Dialysis access options

[geoffcamp]

I have had A LOT of trouble keeping a good access for dialysis. So far I did PD and had no issues with that access, I got a transplant so that access was removed. When I went into rejection and subsequently lost my transplant I had a "perm cath" put in to get dialysis and a graft put into my lower left arm. That access lasted less than a week before it clotted. Then I had a fistula put in my upper left arm. The fistula was the best I have ever had. It lasted a few great years before clotting off also. Then we did a series of access attemptens aound that upper left arm fistula. Tried a bovine type fistula and other graft options. Nothing worked. Everything eventually clots up, usually fairly quickly. I've had multiple try's at getting a good access in mt upper right arm since with no success. Including a HERO acess which we (doctors and I) thought would work great since it is essentially a cath hooked directly to heart then into a graft. It clotted quickly too. I've been using caths for my main access for quite awhile. I've had some infection issues and its not a permanent solution so they have to be moved and replaced every few years. The doctors have suggested a femoral access but can not say it will not clot also. I don't want to go thru that surgery and having my access "down there" without knowing this will actually work. So I'd like to find out who on here may have experienced my issues and get some suggestions. Please share your stories and experiences with me, I'm at the end of my rope no idea what to do!!  My current cath is giving me some issues right now, will probably go in and get a new one on the other side of my chest. Thanks all. G.

PS. My arms look awful. Soooo many scars and bumps from using these accesses. It's embarrassing and even wearing a short sleeved tee shirt can't hide all the scars, bums and visible tubing under my skin. It's just ugly!!

[Joe]

You said you did PD the first time around with no problems. Is there a reason you can't have another PD cath placed and go back to dialyzing that way?

[geoffcamp]

Honestly with all I've learned I've never even asked if I could go back on PD. Is that an option?  I figured because they put my transplant upfront in my belly that PD was no longer an option. Plus I really did not like PD when I did it. Having the machine and all the boxes would be difficult to manage now. I've been considering NxStage and have applied but I'm not sure i have the space. I have a small less than 1000 sq. ft condo. But it's a question I never thought of.

[cassandra]

Having had a transplant is no reason against pd, not even multiple surgeries. It all depends on your own body.
I think with Nxstage you need a good access.
I would ask for the pd option?

Love Cas

[Riki]

I did PD after both transplants.  Having the surgeries in front makes no difference, since the kidneys are placed outside the peritoneal cavity.  I could be wrong, but I think the only surgeries that can keep you from doing PD are hernia surgeries

[geoffcamp]

Cool I never even thought about asking!!  I just assumed since the transplant was place where it was PD was not an option!!  See what assuming gets you!!  LOL