Shortly after I started dialysis, the little fingers on both hands became sore and painful at the first joint turning inward, and on dialysis I feel numbness in the little finger on my access hand. Outside of dialysis, the numbness subsides. I showed it to my nephrologist and he says it wasn't caused by the machine but is osteo arthritis. Is it common for dialysis patients to have numbness or experience deterioration of their finger joints?

Not necessarily finger joint deterioration, but it is common to have osteo arthritis or renal osteodystrophy.

The biggest thing you can do to help prevent further progression of renal osteodystrophy is to control your phosphorus levels. By doing so, your calcium levels will be maintained in an appropriate range at all times.

Carol

If you have an A/V fistula, you may beexperiencing what is called "stea" syndrome, in that more blood is being redirected through it than to the hand. Also, some present with carpal tunnel syndrome from nerves irritated by the change in blood flow.

I have an upper arm fistula, and my whole arm and hand tend to be cold, especially if held in the same position for a long period of time, such as in tx.. I usually bring a sweater and wrap my hand. I'm thinking of getting mittens! The vascular surgeon said it's a normal problem, normal for a dialysis patient that is. Lin.