Fistula are so ugly and get worse over time. Is there an alternative?
Fistula X : Fistula are so ugly and get... - Kidney Transplant...
Fistula X
Written by
smashandgrab
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6 Replies
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Yes, there is an alternative. It's call Peritoneal Dialysis. Speak to your Consultant as there are 2 options: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) or
Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD). I chose CAPD as this does not involve using a machine. You will need to have a catheter inserted but unlike a Fistula, which is ugly and permanent, the catheter can be removed post transplant. I was on CAPD for 5 years and it worked really well for me. Good Luck and don't give up hope, there is a lot of support for you out there. Take care
With CAPD you have to be very careful to keep everything clean to prevent infection. My uncle suffered constant bouts of peritonitis that eventually led to his doctor deciding to go the more traditional route of fistula and dialysis.
I was unsuitable for CAPD as I have PKD and my kidneys took up most of the available space. When my fistula was created, the surgeon created a shallow 'dip' in my arm. Over time, the fistula caused the dip to fill in. I never had the ugly lump.
However, I had a transplant and no longer used the fistula. This caused a build up of pressure in my arm, this in turn caused my arm to swell to nearly twice the size of my other arm. I had the fistula tied off but NOW I have an ugly lump as a blood clot formed and hardened.
Given the choice, I would try the CAPD first. It certainly seems to be the most convenient option. If it doesn't suit you, then you can always opt for the fistula later.
Whichever option you choose, good luck 
I am trying APD but it has caused a build up of fluid in my lung which the kidney team think has been caused by holes in my diaphragm and can be a side effect of CAPD and APD. I may have to have haemodialysis whilst it is mending and then start again. Has anybody else had a fluid build up?
• in reply tosmashandgrab
Hi, I'm afraid fluid in the lungs is par for the course with dialysis. Less fluid you drink the better. When I dialysed it was twice a week and the target was to remove 1.5 litres. If it was 2 litres the nurses would be a bit annoyed. I've seen someone on a ward go and have 3 litres removed, it's really destructive.
In reply to your original question, my fistula is a menace ! But what can you do ? Didn't much like capd as I never got any sleep.
yes there is you can do the stomach pump. that requires a very clean environment. the good thing about a fistula it lets you know you still living
Sometimes living is over rated!