. said it was not a complicated surgery just very tedious. In his own words my Vasc. Dr says I have a Cadillac version! I have been using my fistula since  May 09. I have never been infiltrated. I have buttonholes and they work great. I do not have any redness or scars that you can see. Just the buttonholes and the fistula is raised under the skin. It is in my l. arm just above the elbow and even wearing a t-shirt it is not noticeable.
I'm not saying  every thing will always be good but I want you to realize that there are good experiences out there too. I hope you will have some to share!
Pam 

[MooseMom]

Well, of course you're right, Pam, and once I start having good experiences, I'll let you know.  My experiences tend to be...well... unique.  It has become a running joke in our household.  More often than not, a doc will say, "Oh, I've never seen THAT before."  I'd like to say that I'm just exceptional.  So, if you had yours placed in Dec and started using it in May, that's about six months.  I don't think I have six months.  I gotta have this thing up and running in six WEEKS!  I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.

Thank you so much for reminding me that some good things can happen.  I'm really glad your fistula is the cadillac version!  I don't want the Toyota.

[KICKSTART]

Firstly take a deep breath ........now stop worrying ! Have you heard the phrase 'ignorance is bliss' ? I think the more you are reading whilst informative is only serving to give you more to worry about ! Your fistula will be done , like it or not , it will either work or not work but no amount of worrying is going to change that ..sorry ! If you need emergency hemo (which you seem to think you might?) and you have not even got a fistula made then a line will be put into your neck. I did PD for over 5 years and it came to a sudden halt , no-one forsaw the need or any reason for me to have a fistula made but i needed emergency hemo. So i had a line put in my neck (we call them tunnel lines over here) I had it done under a local  (so no worry there about you having a general) and they where using it for hemo about 2 hours after! So sit back relax and enjoy your non dialysis time , learn by all means , but learn not to worry ! 

[MooseMom]

I know you are right, KICKSTART.  Thank you for your support.  I'll just tone it down for awhile.

[KICKSTART]

You carry on asking , i just dont want you to worry so much ! I hope to re-assure you that there are other ways of doing things if need be. You dont have to worry that you need your fistula up and running in 6 weeks , so relax.  I think you are very brave , im dreading the day i get mine , yet other people see the nasty thing in my neck and say ..why havent you gone for a fistula yet. The only thing i learned is that worrying doesnt change things . One day at a time is my motto and if its a good day then so much the better (and ive had 11 years of this now!. 11 yrs since diagnosed, 5 years before dialysis, nearly 6 years on PD. Now on hemo 6 months !)

[sullidog]

I have the best vascular surgeon in ohio, in fact everyone goes to him even if they aren't local. Just trust him and go with the flow. A 90 percent is very hi so I'd say it will run good for ya!
Troy

[SkyDancer]

MooseMom it sounds like you have a better than average chance of this fistula being a good thing for you.I'm a world class worrier myself,but sometimes you just have to say a little prayer and let things go.One piece of advice though,make sure that after you have your fistula placed that your Dr.or nurse tells you the PROPER exercises to mature your access fully.Try to relax and take a deep breath,and remember that it's OK to be worried,just don't let it consume you every day.Take care 

[RightSide]

Moosemom:

I do have one piece of advice, based on my own experience:

Both of us deliberately chose an excellent surgeon.

So don't allow any bait-and-switch routines!

If on the day of your surgery, your surgeon says something to you along the lines of:

"This is Dr. Newbie.  Would you mind if he assisted me during the procedure?"

REFUSE!
Say NO!!!

I learned the hard way that "He'll assist me during the procedure" is a euphemism for "He'll do the surgery while I watch."

And my Dr. Newbie botched my surgery.

Don't let this happen to you.