AV fistula or AV graft?

[TRilo8173]

Hi everyone

I've been on haemodialysis for just over 2 months now, since vasculitis destroyed my kidneys. I am due to have the operation to create a fistula as soon as I get a date through from the hospital. I'm right handed, but unfortunately the veins in my left arm are no good for creating a fistula. So I either have to chose my right arm for the fistula, or chose an AV graft (plastic tube in place of the vein) in my left arm. Does anyone have any experience of the AV graft type of fistula.?

[I844]

I began haemodialysis with a graft in my left arm, after a failed attempt to make a fistula in that arm. It failed after one year of dialysis.So a fistula was then made in my right arm, which , with occasional repairs, I am still using 23 years later.

[TRilo8173 in reply to I844]

Thanks for your reply I844, That will help me towards deciding what I should do. Wishing you all the best.

[KidneyCoach]

Yes, I've had multiple fistulas, grafts and hemigrafts. I had a bovine graft for almost 5 years, loved it. I'm now using a synthetic graft in upper left arm (non dominant). I'm happy to answer any questions. Blessings

[TRilo8173 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks for your reply Kidney Coach. How long have you been dialysing.? Do you think that there are more problems with a graft compared to a standard fistula.?

[KidneyCoach]

I've been on dialysis nearly 20 years. Yes, grafts can be more problematic however they can still be very helpful. Blessings

[TRilo8173 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks KidneyCoach. Helpful because they allow someone to have a fistula even if there veins aren't good? What problems have you encountered with grafts.?