Stent or Angioplasty for Central Line due to Stenosis

[Rain]

i have had a dialysis catheter for almost 1 year due to a clot.  I noticed symptoms of extra vein in my chest and arm and it was mentioned that it can be stenosis (narrowing of the central vein) that is providing blood to my arm, which is now preventing me on having another access.  I don't see the vascular surgeon for a consult for another 3 weeks for a plan of action.  I was wondering had a dialysis catheter that was preventing you getting another access in your arm, were you able to get a stent and then go on to get an access in the arm?

Right now I am scared to death, that I am out of access options.

[obsidianom]

You are assuming that you cant have a fistula or graft in your arms . You may still be able to in one or the other arm. The catheter doesnt neccessarily prevent this. In fact many patients get fistulas or grafts while a catheter is in place. If the arms fail , you still have options in the legs and even the chest possibly. A graft can be used in the chest. So you are not out of options. Get to the vascular surgeon and get checked out thoroughly . You may be pleasantly surprised.

[jeannea]

I'm sure you're scared. However, I don't think you're out of access problems yet. Take a deep breath and try to get through the wait for your vascular appt. The doc will help you.

[Rain]

Thanks everyone.  I had a fistula in my left arm that failed after 4.5 years.  It was an upper arm fistula that took out all the surrounding blood vessels when it failed.   But I did receive good news today, after getting 10 people tested in the last 10 months, having each one come back as not a match, a friend of my fathers turned out to be perfect match for me.   Will post in another thread since I have a question on living donation.

[jeannea]

Sorry. I meant access areas not access problems.