AV Fistulagram

[mamagemini]

Neph doc says that my fistula is not big enough. That it is not growing upwards, veins too small. They have to put in some ink or a little balloon? Has anyone had this done?

[malaka]

Ask me in about a week as I have one scheduled.  Staff at dialysis center thinks its shrinking, vascular surgeon doesn't think so.  So the fistulagram is a dye test (hey, no more worries about dye-induced kidney failure when I'm already Stage 5 and on dialysis) to take a picture of the fistula.  Will I need more surgery?  Who knows?

[Dannyboy]

Fistulagram, yes not at all uncommon.    And it is good to get the Fistula working as best as can be.

The "ink" is a contrast agent that allows the doc to see your fistula with the imaging equipment.   Some procedure rooms are arranged so you as the patient can watch this on monitors----I find it interesting to watch.

The "balloon" thing is part of the angioplasty, where a tiny medical, inflatable "balloon" is carefully inserted and carefully inflated by a tiny amount to stretch out/enlarge the vein where needed.   This is the only part of a fistulagram that I personally have found to be a bit painful....but the pain only lasts for the few seconds when the balloon is inflated, at least that is what I have experienced.

Hope this helps,
--Dan

[MommyChick]

Hello there!
I actually had a fistulagram done a few weeks ago. Its not all that big of a deal, people get it done all the time. I normally go once a year sometimes more if I'm having issues with my fistula since it was placed. (had my fistula almost 7/yrs & no major issues yet)
You normally don't feel anything other the a little pressure during the procedure, unless they have to do angioplasty & open your fistula up slightly with a balloon. In that case my doctor always gives a little relaxing medicine so it wont feel so sore. Honestly it doesn't hurt though !! Just a little discomfort if they have to use a balloon.

Good Luck 
~ Marna

[mamagemini]

Thank you for all your info. I hope to get through it with no issues. I was going to move to Fullerton to live with my daughter but with all of this happening I have postponed it. Bummer.

[malaka]

Done last Friday at hospital near dialysis center.  I insisted on no general or overall anesthesia.  Surgeon was reluctant and kept warning me "I'm going to insert a needle now".  Big deal -- tiny compared to dialysis needles I take 3 days a week.

One stitch.  Lots of radiographic pics which required some turning of the arm. 

Doc also fearful I wouldn't hold my arm steady.  I told him I keep it still for 3.5 hours 3 days per week. 

Due to use of local anesthesia, it wasn't much more intrusive than a cavity being filled at the dentist.

And, I went to dialysis after the procedure and they didn't treat me any differently.  The dye isn't radioactive, its radioopaque.