Just had the operation for a fistula what’s the earliest you can start using it for dialysis

[Bubbles1000]

Hi

I had my fistula operation 3 weeks ago and just had my blood results back and my GFR is now down to 6, I have an appointment with my consultant next week but wanted to ask what is the earliest you can start using a fistula, I know it normally takes 6-8 weeks to mature. I am worried that I won’t last out until it’s matured enough. (I currently don’t have any symptoms yet but worried I might get ill all of a sudden)

[Hidden]

Howdy...Sorry to hear about your ESRD, but rest assured that a) they have methods to start you ASAP and b) dialysis will make you feel much better. I know it’s preferable to start with your fistula but they can also put in a temporary catheter in your chest. I had a similar one placed right before my transplant just in case they needed it for quick access. I also was on PD for 5 weeks — I just couldn’t make it to my transplant with a BUN of 100. At that time we weren’t sure if my living donor was an actual candidate so I decided to have the PD catheter placed. PD dropped my BUN to mid 40s within a few weeks snd felt much better.

Just remember dialysis and/or transplant are life saving techniques. Cool!

[Bubbles1000 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice it’s been really helpful and do nice to talk to somebody else going through the same thing, I gather you have had a transplant now, how did that go? How do you feel now? I am currently just been put on the transplant list so hoping it won’t be too long until get one .

[Hidden in reply to Bubbles1000]

Howdy Bubbles1000...I feel really great. I haven't had any real problems except for the balancing of electrolytes (e.g. low magnesium) and some low BP. Last month was probably the most difficult as the prophylactic antiviral caused my WBC to plummet. They removed that and placed me on a, temporary, anti infective. That drug dropped my hemoglobin by 2-3 points. Dropped that and my labs last Thursday were, seemingly, very good. Creatinine was back to my upper baseline of 1.2.

I did have a transplant this past September. Albeit my wife was not a blood/tissue match, our transplant nurse had a mother/daughter paired with us almost from the beginning. I went in on January 8th and 9 months later I had a new kidney. Covid really delayed the testing for all four of us. And, my wife had a pre-diabetes A1C. She lost weight and ate well — in six months her A1C was perfectly normal. She is an Angel!

Although, I was on PD for only 5 weeks, it really made me feel better. Like I said my BUN was nearly 100 — I think that's the measure of how toxic your blood is since that's really the big thing they look at in your dialysis labs. The only problem I had with PD was trying to sleep well without twisting/laying on the line from the machine to my catheter. When there was an obstruction I would get a loud beeping alarm from the Baxter machine and then fix the problem. On a good night I had usually 1 alarm. On a bad night maybe 2 or 3.

I chose PD since there was a chance that I would have to opt for a graft rather than a fistula — they wouldn't know until they did the surgery. I really wanted to do something I could do at home — either PD or home hemodialysis. Since you are doing both within the confines of your home, my wife said, there is less chance for us to screw up in PD. Home hemodialysis, seems cool, but I watched a video of the steps involved. Wow! Since it was/still is COVID Time, Baxter wouldn't pick up my unused dialsysate. I still have 20 boxes.

My wife always reminded me that whether it be dialysis, transplant or both — they were both life saving technologies.

I'm sending positive vibes your way for a smooth transition to dialysis or a new kidney. PM me if you need any encouragement!

Blessings,

Christopher