When did people start to "exercise" their new fistula?

[AnnieB]

Hi, Well I had my fistula surgery on June 26 (about a week and a half ago), and I am wondering what other people were told about when they should be starting to exercise their new fistula. I have done some periodic work with a "squeeze ball", but then my incision hurts and I am afraid maybe I am doing this too soon, or overdoing it. Plus the glue they used to close the incision makes my arm feel tight, which doesn't help. When I first got the surgery, the thrill was pretty faint. It's stronger now, and I can feel it every time I check, but I am not sure if I should be expecting it to be thundering away. How long does it take before the thrill gets really noisy, like some of you have? Or does it even need to, as long as the thrill is palpable? I am due to go back for a followup with the surgeon in a few weeks and for another ultrasound, so he can check that the fistula is working okay. Otherwise I guess I may wind up with another surgery to bring it closer to the surface. 
 All information is appreciated!
Anne

[Riki]

I don't remember how long it was before I started exercising my fistula.. I really didn't do it that often anyway, and my fistula has has no issues since it was created 2 and a half years ago..

As for the thrill, I wouldn't worry too much if it doesn't go all thundery.. as long as you can feel it, and it doesn't slow down.. it will thunder more when it starts to be used.  Mine is still developing, to a point where I now have 3 sites I can use, and a 4th is beginning to emerge

[lmunchkin]

John's is not "thundery" either, but you can feel the "frill" when you touch it.  He used a squeeze ball some, but not for long.  He did have to have some "tie off" closed.  His vein was sprouting shoot offs and they would go in and tie them shut.  He has had his fistula about 4 yrs now, and hasn't had to have anything else done to it.  Thank God!

Eventually, your's will come around too.  It just takes time! Tell the surgeon your concerns, he should answer any questions you may have.

God Bless,
lmunchkin

[Angiepkd]

I don't think I started exercising with the squeeze ball until after my follow-up appointment, which was almost 3 weeks after surgery.  My fistula buzzed from the start, but really began to grow after a couple of months.  I did use the squeeze ball a lot to help it mature faster.  Before doing anything to exercise it, I would call your surgeon's office and ask if it's ok do it.  You certainly don't want to take any chances with your new life line!  Best of luck to you!  Hope it all works out for you!