Yesterday I had an appointment with the surgeon that did my fistula surgery. It was the first time I’ve seen him since my fistulagram, and he wasn’t too impressed with the results from that. Our next step is to do another fistula creation further up my arm, around my bicep area. He seemed confident that this one should mature. When he did my last surgery he said during the ultrasound to map my veins, he saw a good potential vein in my upper arm.
He explained to me that he tried it near the wrist first because I’m still young and he wanted to keep the upper arm open as an option for when I’m older. Fistulas last 3-5 years and there aren’t a ton of veins they can keep using. If this surgery doesn’t work, they’ll move over to the right arm and see what options they have.
It’s a little frustrating having to start over, but if this one goes smoothly I can get my chest catheter removed in 6-8 weeks and I won’t have to go through the pain of another catheter exchange. I’m hopeful this one will work. It will mean getting better dialysis, which will help me to feel much better.
In other news I got a call from my weight loss center and I have an appointment in September to discuss starting the process for gastric bypass surgery again. I’m very excited for it, as I got so far last time and I wasn’t able to get the procedure. My current doctor has me on mounjaro which has helped both my blood sugar and I’ve lost about 30 pounds. It’s a start to where I need to be to get a transplant. Although I don’t quite know how much weight I will be required to lose in order to get there.
Speaking of transplant, I received a call from the hospital that does the kidney transplants. I have an evaluation next month to see what I need to do to get on the transplant list. I’m sure they will tell me at this appointment what my goal weight should be and any other steps I need to take. I’m excited, but also nervous. I’m preparing myself by asking my nephrologist questions and remembering advice I got from a friend who had a kidney transplant. His best advice was to do exactly as they say and it will all be okay.
They told me I could bring someone with me to help me with all the information that will be thrown at me, however the appointment is 5 hours and I don’t know anyone who can stay there that long. I might take a notebook with me, write questions before my appointment and take notes as we go. That way I can have some reference about what was discussed.
If anyone has any suggestions I’d love to hear them.
The possibility of even talking about a transplant gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I always try my best to stay positive, but some days it’s hard. Especially when I’m feeling rundown, in pain, or just overwhelmed. This possibility is a blessing to me, and I’m excited for this next step in my journey.
June is going to be a busy month, but it’s busy with good things.