When it comes to vascular accesses for dialysis, doctors consider the AV fistula the best solution because it provides maximum blood flow for dialysis, lasts longer and has fewer complications than other types of access.

Despite the advantages of a fistula, some patients have a mental hurdle when it comes to getting one. They may be afraid of the surgery or may not know enough about its benefits.

Or maybe they havent met people like Ed Bevis , a patient at Renal Care Groups Chehalis, Wash., facility. For him, the benefits of having a fistula far outweighed any fear in getting one.

So Much More Efficient

Recreational vehicle enthusiasts, Ed Bevis, 66, and his wife Denise live in Centralia, Wash. They spent two winters in Arizona before moving to a resident RV park midway between Portland, Ore., and Seattle last year.

After they moved to Washington, doctors diagnosed Eds kidney disease. A combination of Type II diabetes and several heart attacks had taken their toll on his health. Another heart attack last October landed him in the hospital, when his kidneys finally shut down.

Forced to go on dialysis quickly, Ed experienced all three types of vascular access. He started out with a catheter, which he found to be very uncomfortable. Sometimes I couldnt move my neck at all. It would set off the alarms. I had to hold my neck in a certain position.

Before Ed left the hospital, doctors placed a graft, a plastic tubing made of Teflon that connects an artery and a vein. Because the body considers the Teflon tubing foreign, there is often a reaction against it, and it tends to clot once a year on average. Because of these risks, doctors told Ed that a fistula would be a good next step. Hes glad he heeded their advice and got a fistula.

A fistula lasts a lot longer, he says. Its easier for the blood flow. Its by far the best way to obtain dialysis. Its so much more efficient.

In his spare time, Ed enjoys amateur nature photography. Hes been married for 45 years to Denise, whom he leans on for emotional support.

If I really feel bad in the morning, shell get up with me and take me to treatment and then come get me, he says. Cant beat it-shes a sweetheart.

He admits that kidney disease has changed their lifestyles. We used to go a lot and visit friends, so thats a little harder now, he says. But the alternatives are not appealing. You can cry and whine and moan about it, and be down in the dumps. Or you can get your dialysis and then youre off for a day.

Moaning about his illness is not Eds style. His sunny attitude impresses everyone. Recently, U.S. Congressman Brian Baird visited the Lacey facility to talk to patients, including Ed. Even while he was on dialysis, Ed laughs, I kept him on his toes.