Today I had my appointment to have my veins scanned in preparation for hemodialysis. Unfortunately it was found that my veins are too small and will not develop into a proper fistula, I will therefore have an arteriovenous graft done.

What is an arteriovenous graft?

If you have small veins that won’t develop properly into a fistula, you can get a vascular access that connects an artery to a vein using a synthetic tube, or graft, implanted under the skin in your arm. The graft becomes an artificial vein that can be used repeatedly for needle placement and blood access during hemodialysis. A graft doesn’t need to develop as a fistula does, so it can be used sooner after placement, often within 2 or 3 weeks.

Compared with properly formed fistulas, grafts tend to have more problems with clotting and infection and need replacement sooner. However, a well-cared-for graft can last several years.

How should I take care of my vascular access?

You can take several steps to protect your access:

• Make sure your nurse or technician checks your access before each treatment.
• Keep your access clean at all times.
• Use your access site only for dialysis.
• Be careful not to bump or cut your access.
• Don’t let anyone put a blood pressure cuff on your access arm.
• Don’t wear jewelry or tight clothes over your access site.
• Don’t sleep with your access arm under your head or body.
• Don’t lift heavy objects or put pressure on your access arm.
• Check the pulse in your access every day.

That was my medical news for today, tomorrow I will have the kidney xrays and stomach scan. Once again I was met with efficiency and friendly staff – even not speaking a word of Italian as yet… and my “no cappische” was met with smiles.

Rita