Has anyone experienced shortness of breath and an intolerance of exercise directly after fistula placement? I started coughing immediately.

[janefrances317]

It is now been almost 6 months since placement and I still cannot walk to the bathroom without being severely out of breath

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Janefrances, I would call your doctor immediately. I do not think there is a correlation to having the surgery and being short of breath. However, if your kidney function has declined more, yes, then you would be short of breath. Also check to see what you hemoglobin and hemocrit are and if your blood is getting well oxygenate.

[Tolmezzo in reply to Bassetmommer]

Super Comment👍

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

You should definitely be notifying your doctor ASAP regarding your short of breath!! This is not a common side effect. Bassetmommer is right, that this is probably not related to your fistula surgery. It could be that your CKD has progressed.Call your doctor now!