Anxious about getting fistula

[Travelkid]

hi. I’ve been on HD for several months now and it’s time to get access. I HATE blood draws, or me a year is too much. So now that it’s time to face this, I’m looking for specific questions. How long does it hurt until you don’t feel much in terms of the needles?

[horsie63]

I’m facing this same issue. Right now I have a chest catheter so no needles

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

For you I would suggest asking your nurse for Emla cream or lidocaine cream to apply to your fistula an hour before your treatment. It will numb the area so you won't feel the needles going in. I used it for my fistula and can say that eventually you won't feel the needles even if you skip the cream because of the scar tissue buildup. You can be braver than you think! Also, make sure that you learn your fistula - which areas are best to use and which ones to avoid because there are nerves in that area. You can tell your nurse or tech the best areas to use. Believe me, they don't want to hurt you either! My fistula was close to the surface, so I made sure to tell them that, too to avoid going too deep and causing an infiltration.

[Travelkid in reply to cs65]

Thank you that’s very helpful and reassuring.

[OperationKidney]

I mever had a fistula so Im not much help here but i do want to wish you the best!

[PeaB4YouGo]

I've had mine since March, although I have yet to need it. Of course, once yours is created, it will be several weeks to a few months before it "matures" enough to be used. They tell you to report numbness/tingling in the arm where it is installed. This is because you're essentially running your hand and lower arm at about 70% of your normal blood flow, the rest going thru the fistula, and taking a shortcut back to your heart.

[checkman]

I have had one fistula in each arm. They both clotted and they wanted me to try to get another one—fistula number 3. No way for me, I refuse to get fistulas anymore. Done. I met someone who had EIGHT fistulas all over her body. My scars are enormous and ugly. Besides that, no dialysis tech knew to place the needles in different spots on the fistula and I would get these huge lumps. Almost golf ball size. They did not know what they were doing. I know for a fact they are trained to use that technique, but they don't. This happened at several dialysis centers, the same everywhere. I have had a port for a few years now. The dialysis techs would change my dressing and I ended up with SEVERAL infections and having to get MANY new ports. NO MORE! I now have changed my own dressing for a long time WITHOUT A SINGLE INFECTION. I will never go to needles again and I will never let anyone else change my dressing.

[bestmom247 in reply to checkman]

That a boy Checkman. Be Proactive not Reactive. As for the horrible lumps, that just a side effect that happens with fistulas. I am with you change your own dressings and take care of your site. You will be happier and not have to change your catheter as often.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

healthunlocked.com/nkf-dial... For me it only hurts for a few seconds while being inserted. If you can, learn how to put in your own needles, it's very empowering. Blessings

[bestmom247]

I have had my catheter since I first went on dialysis October 26, 2020. I am not fetting a fistula. The center is not happy with me, but it is my body, my life, my choice.

[Fizzy66 in reply to bestmom247]

I wasn’t aware you could choose..I would rather not have a fistula. are you British.

[bestmom247 in reply to Fizzy66]

No, I am American. I do not know what you healthcare rules are, but we are permitted to take part in our healthcare decisions.

[Fizzy66 in reply to bestmom247]

Thanks I am from Scotland, UK…will ask the renal team at next appointment as my GFR is 13% therefore I have been to talks about options..being peritoneal (which is off the cards for me due to excessive existing scar tissue therefore I was told only haemodialysis would be open to me. It has been discussed which arm to be used for fistula, as it seems to be creeping nearer I really don’t want to go that way, to try peritoneal would be very risky but the surgeon said he would try his best but there is a chance it could go wrong and I could end up with a bag as it would tear the bowel. The only time the chest port was mentioned was if it was an emergency and the fistula hadn’t been made or matured, then the drain would be put is temporarily. I would like this as an option but have you had many infections and how long have you had port. Thanks in advance. The more info I have the better.

[bestmom247 in reply to Fizzy66]

Have had not infections. Have had my original catheter since October 26, 2020. I just had it changed because the dialysis centered bullied me. The Dr. t hat changed it to another permanent catheter was impressed that I was able to keep it for so long. He told me that patients are bullied long and hard until they give in and get a fistula because our centers receive more money from the insuwrance for each fistula in their center.

[Fizzy66 in reply to bestmom247]

Thanks for the information I will speak to them about it. I will be able to see if they will let me opt for the chest port hopefully I can persuade them to let me try it for a while and see how it goes. Hope all goes well for you, take care for now.

[bestmom247 in reply to Fizzy66]

Good Luck.

[Jk2023]

My mam has just had her fistula put in 2 weeks ago ill be glad when she can use it she's had 2 neck lines in which have both been removed and put back in as she caught infections in the line and was in hospital for a few weeks each time its horrific but will be better for infections etc according to her consultant when they can use the fistula