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
Upper Arm brachiocephalic fistula - two sur... - Kidney Disease
Upper Arm brachiocephalic fistula - two surgeries
Written by
barbara55109
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
•
WYOAnneNKF 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?
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.
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?
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.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Fistula pain
I've had a fistula for 2 years. I have NOT started dialysis yet. My GFR has stayed in the mid...
Fistula won't work
I am having a bad time with my fistula! It's been 7 months since fistula was done. I've had 3...
Recovery from AV Fistula Surgery
Day 3 of Recovery from the AV Fistula Surgery
You don’t know what you have until it is gone. Only...
Fistula prep
What kind of things do people have to do to prepare for a fistula ? It's not time for me but i...
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...