Well they wanted me to come back for vein mapping on a non dialysis day so we went in. Basically same results...my veins are tiny and probably won't support a fistula so a graft is the next option. I'm waiting for the surgeon to review the file and give me a call. At that point they will schedule surgery.
I talked to the nurses at my center and there are several with grafts, even one lady on my shift. The nurse said while grafts were able to be used sooner punching through the tube connecting the vein and artery can be harder than with a fistula. I'm going to see if the lady with the graft will talk to me about what it's like.
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horsie63
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Do let us know what you find out as to the specifics for using a graft, in how is it different from using a fistula as you go through all this. Are you considering home hemo, or do you think you will stick with in-center? Or have you decided yet?
Since I haven't heard from the surgeon I have no idea what will happen. I called and talked to the nurse practitioner and she said at that point he hadn't reviewed the results and they had no idea when.
I've done all sorts of research on home hemo, chair size, how much space is needed and best I can tell other than the chair it seems like supplies are space wise like PD. Right now my sticking point is the idea of inserting needles and my husband refuses to do that.
Today, like last month, the EMT's came for a patient. I was leaving and didn't get the details but that scares me. The closest hospitals are small rural ones and are a 30 min drive. Joplin with the big hospital that I was at is an hour drive. Course we could have the life flight helicopter land in our pasture.
As much as I'd like the convenience of home hemo the detractors are too many for me at this time. If we move to a "city" with close by people and my husband didn't work the hours he does then I may revisit the idea.
"Sticking Point"---that's a good one Yep, lots of things to consider when making these decisions. it's a process. At least you will have time to make that decision down the road. You can always switch from in-center to home-demo if the stars align just right for you. I know this has been tough on your husband as well as you.
Definitely hard on him. When I did PD and lost all my strength he helped me with the bags, when I was in the hospital he came every day and sat with me. He drives me to dialysis, doctor appointments, has been there for all my surgeries. He's been the best. When he has to work late or leave after dropping me off I don't let it bother me cause he's been there so much. I don't think needles bother him but I'm not asking him to do that for me.
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Extreme Arm Pain at Fistula site while Doing Dialysis
I feel angry and devalued.
