My arm hurts

[melobelle]

I had my first fistula put in my wrist. I exercised religiously for a month with a lot of discomfort. When I went to the doctor for my check up after 30 days, he said, "Oh well it didn't work, I knew when I did the surgery your vein was too small". I was so mad! I had signed a paper that if site didn't work at surgery time, they were to go to the next site, at forearm. The wrist fistula was EXTREMELY painful right after surgery. When I did go back for second fistula, I mentioned to the nurse how painful the last one was. She said, "the doctors are notorious for NOT giving anesthesia shot into the sight. I made sure they anesthetized the area of my second fistula. When I woke up I had very little pain. I will never again have surgery without making sure to tell the anesthesiologist to make sure the doctor gives the shots into the operated area! Go back to see the Doctor. Pain after three weeks? Doesn't sound so good. Good Luck to You!

[MooseMom]

Oh melobelle, your story makes me feel faint.

I'm not really worried about the discomfort because three doctors have told me that my fistula is excellent, but I am still unsettled by it because I didn't expect it.  I'm just whining as usual...

[mamanan62]

I have had my fistula for a year now. Been on D for 6 months. and had my fistula reworked once.   I still have some discomfort,  It's more like an ache than pain.  Usually if I catch myself sleeping on it, or using it to much or using it in an awkward postion.  The docs all tell me my fistula is fine and they don't know why it is hurting.  I use warm packs, and rest to keep myself comfortable.  It also seems to ache more when its colder out.  As it is getting warmer it doesn't ache quite as bad  

[mamanan62]

I need to correct a statement in my last post.  I stated that I had my fistula reworked once, when, actually, It was reworked twice.  Please excuse my blunder!!

[Quickfeet]

Is your fistula feeling better?

[MooseMom]

Is your fistula feeling better?

It's feeling better in some respects and worse in others.  The numbness is gone, only to be replaced by general aching.  I think I have discovered something, though.  We had some quite warm weather here recently, and for the first time this season, I was able to wear short sleeved shirts/T-shirts.  I noticed that my fistula felt much better, and I actually went several days without having to take Tylenol.  But it turned cold the past few days, so it is back to sweatshirts or long sleeved shirts that I cuff to make three-quarter length.  On the days when I wear longer sleeved shirts, my fistula hurts, so my theory is that having something merely touch that area of my arm sets off some sort of neural irritation.  It's most odd.

And if you've seen my newest thread, you know that now I CAN SEE MY VEINS, which is quite disturbing.
Thanks for asking.  God knows I whine about it enough.  You were brave to ask.

[okarol]

I have 2 scars that hurt when it gets cold. One is from 35 years ago, but I still feel it - not intensely, but it's most sensitive in colder weather.

[Quickfeet]

I also saw that your GFR went up a little. That's great. I hope it stays up.