Upper Arm brachiocephalic fistula - two surgeries

[barbara55109]

Has anyone had the two surgery process to get a brachiocephalic fistula in their upper arm? My veins are too small in the lower arm. They are also too deep, so the surgeon said I need 2 operations. What has your experience been in recovery and use of a brachiocephalic fistula? Thanks

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

My veins were too small to make a natural fistula. In my lower arm they put in an AV Graft. Has the surgeon offered you the option of a graft placement?

[barbara55109 in reply to WYOAnne]

The upper arm fistula is usually tried before they use a graft. Grafts have a higher rate of infection and don't last as long. I'm only 58 so I need this to work as long as possible.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to barbara55109]

I have had 14 arm accesses over my nearly 20 years of dialysis. I've had a surgery to raise the access up so it was more shallow. It was okay and fairly easy recovery. Any other questions?

[barbara55109 in reply to KidneyCoach]

How long before I can use my hand. I hate to use all my sick time at work sine I'll need another operation,plus time off for dialysis.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to barbara55109]

You should be able to use your hand after 2 days or so. Be smart, careful but use it. Lots of clinics have 3rd shifts to accommodate daytime workers and there is always home dialysis. Blessings

[barbara55109 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks