You're so VEIN....
Today I met with a vascular surgeon to discuss the next stage in my kidney adventure: the installation of an arteriovenous fistula. A fistula is a type of vascular access for hemodialysis. Since dialysis involves filtering so much blood, the vein used to access the blood has to be big and powerful. Basically, the surgeon will connect a vein and artery in my upper left arm. After doing an ultrasound, it was determined that my best vein is located on the upper arm, the cephalic vein. While they typically try to avoid the dominant arm (I'm left-handed), that vein looks the best, so that's the plan. The surgeon said that the incision will be approximately 2-3 inches long inside my elbow. The surgery is an out-patient procedure, and it's scheduled for Oct. 7. I should also be under complete anesthesia, thank goodness! The procedure should take about 45 minutes, and during the four weeks after the surgery, the fistula should develop as the vein and artery "grow" bigger.
Because my veins are deep, I will probably also have to have a second procedure about four weeks after the fistula surgery. The surgeon would make an incision up the length of my upper arm, tracing the fistula vein, and will "bring it up" closer to the surface of my skin, allowing easier access during dialysis.
Once the fistula is all healed, I'll be ready to start dialysis. Even though I'm a good candidate for at-home dialysis, I'll have to start at a dialysis center. Depending on the schedule, I'll either go to dialysis M-W-F or T-Th-Sa for 3-4 hours each time. I suppose I'll be able to get a lot of Kindle reading done!
Despite having these appointments and knowing that things are "progressing", I'm feeling great. I was very concerned about starting back to work after my last hospital stay, afraid that I'd get sick and have difficulty getting through the workday. So far, though, things have been going well. My energy level is good, my students are wonderful, and I'm feeling strong. In fact, I'm actually really relieved to be at work now because it gives me something else to think about and discuss. I'm finding so much freedom in not having to think about my kidneys every moment of every day. At times I almost forget that I'm sick. I have to remind myself that all of this is really happening. I'm so grateful for that, especially since I know that I could be in so much worse shape or have to deal with constant pain.
As always, my family and friends are amazing. They inspire me every step of the way, reassuring me when I'm nervous or scared, and reminding me that I can do this. I feel so blessed for so many reasons, and I'm trying to remember to savor every moment and love life. Thank goodness an option like dialysis or transplant exists for me! While no one wants to have to deal with a disease like this, I'm so lucky to have excellent doctors and nurses, as well as options for treatment. Even though there's still a long (and bumpy) road ahead, I know that ya'll are all by my side. Thank you so much for your continued love and support.
Hugs,
Jennifer
Because my veins are deep, I will probably also have to have a second procedure about four weeks after the fistula surgery. The surgeon would make an incision up the length of my upper arm, tracing the fistula vein, and will "bring it up" closer to the surface of my skin, allowing easier access during dialysis.
Once the fistula is all healed, I'll be ready to start dialysis. Even though I'm a good candidate for at-home dialysis, I'll have to start at a dialysis center. Depending on the schedule, I'll either go to dialysis M-W-F or T-Th-Sa for 3-4 hours each time. I suppose I'll be able to get a lot of Kindle reading done!
Despite having these appointments and knowing that things are "progressing", I'm feeling great. I was very concerned about starting back to work after my last hospital stay, afraid that I'd get sick and have difficulty getting through the workday. So far, though, things have been going well. My energy level is good, my students are wonderful, and I'm feeling strong. In fact, I'm actually really relieved to be at work now because it gives me something else to think about and discuss. I'm finding so much freedom in not having to think about my kidneys every moment of every day. At times I almost forget that I'm sick. I have to remind myself that all of this is really happening. I'm so grateful for that, especially since I know that I could be in so much worse shape or have to deal with constant pain.
As always, my family and friends are amazing. They inspire me every step of the way, reassuring me when I'm nervous or scared, and reminding me that I can do this. I feel so blessed for so many reasons, and I'm trying to remember to savor every moment and love life. Thank goodness an option like dialysis or transplant exists for me! While no one wants to have to deal with a disease like this, I'm so lucky to have excellent doctors and nurses, as well as options for treatment. Even though there's still a long (and bumpy) road ahead, I know that ya'll are all by my side. Thank you so much for your continued love and support.
Hugs,
Jennifer
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