Fistula Revision - Complete Change of Plans!

[KatieV]

I've been using a chest catheter for dialysis for 5 or 6 months now.  My nurse wanted me to switch back to my fistula before the snow flies, as I'll have to travel to get the buttonholes set up.  I kept putting it off - I hate needles, was so stressed using the fistula as we had access trouble, and *I'm* going to have to stick myself now (instead of my husband, says my nurse).

At my last clinic visit, she evaluated my fistula and decided to send me to a vascular surgeon they work with.  He apparently works with "problem patients".  I have a short stretch of accessible fistula before it dives too deep.  So I made the 3+ hour trek down to Albany where he and my husband convinced me that I should get the surgery done.  It is scheduled for next Monday, the 14th.  The surgeon says it'll be a easy surgery and I should be able to work on Wednesday.  But then he says I'll be staying overnight???  He uses a block to num the arm, but I'll be fully awake - which scares me.  I might just have a panic attack.  I don't want to see, hear, or feel anything until it is over and I'm in Recovery.     

Has anyone else had their fistula revised?  How did it go?  Am I worrying too much?

The surgeon thinks it'll be a month before I'll start using it.  I'm pretty concerned as I've had a lot of problems in the past.  I had successful buttonholes established, but continued to need Emla Cream and they, even then, were very painful (to the point of tears).  That generated a lot of stress around dialysis and I started dreading dialysis.  I am not looking forward to using my fistula again.  I'll also lose more evening time, as I'll have to start earlier because it'll take longer putting in the needles and taking them off (clotting time) in the morning.   

[Angiepkd]

Hi Katie!  I have had several fistula revisions, last one was in July.  I am almost always able to use my fistula within a couple of days after surgery.  I am guessing that my revisions are not as extensive as the one you are going to have.  I am lucky to have a shallow fistula, so no problems with the needles.  If the revision you are having will raise your fistula closer to the surface, it will be worth it.  I have never had to use the Emla cream and I have no pain at all when putting in my needles.  I do seem to have either a surgical revision or a trip to the access center for a roto-rooter session every 2 months.  It seems like nothing is easy for us CKD patients.  Hope everything goes well with the surgery!  Keep us posted.   

[KatieV]

I am having a hard time sitting still!!!! 

The transplant coordinator called yesterday and says they believe they have found a match for me & my mom (she is trying to donate on my behalf)!  There are final tests to complete on the chain of 6 or 7 pairs.  So instead of my fistula revision, I'm going to San Antonio next week for final testing!

If everything works out, the transplant will be scheduled for the end of November.  It will be the best Christmas present ever! 

[MaryJoe]

   Oh my gosh! What wonderful and exciting news! Keeping my fingers crossed for successful tests! Possibly a 7 pair chain - Awesome!!   

[cdwbrooklyn]

Great News!!! I will pray that God will see your transplant thorough.        Blessings!!!! 

[Deanne]

That's awesome news. Fingers (and everything else) are crossed that it all works out for you!

[Angiepkd]

That is amazing news!!! So happy for you!  Praying everything works out!   

[KatieV]

I would greatly appreciate prayers about my mother.  She really wants to donate, but has been denied twice before (at our hospital up here).  That was a couple years ago and for what she believed were bogus issues (the specialists cleared her each time).  I believe she's gotten cleared past both those issues this time.  If she gets denied, we'll be back at square one.

We are flying out today and flying back on Friday.  It's a quick trip down and back!  If everything goes as planned, we'll go back at the end of November for the transplant.