Fistula - what are you're experiences?

[DSharpe]

I am a 68 year old female with kidney function now at 13-14 and my doctor has said that now is the time to take me off the suspended transplant list and also put me forward for a fistula. I am quite concerned about how a fistula will look and affect me. Can anyone tell me their experience of this procedure?

[Nicolala]

Hi D sharp

I am on my 3rd fistula-a brachial (inside of elbow) one. These tend to be more successful than radial (wrist) ones.

Firstly, it's impossible to predict what yours will look like. We are all anatomically different. You may find that arm is slightly weaker in time. Dr's tend to use your less dominant arm-ie if you're right-handed, they'll put it in the left arm.

My experience - my first fistula was very powerful, but hideous. I was only 20 and very conscious of it, especially in summer. My 2nd one was a wrist one, and my 3rd, lasting 16 yrs so far, is scarred. Both arms are scarred. I work in primary school. When children ask about them, I give them an honest, but nice version.

Finally- fistulas are not always a success. Be prepared for that. But most importantly, they are the safest way to dialyse, with lower infection risk and longer life span.

I hope this helps. Please ask anything else you need to know.

[Nicolala in reply to Nicolala]

Oh and the procedure 😊

Most Dr's prefer general anaesthetic. Your arm after will be bruised and sore for about a week. You should be able to feel the 'buzz' straight away. You may be given some exercises to help strengthen it, and the longer it can be left before use, at least 6 weeks ideally, the better.

[Hidden]

A good fistula is a lifeline/insurance and is a better form of 'access' for dialysis than a neckline. Some can look 'ugly' .

Much depends on the condition of your veins etc. I had my fistula created about 30 years ago as a child, and its been a love hate relationship with it ever since. I actually hated the needles more than the fistula, then learned to self needle, which hurt a lot less.

You can find out more about fistulas here:

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

nhs.uk/Conditions/Dialysis/...

Fistula Fanatic:

Facebook page for better fistula care:

facebook.com/purplechick820...

[Tiki02]

My husband had a fistula fitted in August in preparation for dialysis, his left arm has a neat straight scar that you wouldn't notice if not pointed out. He had not gone on dialysis yet as he has been on the border line for months. Don't let it worry you, the surgeons are great with these.