Bad veins

styxgurl

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2008

Posts : 67

Posted 2/2/2008 11:51 PM (GMT 0)

I have trouble every time I get an IV, I go again monday for my 2nd remicade. Anyone know if I can do anything to help my veins. They always miss or they roll........please help.

MaryS

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2003

Posts : 1668

Posted 2/3/2008 12:03 AM (GMT 0)

I can't say it will help a lot but my Daughter drinks a ton of water before her infusions to try and plump up at least one vein so she doesn't have to be stabbed several times. I hear using warm compresses beforehand helps too. She has had some really nasty IV insertions. All depends on who is doing it. The regular GI's Nurse is awful, but Nurses at infusion centers who do it all day long seem to have a better handle on IV insertions in
almost non-existent veins.

Gloriousm84

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2007

Posts : 114

Posted 2/3/2008 12:59 AM (GMT 0)

Yes drink water to hydrate yourself, and also keep heat on the arm right on the vein before you have it put in and that generally helps push the babies up. I have the same problem and it is a pain.

chroniemomx2

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 2346

Posted 2/3/2008 1:15 AM (GMT 0)

My nurses at my infusion center put a very hot wash cloth on my hand for a couple of minutes, and they pop right up....also be sure you are well hydrated....and relax after the stick....breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth until they are finished.

auntkay

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2004

Posts : 1215

Posted 2/3/2008 2:06 AM (GMT 0)

I agree drink plenty water a day or two before the infusion it does help. The last iv i had the nurse blew my vain and it hurt like hell.

Kay

teddybearweiser

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2004

Posts : 3042

Posted 2/3/2008 10:17 AM (GMT 0)

Hi I agree drink plenty of water before infusion.

Marie-Claire

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2007

Posts : 900

Posted 2/3/2008 10:33 AM (GMT 0)

I have the same problem with tiny rolling veins. I agree with everyone ....drinking lots of fluids is key, and putting a warm compress, facecloth,towel on your vein 5 min or so before the big pick is usually very helpful.Good Luck

Jillybean1887

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 56

Posted 2/3/2008 3:37 PM (GMT 0)

I definitely agree with drinking lots of water on your way to the infusion. Infusion center nurses are very profecient in their practice. I had the same problem when I was getting Remicade but just ask fot the MOST EXPERIENCED Nurse and hopefully you will have no issues. Good Luck. I totally understand what you are going through.

Jill

FitzyK23

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2005

Posts : 4219

Posted 2/3/2008 6:23 PM (GMT 0)

If they are sooooooooooo bad you could always have a port put in. That would be worst case scenario though. I know you see addicts in the movies smack their arm or rub the arm to get the vein to show through better. The warm compress probably does the same thing but rubbing it probably wouldn't hurt.

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