Putting In Your Own Needles

These resources will help you learn about why and how to put in your own needles:

Kidney School Module 8 - Vascular Access: A Lifeline for Dialysis
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Illustrated, 27-page module talks about the risks of putting in dialysis needles wrong, including infiltration and aneurysm. Also covers your role in site rotation of your own needles. From Life Options' Kidney School (MEI).

Using the Buttonhole Technique for Your AV Fistula
Tri-fold brochure describes the buttonhole technique for putting needles into a fistula, with history, benefits, and types of needles used. From the Northwest Renal Network.

In Control (Vol. 1, No. 1: Fistulas)
4-page patient newsletter section talks about the benefits of putting in your own needles as a way to reduce stress. From Life Options (MEI).

Navigating the Vascular "SEAS" - Self-Assessment Exam of Access - Simplified
Illustrated, 26-page patient guide explains infiltration: what it is, what it feels like, and what can be done to ease any pain. Also explains needle site rotation. From ESRD Network 12 (the Heartland Kidney Network).

Renal Health News - Patient Newsletter
12-page newsletter on Fistula First covers putting in your own needles as a way for you to take charge of needle fear and have more control over your dialysis. The buttonhole technique is also described. From the Southeastern Kidney Council.

Putting "U" in Fistula
12-page newsletter briefly describes the benefits of putting in your own needles. From ESRD Network 12 (the Heartland Kidney Network).