A fistula is a lifeline for all dialysis patients. We must do everything we can to protect it. Very rarely, an incident occurs when a paint from the fistula area starts to bleed rapidly. Blood can gush out at a high rate and if nothing is done, the patient can lose their life.
Fortunately, there is something simple that can be done to handle this emergency.
When a site from your fistula starts gushing blood, do the following:
1. Use your forefinger to apply direct pressure on the bleeding site. Do not search for sterile gauze etc. The chance that you get infected due to this is low and even if you do, it can be treated. However, if you delay in applying pressure, the blood loss may be too great to ever recover from.
2. Apply this pressure for a minimum of 10 minutes without lifting the finger.
3. Try to keep your arm above the level of the heart. Have someone help to hold it, if needed.
4. Go to a hospital where they have a dialysis or nephrology department for further examination and action.
Some people recommend an inverted bottle cap. However, the trouble with this is finding a bottle cap when the event happens. That is why, I prefer using the finger. It is always with you!
Remember – apply direct pressure with your finger, raise above the heart, hold for 10 minutes.
Please share this tip with all dialysis patients you know. It could save their life.