Kidney
Graft Placement for Hemodialysis Access
May 22, 2025
in Kidney
Hello Everyone,
I am currently in my 2nd kidney failure and I do Home Hemo Dialysis.
I've been having struggles with my fistula and failing ports. I am possibley looking at a graft placement for hemodialysis access in my leg, but heard of the major risk infections. I also have Lupus and very suseptible for infections.
Does anyone have this access in their leg? how are you doing? Do you have mobility restrictions when it comes to walking?
Emmitt Henderson III - Patient Advocate
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I have a fistula on my left wrist but I got my kidney transplants last juky. And my kidney is working perfectly
Hi Emmitt, I am so so sorry to hear about your struggles with your access. I really hope a patient on here can give you some good feedback with their expereince and that everything works out well for you. I used to be a hemodialysis technician and an access manager for my clinic. I had a couple patinets with leg grafts, and yes, we were taught that the risk for infection is greater but both patients did very well and did not have infections. Neither had mobility restrictions in terms of walking. Kind of the same as it would be for an arm access, make sure to avoid putting a ton of weight on the access extremity and be aware of positions or actions that may limit blood flow.
Again, I am sorry you are going through this and I am wishing you all the best.
@Ehendsrson3 I am hoping things get better for you. Similar to you, I have had many struggles with my Dialysis access. The last access I had was a catheter in the femoral vein in my right thigh. It didn't affect my mobility. My mobility was already declining after years of dialysis.
good morning and Thank you for reaching out. Yeah, i can't believe my body is rejecting these catheters, a leg graph looks like my last option so i hope that works. know you are in my prayers.
Wow why is your body rejecting the catheter
I am going to pray that this the answer. I want to know this is the exact situation that led me to Status 5 listing (Urgent Medically Necessary) I had exhausted all access for dialysis. I was having catheter changes every 3 weeks and not clearing any treatment. Check with your medical team to see if that can be an option for you.
I'm happy for you!!!!
Thank you for the info Dom!! and thank you for your service as a dialysis technician. its good to hear that the 2 patients had no infections. I got admitted into the hospital yesterday (Tues May 27) because of complications from the cateheter they just put in. Today, they added another (#11) catheter to use in its place and is removing the one they just put in today. the graph scenario is looking to be done sooner than i thought.. I'm more encouraged now than before, thank you again!!!
I'm happy for you!!!!
i was told, because i have Lupus and was on steroids for over 20yrs, my veins shrunk and i get blood clots very easily. I'm forming blockages as well in my veins. when my body rejects the catheter, I don't get efficient dialysis when i get it done. I'm doing it 6 days a week but still getting very sick.
Happy that I could provide you with a little encouragement. I really appreciate you saying that! I miss the job a lot but it was very taxing and I don't miss the 13.5 hour days and needing a full day just to recover from working.
I am very sorry Emmitt! I remember a patient of mine having 6 different accesses and I was shocked but 11!!! My jaw hit the floor when I read that. That is very brutal and kudos to you for continuing all the great work while being on a very difficult journey of your own. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and I hope it all works out with this leg graft. Hang in there please!