Wondering if Kidney School has anything on a maintenance plan for fistulas? I have been fortunate to have my fistula problem-free for years now. Our clinic did have a non-invasive device for checking how good the flow is on a once a month basis (can’t recall the name of the device- would anyone here know?) Sadly, they got too busy and don’t provide the check anymore. In my thinking, this should be mandatory not optional. I read where another patient said she gets regular ultrasounds, because waiting until pressures are elevated may be too late.
I am told that there is a good access surgeon in my area, but he is an hour away. I’m thinking that is too far if I ever needed an intervention quick, Wondering what are ways to check out if a radiologist or surgeon, locally, is skilled? The thought of going to someone in an emergency only to find out he is not that skilled concerns me. I’ve heard of this happening to patients quite often.