Fistula and other stuff...

[frankswife]

Hubby got his fistula a week ago today. What a nightmare! His surgery was scheduled for 7:30 am but when we arrived at the hospital at 6 am his blood sugar was 608. Although his surgeon was willing to proceed, the anestesiologist (sp?) would not do it until the BG came down. It took 4 hours. It went quickly once he was in the OR and he was discharged fairly quickly. The fistula is not causing him a lot of pain, but it looks red and swollen and kind of icky to me. I keep checking to make sure it still has the "thrill". Thankfully he has an appointment with his primary in the AM. We went and had some labs done this AM, we got a message from his primary saying his labs were back and he needs to make an appointment as soon as possible. I guess they forgot his appointment is tomorrow. Now I'm stressing out, what now? We know his GFR is sinking, it's going down about 2 points every 2 weeks.  It was at 15 2 weeks ago. It went from 20 to 15 in about 7 weeks. Is that really unusual? It just seems to be happening so fast. Now I'm really concerned he'll need D before the fistula is matured. I'm thinking his potassium is probably high again too. I am so worried that my heart pounds on a daily basis. Any words of wisdom? Any possiblility that his GFR will stop sinking and just stay at a  certain point for a while? Thanks!

[MooseMom]

No, I have no words of wisdom because everyone seems to have their own unique experience with CKD and gfr and various other initials.  It is certainly possible that his gfr could stabilize for a while; anything is possible, and the weirdest things can happen.  I know that doesn't fill you with confidence, but I am hoping that by the time you read this, the neph will have some plan to stop the deterioration long enough so that your husband's fistula can mature.  Be sure to let us know.

It is very worrying, and I am so sorry that you have this stress in your life.

[Traveller1947]

Hi, frankswife!  Just read your post today.  Can you tell us what's happening?  I know you must have your hands full with all that's going on with Frank, but remember, we're your family and we care.  All the best to you both.

[mamagemini]

I dropped from 20 to 17 in one month, then from 17 to 16 in about 1 1/2 month and now a month later I am 15. So my Neph was right once it starts it is pretty much sliding down from there. Just keep him eating healthy foods, don't go over sodium intake or potassium. He is lucky to have you!! Hang in there...

[lainiepop]

I dropped from  17 to 10 in a couple of weeks!!! That was last august, it was 8 6 weeks ago and is now 10. I am not on dialysis am having a transplant in 2 weeks from my dad. So 9mths later its still at 10, truth be told they don't know....they told me when it dropped i'd need dialysis in a few weeks and they'd get me appointments to look at fistula being done, well that didn't happen and never has, i've been very lucky we really didn't think we'd get a pre-emptive done in time! So u never know, but it can drop and stabalise so here's hoping it does. If i'd felt unwell or potassium had gone high i would have had emergency hd through a neckline to get me through til op. At one stage my potassium was slightly elevate at 5.4 but i literally stopped eating potatoes chocolates and tomato stuff and started boiling veg tons and it dropped to 4 so there are u things can can help avoid dialysis for a bit as long as he's otherwise feeling fine and eating fine. They said to me if i strat going off foo, getting tired and nauseous its time to start. Good luck xx