Sorry to disagree with the experts, but I have never used a tourniqet on my fistula and have had buttonholes going strong (knock on wood) for over 2 years now. I do have an upper arm transverse so the fistula is VERY noticable and raised. I was trained to NEVER let anyone put a tourniquet on my arm with the fistula, not even a blood pressure cuff.
Cathy
home hemo 9/04