Post-Op Care and Recovery

These resources will tell you how to help develop your new AV fistula after surgery:

Caring for & Developing Your New Fistula: What You Should Know
Tri-fold brochure tells you about exercises you can do after fistula surgery to help the fistula develop well and mature faster. Also covers how to care for your new fistula, including listening to the bruit, feeling for the thrill, and watching for signs of problems. From the Heartland Kidney Network (formerly ESRD Network 12).

Putting "U" in Fistula
12-page newsletter tells you what to expect after fistula placement surgery. From ESRD Network 12 (the Heartland Kidney Network).

Maintaining Your Lifeline
12-page newsletter explains what to do after fistula surgery, including exercises to help the fistula mature and a list of symptoms that need emergency attention. From ESRD Network12.

Choosing Your Hemodialysis Vascular Access
2-page article (pages 6-7) describes how to take care of a new access. Also includes a list of problem signs to look for, and tips for preventing access problems. From NKF's Family Focus newsletter.

Kidney School Module 8 - Vascular Access: A Lifeline for Dialysis
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Illustrated, 27-page module describes healing time and tips on how to help a fistula mature faster. From Life Options' Kidney School (MEI).

Phase 2: AAKP Patient Plan
57-page book (pages 5-6), Access and Initiation, describes exercises that will help your fistula work better, and how to check your new fistula after surgery. From the AAKP.