Most written texts state that you can no longer wear a watch on your AV Fistula wrist, The basis being that no tight pressure should be applied, at the wrist or further up the arm.
I asked my nephrologist and his opinon was that tight watch bands are completely out of the question. But a loose one, such as a NATO strap, Silicone, etc might be possible but it would be the patient's own choice. He pointed out that many doctors simply give a blanket "no".
So my question is; are there any hemodialysis patitients here with an AV Fistula who wear a watch on their fistula arm?
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Snowcountry
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I don't wore watches even before dialysis. After fistula surgery doctors did recommended avoid using this hand for blood pressure control, lifting high weights, and any traumas. I don't want to check my luck with it.
Even though I had my transplant almost 19 years go, my nephrologist told me that I cannot have anything done above the wrist on the arm where I had my fistula. No blood draws, no blood pressures, etc. She said I can have blood drawn from the veins on my hand, but phlebotomist are always afraid and reluctant to even do that. I had never heard about not wearing a watch. I guess I can see where it would be a problem if the watch is tight.
I wear my watch 24/7 on the arm with the fistula. I haven't caught too much flak over it, except once, when I was receiving my first few treatments. It's not tight and moves around easily. One factor to consider is where your fistula is. Mine is, basically, on my left bicep. I imagine, if my fistula were lower, like on my forearm, it would make wearing a watch more of a problem.
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