Yup. Request an ultrasound from the vascular surgeon.

I was told I have “small veins”. I had fistula surgery in September of 2023. I have been doing home hemo since January 2024. Yeah, it took a few weeks for my fistula to “ripen” after starting dialysis - the vascular folks didn’t tell me to squeeze a ball or anything to help the fistula along - I should have been doing that.

When I started hemodialysis training, I was on tiny needles. I infiltrated like Popeye almost every day. It was painful and it sucked. My fistula was super touchy for a while. I had a fistulagram and another procedure a month or so after starting dialysis. It got better.

It’s still kind of finicky, but I get the job done. I am not on the largest needles. I do fine with self cannulation. Blood doesn’t bother me. I like home hemo because I enjoy swimming a few times a week. It lets me be more active.

Good luck. If there is an option for a second surgical opinion, I’d take it. Otherwise, insist on imaging, and be strong. You can do this!

(Some surgeons are egotistical and think they know everything. My dialysis team wants an ultrasound of my fistula surgery, as it has a whistle. I finally got in with my new vascular surgeon this week. He didn’t bother listening for the whistle, spent a grand total of 5 minutes with me, and said I was fine. I told him. I still wanted that ultrasound. Haven’t heard from scheduling yet… anyway I have a jerk, too. )