Blown vein

[Ianm]

Been on dialysis now for 4 sessions and my arm has bruised due to my vein blowing and it's started to hurt quite a lot every time I move it please help

[I844]

In my experience ( I've been on haemo for 20 years) the nursing staff should be able to provide you with a cream to help draw the bruising. If it is badly blown they may be able to put you on single needle dialysis as a temporary measure. All of this of course depends on local protocols so do speak to your nurses, stressing the amount of pain it is causing. For future reference with experience you become very aware of when a 'blow' is about to happen so you can call a nurse* immediately to pre-empt it. I hope this helps.

*I've found the best way is to shout - sometimes bells are not answered promptly enough!

[Ianm in reply to I844]

Thanks

[Nicolala]

Hi ianm

A blown fistula is very common in the early days of dialysis and is extremely painful. It happens because the delicate fistula fall is not yet strong enough to withstand the trauma of a large needle. Until all the bruising comes it will be very sore. It will get better and blows will be fewer. In the past I have been given a cream called Lasonil to help bring out the bruise and lessen the pain. Whether or not it's still available I don't know. There's not a lot you can do to be honest. Take paracetamol and make sure staff at your unit keep a close eye on it. There's always been a train of thought suggesting blows make the fistula stronger! Not sure about that to be honest!

[Ianm in reply to Nicolala]

Thanks