“Save The Vein” Campaign Could Save Your Life

Tweet

After I had a fistula created in my left wrist I was given a blue plastic bracelet that has “Save The Vein” on one side and “NO BP, IV, PICC or Labs” on the reverse side. I have to wait six to eight weeks for the now-fused vein and artery to mature enough to use for dialysis. That also means that the temporary port in my neck will have to stay there until tests are run on the access point to make sure it's strong enough. The bracelet is meant to call attention to the fistula so it isn't used for other forms of access. Once it heals completely it should still be worn so that specific area of the body isn't handled incorrectly or so that the fistula isn't damaged. The bracelet that they gave me is a little too small so it defeats the whole purpose of wearing it. I did order a longer one but if this is going to be something that I'll be wearing for the rest of my life (or until dialysis stops) I'll order a gold one that fits properly. You can get these at dialysis clinics as well as at vascular surgeons offices who perform these types of surgeries and online. Photo: Me