I use 16 ga. needles with my fistula. Part of the time I get art. pressures of -200 or very close. Other times, some of the art. pressures wil be close to -200 and some will jump up higher to around -210- -235. I run at 350 for 3.5 hours. Are these pressures too high? Do I need to lower my blood pump speed and run longer? My kt/v is usually about 1.8

Generally, I believe that you are just fine.

Is there a reason why you haven't gone to 15 gauge needles?

Carol

I decided to stay with 16 ga. needles as I have read they do less damage over time to the access than a larger needle. I also plan to learn to stick myself, using the buttonhole technique, for the same reason of less wear and tear on my access. In dialysis, I encounter patients who have all kinds of problems with their accesses and have had multiple accesses, because they don't know how to take care of their access. I don't enjoy hospitals and surgery. It was not easy getting a fistula, it doesn't look nice, it isn't pain and discomfort free and the last thing I want is to lose it and have to get another access. Sooo, I try to take good care of the original and pray I don't have to replace it.

Fredricka:

It sounds as if you have an excellent plan. I have heard of patients who have had excellent success with the button hole technique.

You are right on target... the more you are interested in your own care, the better you will do.

Take care,
Carol

Explain this buttonhole technique please.
What type of access do you have?

I have a fistula. Go to the vascular access board for complete info on the buttonhole technique (go to the heading by Lydia).

Hi Frederika, I have a fistula too, run at the same pump speed, and use the same g. needles.
I also recently had a baseline test done on my fistula to determine the adequacy of circulation. I was told to NEVER use clamps, and only hold one site at a time. I was told this would prolong my fistula, in addition to not running too high a pump speed. Good luck! Lin.