Fistula problems

[rascal01]

Second week of using fistula. A tech infiltrated it, could not use for two weeks. Tried to use it again and did not work. Was told may have to use heparin prior to run. I know is not a drug to fool around with. Any side effects to using with dialysis? My blood was very colored and clotted in tubing.

[greenphotographer]

Hey Rascal,

There are very few side effects of using Heparin during dialysis; it's actually a great thing because it prevents clotting of the dialysis system and you losing all of your blood, etc. The half-life (how long the drug is working) is very short (probably an hour or so with ESRD). You may have to hold your access site about 15mins after the end of your treatment to prevent bleeding, but that's about it. If you have an active GI bleed, don't take the medication; it won't CAUSE any internal bleeding, but it may make it worse if it's pre-existing. Hope this helps!

[EDom]

Heparin is just a blood thinner usually used to clear an I.V line or picc line it should be safe and a good idea if ur blood is clotting n clogging ur line

[EDom]

Also xarelto is another one it is an oral blood thinner