AV Fistula Question

[Kmpopsicle]

Hi, good evening everyone! I had an upper arm brachiobasilic av fistula done on June 21 of this year as advance preparation for future HD. It seems to have healed well and has a strong thrill, also says the surgeon, but since my last check up about 3 weeks ago I've been having weakness in my forearm muscles and hand with use. Also my hand cramps easily with use. Can anyone relate to this? Wondering if it's something that will get better with time, maybe due to the redirecting of blood flow? I exercise my hand and forearm with a hand squeeze ball a couple times a day. I'm going to call the vascular surgeon tomorrow about this, was just wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Thanks!

[pryderi]

Hi, unfortunately this does happen and you get on with it, looking for alternative ways of doing things. The cramps have improved over time as has the weakness but I still get periods of numbness, not quite pins and needles. Exercises do help, but don't carry too much Ch, I'm sure we're told nothing heavier than 5kg or 10lb

[KidneyCoach]

Your post is now 2 days old so you've already contacted your vascular surgeon. What did they say or do? To be honest your symptoms are good indicators of steal syndrome so please stay on top of this. I may be completely wrong as I'm not a Doctor but I've had those symptoms before. Keep talking to surgeon until you get answers. Blessings

[Kmpopsicle]

Thanks for the replies. The doctor didn't think it sounded like anything out of the norm but going for an ultrasound to be sure.