Help for my father’s chronic AV fistula blocks (hemodialysis)??

[Katinula]

Hello Everyone, I just joined this community to try and get some answers for my father. He is on hemodialysis three days a week and his AV fistula chronically blocks. Like, once a month. Last November, it blocked three times. I’ve done some research and know it can be common but there aren’t many suggestions for making it NOT happen. He has a good doctor to my knowledge, but he has to travel 1.5 hours to UVA everytime it blocks and he is 83. It’s very hard on my parents. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice. I very much appreciate anything! Thank you!

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I'm so sorry this is happening. Sadly some people its common. He may have higher hemoglobin or the viscosity of blood clots well . Remember a fistula is not normal in the human body. The body's impulse is narrowing the vessel further up to slow down or minimize the unnatural high blood flow running through the vessels. Sadly I am like your father. My vessels react the same way. After 14 arm accesses and over 3 dozen chest, neck and groin catheters I've had well over 150 "procedures" to declot, balloon or Stent open.

Have they considered blood thinners? This could be an option. Ask to speak with his nephrologist about developing a plan to prevent the issue to relieve ongoing stress on your father.

Blood thinners have helped but I still go to intervention 3-4 times yearly. I do get jealous when others talk about having same access for decades. Truth is there is no way to determine how one's body will react to a fistula or graft.

Blessings

Amy

Dialysis 19+ years

[Katinula in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you so much for the insight. I truly appreciate your experience and I’m sorry to hear it’s been that hard for you as well. They are there today at intervention so I will definitely ask them to ask about blood thinner. Thank you so much

[chillx13 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Good Morning,

This may not help with your question of how to stop the blockages, however my parents need to make countless journeys to hospitals due to my moms fistula or kidney related complications. Now that they are in their 80’s, most facilities or your counties department of aging should provide them comfortable transportation to and from. These things are not easy to coordinate or begin but once you do, things should be a little easier for those far away type visits that are crucial.