Fistula problems....

[Mgt8]

Morning all,

Thought I'd ask a question that seems to have everyone stumped.....

I'm quite new to home haemo dialysis and am having problems with my fistula.....

Everyone who examines it at the hospital says it's a really good fistula since I've had one of those little ballons in to widen it. Only problem is, after 2 or 3 hours on dialysis, I have an intermittent contracting pain in my arm. The pain starts small and after 30 mins or so, it becomes so painful, I have to come off early.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Any ideas on how to solve this would be most welcome....

Thanks, Margaret

[Nicolala]

Hi Margaret

Is the pain where your needles are? If so, it sounds to me like the needle could be aggravating a nerve. This can be extremely painful. It can feel like an intermittent stabbing pain, a hot shooting pain or like a dull ache. If you use sharps, do you get pain if you resite the needle? If you use buttonholes, it might be worth considering creating a new track.

I too have pain- mine is in one track and only happens when I put the needle in, but settles down once it's in position. It started recently yet my fistula is over 16 years old. It's like sticking a red hot shard of glass into my arm. I've also had two fistulaplasties (balloon) but they haven't cured it. My fistula is extremely powerful too- in the past it was too strong to be read by a transonic machine!

It's terrible dialysing with a painful fistula and I do feel for you. If it is connected to the position of your needles, it might be easily solved. Other than that, I'm not sure. I hope you get sorted.

Nikki.

[Mgt8 in reply to Nicolala]

Thanks for your reply, going to try resiting the needle today....fingers crossed....

[Hidden]

2 things I can think of, as you dialyse your dehydrating. It could be enough to have the edge of a needle touch the edge of a nerve in your fistula.

Do you use any numbing creams etc.. As they wear off, any underlying pains will return.

Can you alter the angle/depth of the needle. Presumably you self needle if your at home?

also see if theres anything under the general info that might help.

esrdncc.org/ffcl/for-ffcl-p...

nhs.uk/Conditions/Dialysis/...

Fistula Fanatic:

Facebook page for better fistula care:

facebook.com/purplechick820...

[Mgt8 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply, rehydration didn't seem to work but I will try your links to hunt for further information.....