New Information on my AV Fistula...

[kellyt]

Hi everyone.

Well, I stopped by my Neph's office today to show him my new fistula (done Thursday a.m.).  And, as suspected by my new friends here at IHD  , he said that my fistula isn't working.  He immediately made a call to the vascular surgeon's office and they called me back just now.  I'm going into the VS's office tomorrow a.m. and then possibly back to surgery.  Thanks to ALL who responded and urged me to have this checked out.   

Now, what happen's in a fistula "do over"?  Do they normally go into the same incision?  Create a new incision?  How does insurance look at this - as a whole new surgery or as a follow-up?  HELP!

[BigSky]

I had my fistula revamped several months down the road from the initial operation and on the revamp they went in through the same incision.

However it may depend on your surgeon.

[Black]

I'm so glad you didn't wait!!  But, I'm sorry it was bad news. 

If I were you I would ask the vascular surgeon many questions -- especially why he thinks it didn't work, what ALL of the alternatives are now, and is there anything YOU and/or HE can do to improve the odds of getting a good result. 

Also, do not rule out getting another opinion from a vascular surgeon in another practice.

Let's hope it just needs a minor revision. 

So you don't have to go through this again, I'd also ask if they have a stethoscope you can borrow for a few days to monitor your fistula when they get it working again, and what you should do if you listen and there is no "buzz".  If they feel guilty enough they may loan you one so you don't have to buy one.  

[boxman55]

Sorry to hear that Kellyt, May I suggest that if the VS can't fix the one you just had done to get a second opinion from a differant VS. For help with that ask the head access nurse at your center for help. Also I would highly recommend having vein mapping done before the second surgery if that is what will be needed. That is very important to determine a successful conclusion.....Boxman
Your insurance will look at it as a failed operation and as mine did, allow the second one, but vein map first!!!

[kellyt]

Thanks Boxman.   I had vein mapping one week prior to my surgery.  The VS said my veins were "beautiful".  I'm hoping this is something that is easily fixable.  I see him tomorrow a.m.

Thanks for the info on the insurance.  That makes me feel a little better. 

[kellyt]

It's confirmed.  Bad fistula!       I go back Oct 31st for my "do over".  He's going higher up the arm.

Thanks again everyone for your help and concern.

Kelly ~*

[boxman55]

Sorry Kellyt, but it seems that around this site most everyone has had much better success withe the 2nd attempt as will you...Boxman

[Sluff]

Sorry to hear this kellyt .  I sure hope the second one works for you.

[charee]

It's confirmed.  Bad fistula!       I go back Oct 31st for my "do over".  He's going higher up the arm.

Thanks again everyone for your help and concern.

Kelly ~*

   hey Kelly the same thing happened to me the one on the wrist didn't work from the start went back a week later and they put in an upper arm one, its been working from the start, i have had it 1 year and been using it since April without too many hassles. Good luck with yours.

[kellyt]

Thanks Charee.  That makes me feel better!  How painful is dialysis in your upper arm?  I would assume pretty painful. 

[charee]

Thanks Charee.  That makes me feel better!  How painful is dialysis in your upper arm?  I would assume pretty painful. 

I do buttonhole the pain of the needles going in isn't to bad, but i get alot of pain after the needles are in, they think its something to do with the nerves, Iam having a nerve conductivity study done on 26th October but some days are pain free so no one seems to know whats going on, hopefully the study will show something, oh another thing is that i have a very short fistula, not much room to needle so thats why doing buttonhole is good for me. Here is a close pic of my fistula. Good luck and keep us posted.

[kellyt]

Can you tell me more about "button holes"?  Are "button holes" an option or a Plan B?
Also, how long did it take your elbow fistula to heal?

Thanks so much!

[kellyt]

Never mind, Charee.  I found information on button holes in the FAQ forum. 

[charee]

Never mind, Charee.  I found information on button holes in the FAQ forum. 

sorry kelly, it took about 3 weeks for the bruising to go, it was black and blue i do bruise really easy, for the first 2 weeks i took a pillow with me to rest it on, had one in the car when i got out of hospital which helped heaps with the trip home. Buttonhole is very new here in aus its been at my training centre for 3 years and they encourage most people to give it ago.

[angellady07]

I'm sorry to hear of your fistula problems. Wishing you a speedy recovery with your upcoming surgery.

[keefer51]

Kellyt, I had two fistulas in my right arm that never worked. They just never matured. I got a new doc. and he did my left arm with success. It is a upper arm fistula. Like Charee mine can be painful due to the nerve. I only have two or three techs that get it right. Mine starts at the crease of my arm and continues up to my arm pit. It's the second needle that can be painful. However it is a good fistula. The cream helps but only with the stick of the needle.