Exceptional vascular patency
Patient: Mr. Wu (Narrated by his wife)
Medical records: Hemodialysis patient for 2 years; diabetes.
Symptoms: Consistent elevated blood pressure, unsmooth hemodialysis, fistula occlusion
Hospital: HsinChu Hukou Ren Ci Hospital
My husband has had diabetes for many years and began to undergo hemodialysis two years ago. During those two years, his blood pressure was consistently elevated; the readings usually ranged between 190 and 200mmHg. Because of his poor vascular condition, oftentimes the hemodialysis process was not smooth (the flow rate only ranged between 160 and 180cc/min). The fistula had also become dysfunctional due to occlusion and required two surgeries.
Assists rapid fistula dilation
We went to see a physician because of the two fistula procedures. Each day during his consultations, numerous patients with a fistula or on hemodialysis lined up to use a machine for vascular treatment. After my husband’s operation, the physician also instructed him to be treated using the device. That was when I found out its name, Firapy (WS™ Far-infrared Therapy Unit).
We were informed by the physician that immediate treatment following the surgery assists in pain management and rapid recovery to the wounds, as well as accelerating fistula dilation.
Strengthens immune functioning, be less afraid of the cold
When my husband first started receiving the treatment, he didn’t feel much change, apart from being told by the nurses that the fistula had become suppler. I believed in the physician’s expertise, therefore I asked my husband not to give up.
Four months later, even I could notice his significant improvement. For example: his blood pressure after hemodialysis used to range between 150 and 160 mmHg and had decreased to between 120 to 130 mmHg after the treatment. Blood flow also increased from between 160 and 180 cc/min to 260 cc/min. His physical immune function also improved, and he is less afraid of the cold now.
The one thing that I’m most grateful for is that it is a lot easier for me to take care of my husband now. I no longer have to worry about vascular occlusion and the risk of burns or skin infections from heat compression.
Now, not only my husband uses the device. Occasionally, I use the device for my shoulders and limbs to improve circulation and to maintain my health, so that I could look after my husband wholeheartedly.
My husband and I were concerned about the possible third fistula operation, but we are no longer worried about this problem. When I accompany my husband to his hemodialysis sessions and see patients suffering from my husband’s previous conditions. I always share our personal experiences with them, hoping that they can find support from our experiences and avoid the agony of frequent fistula procedures.