Due to my tiny veins I’ll probably have to have a graft. Anyone have experience with one? Will I be able to shower? I can’t with this chest catheter.
How long did yours take to heal? Were you able to pick things up? Is there some where I can read about them?
Lots of questions sorry.
Life will be so much better with the AV fistula. They thought when I was going for it they would have to do a graft. Then nope, they then said I wouldn't, but I would have to have two surgeries. One to connect and one to raise the fistula up. Nope, when it was done, I only had the one surgery, and it is fine. The surgery was pretty easy. I did write about it previously. Now, three months later, I do not even notice it unless I touch it and feel the trill. I work out in a pool, and it is fine. No restrictions except lifting. When you first get it done, you have to be careful with carrying things, opening doors or extending too far. Now I used to it, I am actually doing exercises to strengthen it.
Here is my experience healthunlocked.com/nkf-ckd/...
Everything that Bassetmommer said. I don't think that a graft was ever an option for me. Apparently, I have really good blood vessels. I rec'd mine on March 1, and I don't much notice it most of the time, anymore. I haven't needed it yet, but I'm prepped when the time comes.
May I ask why you don't just stay with the catheter? I am curious because I am refusing a fistula. I hav e listened each month for 3 years to the pros and cons and I have decided that this is a better fit for me. Why do you think the fistula/graft would be a better fit?
I am concerned about infection as I’ve been in the hospital way too much already. And I can’t shower with th la. I’m tired of sponge baths.
You can shower with a catheter. I show and I swim in my swimming pool. I had my first catheter for 3 years and I am on my second (as punishment by my Dialysis Center for not getting a fistula). I change my own dressing daily and I you the rolls of shields made for new tattoos on Amazon. Were you told that you could not shower?
I was told not to get it wet. I’m not sure about the tegadern I have being watertight.
We tried doing what the hospital showed but the tape came undone as soon as it got wet.
I’ve been reading the posts about home hemo and I don’t see people with catheters doing it. Although I live with my husband he sometimes works til 7 pm so unless I wait for him I’d be doing it alone.
I’ll have to check with the site manager Tuesday and see if anyone there does home hemo. If it’s doable it would solve several issues I have with getting to and from the clinic.
Please keep posting your experiences.
How long without dialysis
I am my husband’s care giver and I don’t normally share
Clinic experience with PD?
Overwhelming Fatigue 
Digestive symptoms post dialysis 
