Time for Fistula?: I'm a male 79 years old... - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

13,256 members5,349 posts

Time for Fistula?

Rognoni profile image
3 Replies

I'm a male 79 years old. My Creatinine level is at 4.0 and my GFR is at 13. I finally decided to do In-Center HD. From other members experience, am I still on time to have a Fistula put in? Will it mature on time when dialysis is needed to start? Trying to avoid access in the neck. Also, according to a recent AAKP article, EV (Endovascular) Fistula, is available, it's suppose to be less invasive procedure with better outcome, perhaps shorter time to mature. Has anyone used it? I value this group's members feedback. Thank you.

Written by
Rognoni profile image
Rognoni
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
3 Replies

Since I'm not on dialysis I can't speak to your question directly, but I have to ask. Have you spoken yet with your nephrologist and if known, the doctor who will do the surgery? Each of us is different and will respond accordingly to the procedure and those two medical professionals will be better able to answer your questions. Best of luck.

Darlenia profile image
Darlenia

Hi Rognoni. In my personal opinion, you'll do fine getting your fistula now - it should have time to mature before you go on dialysis if your labs and blood pressure aren't radically changing. If you wait too long, however, then you do risk hospitalization and multiple procedures - much harder on a person. My husband fits into the later group. My husband waited too long and was hospitalized for an emergency catheter (placed in his chest) and immediate hemodialysis (HD). The precipitating factor was exceptionally high blood pressure (240s/120s) that threatened his life no matter how many pills and blood thinning treatments he received. Dialysis took care of the problem. After being on HD, my husband then switched to peritoneal dialysis (PD) so we can't speak to fistulas. But what was instrumental to our choice of surgeon was a discussion with our dialysis center staff. A PD nurse gave my hubby a list of surgeons and their availability. As she did so, she tapped on one and quietly said, "This is the surgeon for you. He does the best work. Wait for him if you need to. I've never had a patient return here with problems that he created." She then went on to relate some issues that she had seen - an improper cath placement that was hard to access, another placement that interfered with movement, etc. So, my advice to you is to check in at the dialysis center you will be using, and talk to the nurse, specifically in charge of HD, there. If you haven't done so yet, you can always ask your nephrologist for an orientation at that center while mentioning that you would also like to speak to a nurse there that's very knowledgeable about fistulas and your choice of dialysis. As a couple also in our 70s, we wish you well on your journey to better health!

Rognoni profile image
Rognoni in reply toDarlenia

Thank you Darlenia for sharing your experience with me. You're a very caring person.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

difficulty with fistula

my fistula didn't work out as well as predicted, and i am considered a "hard stick" I remind...

Need reassurance for upcoming fistula surgery

Hi! I am in CKD stage 5 and my last GFR was 13. Other than anemia, which I’ve been getting EPO...
Sapphire187 profile image

Getting Ready For a Fistula, am nervous, any advice?

I had a ultrasound of both arms and passed for a fistula but was told by the surgeon it could take...
jdapja profile image

Need advice about fistula please

Hello! I had my first surgery for a fistula yesterday. Surgeon connected my brachial artery to...
Sapphire187 profile image

Facing eventual dialysis and need to decide whether to do it when time comes.

Hi, I am new to this forum and would like further info and insight from those on hemo. I am 78...
Doremikid profile image

Moderation team

See all
PattyM_NKF profile image
PattyM_NKFModerator
DorisL_NKF profile image
DorisL_NKFModerator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.