Question 1

i have a ventricular shunt across my chest and the internal scare tissue has become inflamed, from a bike crash, and causes me constant mild pain when when i move my right arm. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Try taking OTC: Antiinflammatory meds like Motrin or aleve (naproxen). If pain gets worse , follow up with your dr.

Question 2

why is arm with dialysis port swelling?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor: There are many reasons for this to happen. You really need to have your doctor check this out right away.

Question 3

is a dialysis fistula also called a shunt?

Accepted Answer

yes : Av shunt, arteriovenous shunt are the other names for a fistula.

Question 4

with an av shunt for dialysis, will i still hear the bruit?

Accepted Answer

No: The bruit is usually heard with a stethoscope by your physician.  You may however feel the "thrill" of the fistula, which is similar to a cat purring.

Question 5

what can i ask the nurses to use to numb my arm before dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Lidocaine topical: Usually patients who have a lot of pain before needle insertion we give them Lidocaine topical cream that they apply at the site of injection 30 to 60 min before dialysis. It is not over the counter and it should be prescribed by your physician.

Question 6

should bloodpressure be taken in arm where fistula made for dialysis?

Accepted Answer

No: If you take BP and tighten a cuff above the fistula, clotting can occur and clog the fistula. Distally, there is already a steal of blood flow due to the fistula so you don't want to tighten a cuff there unless there is nowhere else to go.

Question 7

what happens if dialysis can't be pumped in through a vein in the arm?

Accepted Answer

Other options: Include veins in the other arm or the legs. Also, another kind of dialysis that does not require veins or blood flow is called peritoneal dialysis could be done throught the abdominal wall.

Question 8

what does a hemo dialysis site look like on your arm?

Accepted Answer

Lump on skin: Hemodialysis sites look like engorged veins.  If they are "fistulas" (artery connected to a vein) the lump on the skin follows the natural pathway of the vein. Over time these can dilate and become aneurysmal. The arterio-venous grafts are basically synthetic / plastic tubes which are placed right under the skin. These  you can see and feel. The actual needle puncture sites develop small scabs.

Question 9

why does my dialysis shunt itching during and after dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Irritation: The skin over the shunt may be itching in reaction to irritation from adhesive from tape or from the topical antiseptic used on clean the shunt prior to use. If there is any redness or signs of irritation, see a dermatologist for topical treatment.

Question 10

dialysis shunt and dialysis fistula the same?

Accepted Answer

No: A shunt, or graft, is a piece of synthetic tubular material inserted under the skin that dialysis needles insert directly into.  
A fistula is a connection of your own artery to a vein.  Needles are then placed into the vein when the wall thickness matures.

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Doctor answers about:

Shunt to right arm for dialysis

A member asked:

I have a ventricular shunt across my chest and the internal scare tissue has become inflamed, from a bike crash, and causes me constant mild pain when when i move my right arm. what can i do?

A member asked:

Why is arm with dialysis port swelling?

A member asked:

Is a dialysis fistula also called a shunt?

A member asked:

With an av shunt for dialysis, will i still hear the bruit?

A member asked:

What can i ask the nurses to use to numb my arm before dialysis?

A member asked:

Should bloodpressure be taken in arm where fistula made for dialysis?

A member asked:

What happens if dialysis can't be pumped in through a vein in the arm?

A member asked:

What does a hemo dialysis site look like on your arm?

A member asked:

Why does my dialysis shunt itching during and after dialysis?

A member asked:

Dialysis shunt and dialysis fistula the same?

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