'Built in stress meter'

[IgAn1976]

Does anyone else with a fistula in your arm find it feels a little sore/uncomfortable when you're stressed?
That happens to me.

[rheaybou]

No fistula for me, I have a vein on my temple that stands out when BP is high.....its my work based warning for people with bad news/stupid questions!

[IgAn1976]

No fistula for me, I have a vein on my temple that stands out when BP is high.....its my work based warning for people with bad news/stupid questions!

Lol.. I had a boss like that. I used to think it was going to burst.

[rheaybou]

When I can hear it pulsing its time for a tea break!

If nature was really any good it would flash red as a primal warning to leave me alone

[IgAn1976]

Really?
I get that with my fistula. The worst is at night when I lean on my hand, or if my ear is on the arm of the leather sofa, and my arm is touching it, it's like hearing bass through earphones. It can be annoying and it can be interesting.

[rheaybou]

The thought of a fistula frightens me to death, I guess a PD tube is no less impactive on life/lifestyle. Having a fistula would make me feel that my CKD is for life (i know it is) and be a permanent fixture to remind you of the joys of dialysis even if you have been lucky enough to get a donor kidney.

I guess you could also look at it in a positive light, its the thing that saves my life every day/3 days.

[cazpi]

I'm the other way round, the thought of a PD tube freaks me right out, but the fistulas I've seen and felt seem almost nice in a wierd way. There's something comforting about the vibration, like a cat's purring, it holds no fear for me. Maybe I'm just strange.

[Thumps]

No, I'm with you cazpi - the idea of a tube sticking out of my belly is awful, I think I'd be much more comfortable with a fistula.

[bigbuzzard]

For me, the PD tube being temporary until a transplant happens seemed more attractive than a permanent fistula, that would still be there after a transplant. Also, I'm susceptible to bad scarring - keloids - so I was worried I might be a more likely candidate for a fistula growing, in the way that they can do.

[rheaybou]

For me, the PD tube being temporary until a transplant happens seemed more attractive than a permanent fistula, that would still be there after a transplant. Also, I'm susceptible to bad scarring - keloids - so I was worried I might be a more likely candidate for a fistula growing, in the way that they can do.

This is how I view it...okay I will be left with a scar where the tube comes out and one below my belly button. It just seems less permanent than a fistula (which it is), which I am sure I will end up having one day. But for me I pray it is a long way down the line.

Plus I hope technology has moved forward by the time I will need Heamo