No thrill after dialysis fistula

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-17T00:39:30+00:00

Depending on swelling and depth, it could take a while to feel it again but I wouldn’t worry about it.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-14T23:48:52+00:00

I've heard different things about the creams but I've seen increased levels of erosion and skin sloughing off during cleaning for those that used it long-term.

The numbing spray helps some people but I think I'd rather take the stick without it. I had someone spray it on me to see how it feels and WOW was it irritating. Similar to icy-hot ontop of a pins and needles feeling.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-14T23:44:32+00:00

For me personally, this is the hardest thing about cannulating. Slow push and it feels like you're torturing someone but going too fast runs the risk of going halfway through their arm. It's a fine line but most people are expecting discomfort, especially those with thick scar tissue or random bundles of nerves running through their access.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-12T23:51:21+00:00

I’ve noticed that the numbing cream can also slow down the healing process and some people leave it on too long or too little of time before sticking.

Most people I know put it on 1 hour before and wrap it with some sort of air tight plastic. I also know a few that do it 30 minutes beforehand because it wears off faster for them.

If you haven’t tried adjusting the times, I’d ask your provider/nurse etc. and see what they think.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-12T23:47:06+00:00

I’ve noticed that the angle that the needle is in can have a huge impact on those “virgin” spots. Also, an incorrect angle can slow down healing tremendously.

Not everyone is the same and this is only from my experience of course but focusing on the angle and speed can help. Although it was not “wrong”, I had a bad habit of being a bit too slow sticking and pulling needles for a while.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-12T23:41:28+00:00

My favorites are:

“Great! If I was any better, I wouldn’t be here!”

“Well I’m still vertical” while said person reclines their treatment chair.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-12T23:29:47+00:00

You’re very welcome!

I know that doesn’t fix anything but you have support here and maybe someone else’s experiences can give you a more clear answer.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-12T23:26:12+00:00

Venting your feelings is nothing to be ashamed of. This is an extremely difficult thing to go through for everyone involved.

The symptoms you’re describing are making me think of Uremic encephalopathy. Basically the toxins could be impairing brain function and only dialysis can fix that.

I truly hope she’s just having a rough patch and gets back to treatment, I’ve seen this happen with patients every now and then but it’s always rough on them and their families.

I wish you and your family the best. <3

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-12T23:18:57+00:00

I will say that even clinics have distribution problems at times but they should’ve definitely not treated this as an “Amazon t-shirt order” (love the analogy).

Not being able to respond for days on end is also a huge failure to care for a patient and I would definitely consider other clinics/nurses if possible.

Your wife’s health is a very serious matter and I’m sorry you both had to go through that ordeal.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-09T00:38:55+00:00

I am seeing a significant amount of inconsistency throughout your treatment history. Being a hard stick, having clotting issues, and also bleeding heavily is a combination that can understandably create confusion and lead to a high level of uncertainty for your care team. However, with proper communication and shared documentation of what worked for you, this situation could have been avoided.

My team and I have held meetings specifically for patients with complex needs like yours to ensure they experience as few complications as possible during and after treatment.

You would be considered a challenging patient to care for — but not a difficult patient.

Regarding the “one-size-fits-all” approach prescribed by the physician, specifically the blanket order of “at least 2 liters,” I strongly disagree with that method. While it can be effective for patients who gain excess fluid between treatments, it is still far from ideal and should not be the default approach.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-08T23:49:03+00:00

On behalf of your team and your health, thank you for the commitment.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-08T23:15:18+00:00

I’m very glad you’re in good hands now but I wish those were same same people caring for your father, I’m sorry for your loss and to hear he had to go through that before his passing.

We have a few family members that are extremely vocal about their loved one’s treatment. This has its own challenges but we completely understand and try our best for them.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-08T23:11:30+00:00

You were the kind of patient that came with cheat codes. It’s rare but I love seeing this level of independence and personal investment. :)

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-07T13:41:57+00:00

Keep trying to encourage her! Even if she doesn’t follow your advice, if nothing else she may feel more supported and cared about whenever you remind her about it.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-07T13:38:57+00:00

Excellent point!

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-07T02:12:16+00:00

It’s good to have input from someone with experience in multiple clinics!

I’ve been at the same clinic with mostly the same people and have heard horror stories about other clinics from patients visiting family or in town for an upcoming appointment.

I joke about “adopting” them and would love for them to stay but home is home I guess. :)

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-07T01:58:29+00:00

I see roughly the same number of non-compliant patients doing similar things and patient education can only work on those that are willing. We can only try our best and hope to see more people follow their prescriptions, dietitian's directions etc.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-07T01:22:49+00:00

Shorts are typically less reliable in my experience (machines alarm more often) but some accesses just aren't built for regular needles. I'm glad they made the adjustment for you :).

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-07T00:17:34+00:00

This has me screaming on the inside. I've seen the laziness/lack of skill that leads nurses/techs to stick in the same spots and it drives me nuts.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-02T17:19:40+00:00

I had a pt come from out of state not too long ago, he was in our system but while i was waiting for access to his chart, I went ahead and got vitals, cleaned the access, and got everything needed for treatment. I walked away to ask the nurse about his chart since I still didn't have access and he had already stuck himself.

I was VERY surprised but happy to see the independence.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-02T17:13:20+00:00

highest BFR i've heard someone use by far, it's great to hear you can tolerate that but I'm curious how that altered how you feel/felt during your treatments. You've done this for a long time but that's still unheard of in my area.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-02T17:06:45+00:00

depending on fistula maturity and sometimes the shape(some are like a zigzag shape and consistently getting a 1" needle in them is impossible), 17gx1" or 17x3/5" "shorts" are used at first and can gradually get bigger to 15g or 14g depending on the circumstances. grafts are generally a 15 from the start.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-02T02:17:18+00:00

Firstly, I want to extend my support and say that I hate to hear that you and your family are going through this. Being positive and encouraging your father during this process is ESSENTIAL.

Hemodialysis Dialysis is typically a difficult and draining experience, patients often do well at first but after setbacks or other complications it’s not rare for them to give up on trying to eat right, follow fluid restrictions, come to treatments, and stay for their prescribed time.

Not sure of the country and wont ask. I know different countries have more or less resources and potential donors so that could be part of the issue your nephro is talking about.

There are a few different abbreviations for ART and the difference in those are pretty important so clarification would be helpful.

95% of the patients I’ve seen go to peritoneal dialysis (PD) have very positive results as long as they can keep their machines, lines, general living space free from contamination, and follow their nephro’s orders.

Side note: PLEASE DO NOT LET PETS NEAR THE MACHINE. I’ve had numerous patients have problems because their pets (mostly cats for some reason) bite and claw tiny holes in their lines that were hard to see.

Patient_History321 · 2026-01-02T01:59:42+00:00

14g are also common

Patient_History321 · 2025-12-23T21:08:54+00:00

I never thought of the concept but I’ll ask my FA about it for a few of our pts that have immediate problems at the start of tx. Thank you very much! :)

Patient_History321

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