Fistulagram and Update

[KatieV]

So back in February, I finally changed dialysis centers.  I loved my team, but the board of directors would not allow me to do Nocturnal treatment.  For my sanity, I had to do Nocturnal NxStage as I work fulltime.  My new center is 2.5 hours away, but the drive will be worth it once we get the bugs worked out.

The main issue has been my fistula.  The stinker starting acting up a week before the training and has only gotten worse.  It is extremely painful to insert the blunts into the developed buttonholes.  We've been getting pressure issues too (mainly fixed by flipping both needles).  My arm continues to ache throughout the 8 hour treatment and can keep me awake. 

I am scheduled for a fistulagram on Friday and am terrified.  I admit I have issues with my fistula - I started out not being able to look at it when the needles were in (not a blood issue).  Now my husband puts the needle in and then I hold it while it is flushed.  I have even flipped the needle by myself!  My new nurse has suggested I learn how to put them in myself and my husband LOVES that idea.  (Gee thanks nurse!)  I know I should and I am working on doing so. 

That is my biggest fear with the fistulagram.  Someone besides my husband will be accessing the fistula and it will hurt. 

How exactly does a fistulagram work?  I have the option of being sedated before the dye/pictures.  Can they sedate me before sticking needles in my fistula?  (An IV is not a big deal for me - as long as the nurse is good.)  As long as my arm isn't in pain, the dye/pictures wouldn't be a big deal.  It's those awful needles stabbing my fistula!  I am 99% sure that they will need to put a balloon or two in my arm, at which point they would sedate me regardless.   

Any advice would be appreciated!  As you can probably tell, I'm a bit of a wreck! 

Also, am I completely nuts to think I may be able to go to work that afternoon?  I have a deskjob - customer support through phone and email.  I would not be driving myself.

[lmunchkin]

You know, hearing these horro stores like this, just makes me more thankful  for John's rich & thick fistula.  It purrr like a lion. Very easy stick.  Good luck Kate.  I hope things work out with it.  You certainly have had your problems.

Again, let us know how it went.  He has never had a fistulagram, to my knowledge.  He was very lucky in that aspect!

God Bless,
lmunchkin 

[Angiepkd]

Hi Katie! I had a fistulagram a few days ago. The only thing I felt was the numbing needle. Absolutely no pain after that. I had the balloon run up into my shoulder to open up a stenosis that had my fistula 60% blocked.  They did give me a little sedation while using the balloon. I felt fine afterwards, but my husband said I was a little loopy. I think I could've gone to work after, as long as I had a driver.

On a better note, my fistula instantly worked better ( I had d the next morning).  Hope this helps! In my experience the access center is no problem!