Got my A/V fistula May 9th!

[MomoMcSleepy]

Ok, got my fistula May 9th, 2012, it would have been my dad's 53rd birthday, which I saw as good luck.

My arm doesn't hurt too much, but it's still numb and a little cool to touch.  I called the  hospital and they said they probably damaged little nerves, but they might grow back.  Also, of course, fistula is "stealing" blood.  They think it will get better, and said to go to the ER if I can't use my hand or it turns blue, etc. 

I am have some fluid in my lungs don't know why.  Doc thought maybe just irritated from breathing tube.  I am at work today and so tired.  Also hungry, my lunch got screwed up!  I am much more mobile than I thought I'd be, though, and can use my hand.  I had it worse when a cat bit me and I got cellulitis.

I had everyone feel the thrill at work.  When my hand is propped, I feel it, and it is like there's a little kitten purring, sleeping above my elbow. I  had a brachial artery/various vein fistula.  It doesn't hurt much.  The painkillers messed me up, I am just taking Tylenol extra strength now.

Is it true I can't lift with this thing EVER?  My surgeon said it's fine, but the "dialysis people" don't like it.

[cattlekid]

I was told "nothing heavier than a gallon of milk".  I also was told to wear my watch on my non-fistula arm and not to sling my purse or laptop bag over my fistula arm.

[MomoMcSleepy]

yeah, me too, but, forever or for 6 weeks?  I think the no slinging thing is forever.

I got very little in the way of instructions...everyone was pretty relaxed, cause they eight million of them a day, it seems.. We'll see at my perkola-up, I guess.  I am surprised at how pronounced the thrill is.

[cattlekid]

Forever. 

[MooseMom]

Sounds like everything went well and that your fistula is doing what it's supposed to be doing.

[MomoMcSleepy]

sad face, cattlekid, sad face.
Oh, well.....at least it's working well, to echo MooseMom