Dialysis Access (Graft) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for dialysis access (graft): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Vascular Health
- •Take blood pressure and cholesterol medications as prescribed
- •No smoking, the single most important thing for vascular health
- •Regular exercise improves blood flow
Dialysis Access (Graft) recovery, day by day
Immediate Care
- Keep the procedure site clean and dry
- Follow all discharge instructions
- Some bruising and soreness at the site is expected
- Do NOT let anyone draw blood, start an IV, or take blood pressure on the access arm
Activity
- Walk frequently to prevent blood clots
- Avoid heavy lifting for 2-4 weeks
- No hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs for 2-4 weeks
- No crossing legs while seated, restricts blood flow
Recovery
- Monitor the access site daily
- Keep incision clean; shower as directed
- Feel for the 'thrill', vibration in your fistula daily; contact your team if it changes
- Follow the personalized medication schedule from your procedure team and prescribing clinician. Contact them before making any medication changes.
Ongoing Care
- Resume normal activities as tolerated
- Attend all follow-up appointments and vascular imaging
- Fistula maturation takes 6-12 weeks before it can be used for dialysis
- Lifelong healthy habits: no smoking, regular exercise, balanced diet
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Changes in pulse or sensation near the access site
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Sudden severe headache, vision loss, or slurred speech, stroke symptoms
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Wound opens or starts bleeding heavily
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101.5°F
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Loss of thrill/bruit in the access, fistula may have clotted
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Chest pain or shortness of breath
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 5
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 14
Follow-Up Evaluation
Vascular imaging and wound check
- Day 30
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact dialysis access (graft) recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No card, no contract.