Husband Getting Fistula Tomorrow

[2dallascowboys]

Hi,

I have not posted here at all, although I did post on Intro Board.  My husband Les is
getting his fistula tomorrow.  He has been on dialysis since April 2006, and has a perma
cath.  I understand there is a cream we can get to help ease the sticking.
Also, I have a question - is there a special bandage we will have to use?  Please forgive my
ignorance, I have been to the Unit many times and have seen the people with the
fistula, but did not know about the bandages. Les has not agreed to getting the fistula
sooner out of fear, and is now agreeing to it with much coaxing from the Dr and Techs at
the Dial. unit. 
He was very sick for most of 2006, but thank God he is feeling much more like himself
again.
I am an avid reader of the Boards and have learned much here.  If anyone can offer any advise
it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks, Anne

[Ang]

gidday  anne,

don't  know  that  i  can  help  alot,  but here  goes,

down  here  in  oz,  i use  a  tape  they  call  me fix,  basically  cause  all  others  caused  me  to  scratch. but  as  they  say  each  to  their  own  what  ever  works  best  for  les.
get  back  to  the  dx  unit,  obseve  see  how  things  are  done.
knowledge  is  power.
hope  it  all  goes  well

[Black]

Hi Anne,

Glad he's doing better and finally ready for the fistula.

The most important things are (in my opinion):

As soon as the surgeon will allow, exercise the hand/arm with a "squeeze ball", and later on do curls with light weight.

Do NOT allow anyone to stick the fistula until it is ready - usually at least 8 weeks - and when they do get ready to use it make sure the person doing the sticking is the best in the unit.

Insist that the center use "buttonholes" and the cream for pain will be unnecessary.

Check out www.fistulafirst.org

Hope it all goes well and keep us posted.

[keefer51]

I was worried to, having two fistulas that didn't work. I was convinced after going through six catheters. My fistula is working well. I use the cream due to the fact my center doesn't use buttonhole nor do they know what a blunt is. I put the cream on thick over the entire fistula then i wrap the whole area with plastic wrap. I put the cream on at least a hour and a half before dialysis. I hate needles but i hate to say i am used to it now. My fistula didn't mature for three months. After the operation the squeeze ball works well in maturing the fistula. He will be able to feel the "thrill" and also hear it while he sleeps. Good Luck.

[Sluff]

Good luck with your husbands fistula Anne. My thoughts are with you both.