Fistula Bruise

[Whamo]

Monday they used huge needles on my fistula, and my left bicep pumped-up like a bodybuilder.  It is really sore.  I am not sure if it is a blow out or not.  My wife is a cardiac nurse, but she wants me to ask the kidney center about it.  I've read where an ice pack is good to use in this situation.  I understand this type of problem is not uncommon from searching on the net.   These day to day bumps on the road drive me crazy.

[Cordelia]

Whamo, I feel for you. When my fistula first started being used, I bruised so easily for the first 6 weeks or so. I had one needle blow out in my arm and it swelled while I was on dialysis. I know how you feel and how sore it can be.

I hope it clears up soon!

[Rerun]

I think they want you to use ice when it happens.  Not later.

[pdpatty]

You were infiltrated. Needle pokes thru and blood pools under skin. Hurts like $%#@.

Ice first day- on 15 mins off 15 . Then heat next day ,moist heat pad.

My arm has been infiltrated so many times.last one about 3 weeks ago.

[dialysisadvocate]

I also wondered if it was infiltrated -- if it was, the staff should have noticed it immediately - meaning, when they do their 1/2 BP checks they are suppose to check your access site as well and your access site should be visible to staff at all times. Don't let them stick you in the same place each time (unless u have a buttonhole).. otherwise you will be pseudoaneurysms - my father experienced this because they would not do such as a rope/ladder technique and even with the interventional nephrologist stating his fistula was getting ruined as a result of staff sticking the way they were - -no one really listened... even the medical director was upset when we returned to the clinic with a drawing (from the interventiona nephrologist) showing where staff should stick.. I was put in my place for asking the interventional neph to draw the picture.. I told the medicfal director any problems were between he and the other neph - they don't like another doctor stepping on their territory