FISTULA EXPANDING UP TO MY SHOULDER

[grayfox]

Hi everyone!!!!  I started dialysis four months ago, and I have a question about my fistula.  I had my fistula surgery almost two years ago, and it matured and enlarged more than the surgeon expected.  About a month before I started dialysis, the surgeon performed a banding procedure because he felt the fistula was getting too large and it was causing too much stress on my heart because of increased blood flow.  I'm not sure if it helped, it's debatable.  When I started dialysis my fistula was only visible part way up my arm between my elbow and shoulder.  It has now enlarged up to the inside of my shoulder, and I can see pulsing along the entire fistula and it ends right under my right collar bone.  Does anyone know if this is a problem?  I worry it will keep growing toward my heart.  It concerns me a lot.  Thanks in advance for any comments.

[Michael Murphy]

If you are concerned schedule a ultra sound of your fistula, I get one every year to check its stability.  I know every one hates the dialysis bumps caused by the pressure of the returning blood.  However if thr needles are moved around the entire fistula grows and it helps maintain a good clearance level.  But if you are nervous see the vascular surgeon.  In addition if you raise your arm over your head you can feel and see the blood run out this is a good sign if it does not go see the vascular surgeon. 

[Rerun]

Yes, you need to go see your vascular surgeon and see what he/she thinks.  At least you have a good one.   

[Treasure]

I had a similar issue with my fistula and had it banded. But then I moved from California to Texas, and the fool...er, vascular surgeon, I saw here blew out the band because he refused to listen to me. Since then I bleed all over the place after some of my treatments,  and I have really high pressures. I got to the vascular surgeons-- supposedly, the best in Austin-- twice a year and they don't address the problem. I get a ballooning of my fistula and I'm sent on my way. This has been happening for six years now, since moving to Texas.

[kickingandscreaming]

The degree of incompetence and/or indifference out there is breath taking.

[Dualref]

The degree of incompetence and/or indifference out there is breath taking.

You got that right! I have come across far many more incompetent doctors than I have ones that really know what they are doing. It's up to the patient to determine who is right for them and who isn't. That's a sad state of affairs.

[dialysisuser82]

   I knew a patient with the same problem you have, except his was increasing in a space of a few years.  He could hear his heart beating and thumping in his head.  One day the fistula blew up. And yes,

 his heart was in trouble...

   One thing I can say is you "must" be pro-active at searching for the best surgeon, make it your priority.  I have seen horrible fistula done on patients, I am speechless!  Many patients do not ask

questions nor care to be involved. 

   Personally I am extremely meticulous.  I ask staffs, nurses and other patients with a good fistula, i.e. on the wrist and who is their surgeon etc... I am like a hawk with the lab. chemistry, I would get the

real thorough print out and analyze my failure for the month before the Neph. would see me. Just a few personal ideas.