Vein to surface surgery on 18th. Scared to death!

[kit78]

Had a new fistula put in upper right arm (I'm right handed too) back in Sept. Now he needs to bring that vein up to the surface.  It's times like these I hate being alone. I'll have to skip treatment at least once only I hope unless he keeps in the hospital.  Has anyone gone through this surgery?  If so, what am I in for and any advise would be truly appreciated. 

[Rerun]

Wear a very loose top so you can fit your arm in when going home.  Have a pillow in the car to prop your arm up on.  Of course I hope you have someone drive you.  With the pain pills take a stool softener or you will be very sorry! 

Don't faint when they take off the bandages and you have a cut from your armpit to your elbow! 

Good news is they put you WAY under for this and the healing isn't that bad and then you can get rid of that catheter.  And take a shower a real shower.

     

[kit78]

Thanks Rerun.  Did you have this done?

My neighbor will drive me unless he keeps me in then I'll drive myself.  It's being alone that is bothering me. Having the fistula put in went better than I thought.  Yes, the pain pills do block you up pretty good. So yes, this time I will take something.  He said 2 incisions but how do they move it up through the muscles and all?  Too scary cuz I do not want the muscles cut...maybe I'll Google it! Nah...maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I should wait to find out. I've gone through surgeries before including a transplant but this one just seems so painful.  Not looking forward to having needles stuck in that arm 3 times a week in such a sensitive are.

Ok..... time to be my normal, strong independent self and just suck it up like I always do. Right? 

[big777bill]

 I had the repositioning done about a year ago. Don't freak out! The surgery isn't that bad at all. My doctor put me to sleep for this and I'd imagine yours will do the same. When all is said and done you'll realize the worry was for nothing. I'll keep you in prayer.

[okarol]

  They want to do this to Jenna too. I talked to the doctor about using up a patient's access over the years, as Jenna is 27 years old. He said it's better than a catheter. So I asked, what about long term, what is being done to maximize vein life. He looked at me like I was nuts. Oh well. There are people here who have had experience, and it sounds like it's worked out for them.

[kit78]

Thank you Bill and Okarol, as you have put me at ease somewhat. I'm just hoping they do not cut through the muscle...do they?

[kit78]

Doc put surgery off until next month. ;(   I want this cath out. Too much pain which I think is due to scar tissue.

[Mr Pink]

Doc put surgery off until next month. ;(   I want this cath out. Too much pain which I think is due to scar tissue.

I've got a permacath which I'm also looking forward to seeing the back of. I've had it for 10 weeks now, and my fistula is due to be used for the first time today, although it seems a bit deep. I've heard about this surgery to bring it closer to the surface. I'm hoping that I won't have to go through it, but it might be a possibility. If it has to happen, then so be it. Having it done will mean that I can get rid of this permacath, and spend the rest of the summer in a swimming pool!

[AnnieB]

Thank you Bill and Okarol, as you have put me at ease somewhat. I'm just hoping they do not cut through the muscle...do they?

I don't believe that they do.... I did a search for "reposition kidney fistula" and found this article:

http://www.nature.com/ki/journal/v1/n2/abs/ki197216a.html

"Under general anesthesia, a 13 cm incision is made in the medial groove between biceps and triceps muscles. The basilic vein is dissected free, tributaries are ligated, and the vein is raised to a superficial position one cm lateral to the incision. Subcutaneous tissue is then closed beneath the vein using interrupted catgut sutures and the skin is approximated with fine wire." which sounds to me that the muscles will be untouched.

Hope things go well for you with this surgery....I'll keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Don't forget all the people at this site who are also here for you when things get tough....

 

Anne

[Whamo]

The surgery itself probably isn't that bad.  The thing I hate is the soreness and pain that comes afterwards.  But it goes away and can be mitigated with morphine.  I hope all goes well with your surgery.  In the long run it will probably be a lifesaver for you.

[CebuShan]

I had it done a year ago. It's not too bad but definitely bring a pillow to rest your arm on. You'll need it!
Once I healed and they took the catheter out, I went home and stood in the shower until the hot water ran out! Heavenly!
    

[kitkatz]

Keep your arm elevated after surgery.  Take your time and let it heal.

[KidneySinger]

Just had this exact surgery TODAY.  I am typing with one hand....my fistula has been growing under my left arm upper muscle for months.  My gfr dropped to 12 so we decided to move it.  I have a new cut from the elbow to my armpit but it is really not that bad.  They gave me pain meds but I have not needed them and its been almost 24 hours.  It is sore but don't need anything for it.  My biggest issue is 3 of my fingers have gone numb.  It can happen and if it does - can take 1-6 months for it to come back.  They will put you completely out and that's the worst part - not being put out but the first hour after waking with a little nausea and gaining conciseness. 
All in all its not bad and you'll be fine  - probably even less pain than you are preparing for.  Good luck!

[kit78]

Thanks to everyone for your replies.  Doc said next month.  Hope he doesn't keep moving it out.  Had had my fistula since Sept. and want this cath out NOW!  LOL
I don't understand why people don't shower...  I do 3 - 5 times a week.  I stick the cath in a zip lock bag a zip it tight, fold the top over and secure with waterproof tape. I cover that with Duct Tape (waterproof) and tape over everything else.  If anything does get wet I just change it.   The cheapest bandages and tapes are at the dollar store!  Yes I have to buy large bandaids to cover the cath opening because I have an allergy to adhesives.  I get 10 large, sterile, latex free bandaids for $1.50 and tapes are under $2.50  Can't beat that deal!

[gothiclovemonkey]

they told me not to shower, i can bathe, but not to be under the shower, so i took baths,and washed my hair and face in the sink lol

i had 17 proceedures trying to get my fistula to work, and it finally did. (complications because my body is a bit off lol terrible veins!)  now 5 years later i am having more issues, had a stint placed, and awaiting news on if i need a new one. i sure hope not, it was such a pain the in butt to get this one working....

I personally think the drugs are the worst part of the surgery... they constipate me like no other. not to be nasty, but seriously, to the point i would rather croak than have anestesia(sp) and it isnt comfortable, i wont lie, but i avoid pain pills.. mostly because of the reason above lol and i dont like being a zombie. i think i took them for 2 days.
Of course, mine is Left, and im right handed... Im sure being right handed with a right sided fistula is going to be more difficult to manuever.

Im not sure if they cut muscle or not, but its to save your life really... so how much does that really matter? i dont think they do though, id figure if they did, it would be a ton more painful than it is...
There is a dude at a clinic i used to go to that has Arnold muscles... which baffles me, i didnt think we should lift weights, but his arms are huge! and he has a fistula...
ask your doctor about your concerns

Good luck next month! I hope it goes smoothly!

[Krisna]

Hi, I've had this done both on my current Fistula and my old Fistula (old one lasted 21 yrs).  Old access was in my lower right arm and wasn't fixed until I'd had it for 8 yrs.  I had switch insurance carriers and then it clotted so while the surgeon was de-clotting it he also brought it to the surface and straightened it out.  It lasted 13 more yrs after that!

Because of what I went through with the old one I told the surgeon who did the new one he had better fix it before pulling the catheter because if he pulled it then wound up having to put in another so he can fix the Fistula I was gonna be P**SED!  So, he fixed it before pulling the catheter.

So, the first one didn't hurt when they did it because most of the nerves there were dead.  The current one hurt like you wouldn't believe because all the nerves and muscles they had to go through.  Pain meds, Ice Packs and elevation all helped with the pain.

It's so worth it because it will give you more room to space out the needles and move around.

[kit78]

Thanks Goth & Kris.  Doc said he would only have to cut the skin and not the muscles. It takes more time to bring the vein up through everything, but worth it.  It scares me too because I live alone and no help. I'm sure things will go fine and I am worrying for nothing.  Thanks to everyone for sharing!

[AnnieB]

Do you have a Visiting Nurse Association in your area? Maybe you could arrange for some visits at home just reassure yourself that there was someone who could check up on you periodically. The Hospital might know, or have one affiliated with it.

Anne

[Riverwhispering]

I had that surgery too.  It's no biggie but it leaves a huge scar.  My advice is don't worry about the scar it's your life line and make sure you have laxatives handy.  I was asleep during this one and went home the same day.  It's not a big deal really.  Good luck

[kit78]

Update:
I have the surgery next Tuesday 01/15/13.  Thanks to all of you for putting me at ease. Doc said he'll make 2 incisions and cut the vein to re-route it under the skin. This way takes a bit longer but that way he is not cutting through the fatty tissue etc. Seems other Doc's like to just cut straight down and let the vein pop up to the surface. OUCH!!!
I do not have Steal Syndrome. So all in all it's looking good!