I had the Artificial Loop Graft placed on 26 February as expected. The surgery actually went extremely well, and the Vascular Surgeon finished up about forty-five minutes ahead of schedule.
The first couple of days post-op I was in typical shape...lots of pain, sleeping tons, not eating a whole lot, etc.
After that, it was as if my healing accelerated exponentially. On Monday, just three days after, I was taking care of myself, eating better, moving better.
On Tuesday I had my usual dialysis, but was actually fairly comfortable during the session. I slept only a few hours following this; very unusual for me.
By Wednesday I was on no strong pain meds, made my own food and was starting to use my arm like normal--aside from not lifting anything yet.
Thursday was another dialysis session, after which I slept my normal length of time.
Friday--one week post-op--, I saw the surgeon who stated that my arm looked great, removed all bandages and lifting restrictions.
Since then I have begun a normal routine in all things. The arm, while still sore and restricted in some movement, is fully functional, and has zero problems. At this point, I cannot believe that I am just 10 days post-op, and am able to go about each day like normal. No complaints from me, for sure!
So, at this point, I will see the surgeon again in two weeks to map the graft via ultrasound and to verify the flow and overall success of the surgery. Assuming all is well, it will be between 1-3 weeks minimum before I can start using the graft for dialysis. Once I do that, it will be another week or two before the chest catheter will be pulled. This delay is to assure the efficacy of the graft during dialysis. Once verified, that is when the catheter will be pulled.
()Below, I have illustrated the Artificial Loop Graft to help you understand the procedure and placement, as well as the use of the graft during dialysis.)
(Image of an Artificial Loop Graft placement)
(Image of how dialysis will be performed using the Artificial Loop Graft)
(Below are a few pictures of my arm both pre and post surgery)
1) R arm pre-op 25 Feb 2016
2) R arm post-op 27 Feb
3) Arm comparison showing swelling post-op 27 Feb 2016
4) R arm showing the outline of the Artificial Loop Graft 27 Feb 2016
5) R arm and chest catheter placement 27 Feb 2016
Now, once I begin using the graft for dialysis, you might be asking, 'how exactly do they do this?'
(Refer to the second picture down from above)
That's an easy one to answer. The Loop Graft is placed so the dialysis technicians can use what is called The Ladder Method when placing the needles for the treatment. This allows for numerous sites to be used along the length of the graft so as to minimize scar tissue growth in the arm.
Using sharp needles only (no button hole needles anymore!), the techs will start by placing both needles as close to the distal end of the graft (lowest on the arm) and on opposite sides of the circle that forms the graft.
For the next treatment, the techs will place each needle slightly higher on the arm on each side of the graft.
This ladder method will continue until the proximal end of the graft (or, closest to the trunk of the body) is reached, and they will then go back to the distal end of the graft and start over as each subsequent session finds the needles placed higher and higher.
Hopefully, even this new method won't be used too long before I get my call for transplant. Again, even if I get my transplant soon, I will still need access for dialysis in the event either something goes wrong with the transplant, or years down the road, I need access should the transplant fail, and NOT get another Central Line; which is exactly why I've put myself through all of this.
Why? Because after any transplant, the body's immune system is minimal--or non-existent-- due to the anti-rejection meds a patient has been on for however long the transplant has lasted. Because of this, the body is at extreme risk of infection from any and all sources. A Central Line is inserted almost directly into the heart, and carries an inherently extreme risk of infection. A Central Line placed in an immuno-compromised patient is practically guaranteed to assure systemic infection from whatever source, thereby presenting extreme danger to the patient. Hence, my decision to place the Artificial Loop Graft. It will be a far, far better guard against possible infection, should the need for further Hemodialysis arise.
If anyone reading this has any questions, please ask me via the comment section of this blog. I will be happy to answer any questions!
Please, also remember that this blog reflects my personal experience with PCKD and its treatments, tests, surgeries and possible outcomes. If you find yourself going through anything similar, please follow the instructions of your doctors, transplant committee and other healthcare givers. How you do throughout your experience will be up to you and your compliance (or non-compliance) to all procedures, treatments and instructions you are given to address whatever condition you are having to fight.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
I wanted to thank you for sharing this blog. I married a man who has PCKD (It runs in the family and his mother has it as well). It doesn't affect him much at the moment but I'm very grateful for the glimpse of what it can be like, for when he eventually does need dialysis.
ReplyDeleteThank You, Contrary, for your comment! I sincerely appreciate anyone who must go through this whole thing. I invite you--and your son--to read through my blog, starting at the beginning, so you can see the possible progression his treatment might take. If he is properly prepared, and does everything the doctors tell him, then his experience dealing with this should be far better than otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYes, having to go through this is anything but fun. However, if he goes through it with a good attitude, a smile on his face (and laughter not far behind!) and hope in his heart, then the burden this places on anyone will be lessened. Again, Thank You for your insightful comment! Best of luck to you and your family! ScottW