Arteriovenous Fistula Treatment in India

Rohan Patel, a 58-year-old accountant and...

Rohan Patel, a 58-year-old accountant and father of two, had been managing Type 2 diabetes for over 15 years. His kidney function had been declining steadily, and he was recently told he had reached end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and would need dialysis. He felt exhausted, nauseous, and had persistent swelling in his legs. His nephrologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that for hemodialysis, he would need a reliable, long-term vascular access point. She recommended creating an Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula in his non-dominant left arm, describing it as the 'gold standard' because it's less prone to infection and clots than other options. Rohan was terrified; the idea of a permanent surgical connection between an artery and a vein made him anxious about his future independence. The surgery itself was performed under local anesthesia and was surprisingly straightforward. The recovery was the hard part; for weeks, his arm was sore, bruised, and the new fistula had to 'mature,' developing a strong, audible 'thrill.' He diligently did his hand exercises. Six weeks later, his fistula was strong enough for its first dialysis session. Emotionally, Rohan moved from a place of fear and loss, grieving his health, to one of resilience. The fistula became a lifeline, not a scar. It represented his commitment to living fully for his family and adapting to his new normal with courage.