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Going home after an operation to form an ateriovenous fistula;
Before you go home, please ask any questions you may have. Please use the telephone numbers if you need advice:
Hull Royal Infirmary, Ward 50: 674980
Hull Royal Infirmary, Renal Unit: 674637
Looking after your fistual when you reach home;
1. You will have stitches at the site of the operation. These will need to be removed 10 days after your operation.
If you attend for Haemodialysis, the dialysis nurse will remove your stitches. Otherwise, it will be arranged for you to attend the ward, of your local clinic where a district nurse will attend to you. Please ensure you know where your stitches will be removed prior to discharge.
2. The dialysis nurse will look after your fistula when you attend for dialysis. However, it is important that you look for signs of swelling, soreness, redness, bleeding or other discharges. You may be given dressings to cover your fistula to protect it until it is healed. If you notice any of the above signs then please let the renal unit staff know as soon as possible.
DO NOT put any creams or lotions on the wound.
3. Do not allow the wound to become wet when bathing/showering.
4. Initially it is very important to check that your fistula is working. A nurse will show you how to do this before you go home. If your fistula stops buzzing then you must tell the renal unit staff at once.
5. Avoid any injury to your arm.
6. You must avoid constrictions on your fistula arm - eg. jewellery, watch, elastic cuffs, tight clothing, armbands. Do not lift heavy objects with the fistual arm, for at least eight weeks.
7. Never let anyone take your blood pressure on your fistula arm.
