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Posted 5/9/2012 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I went in for Remicade today and got sent home without it -- 1 hour and 6 sticks, no IV access. My veins pretty much suck (this isn't news to anyone at the infusion center or the lab), but this is the first time the nurses have given up. I'm rescheduled for Friday and crossing my fingers I'll have better luck then.

One of the nurses suggested getting a port. I think that's a little drastic. Are there any tricks to getting veins to cooperate other than getting a port?
Posted 5/9/2012 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
My veins suck too! I also try to hydrate a lot for a few days prior to my infusion to plump up my veins. The infusion center can also put a heating pad on to try to plump them up. Worst case they might have to sick your feet.
Posted 5/9/2012 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
The last time I had to have a CT Scan, the nurse tried 13 times to hit a vein, she finally got one on the 14th try.  I was not about to give up since I had been in the hospital for 8 days waiting for a scan.  The only thing that worked were really hot towels.

Whenever I go into emergency, the nurses usually start my IV's in the crux of my arm, those are the biggest veins I have, but alot of time even they collapse. 

My new doctor has suggested giving me a port for my blood tests, but I am not sure I want to.

I really feel for you because I know what you have to go through.

Hope things go better for you next time.

Post Edited (cleanfreak) : 5/9/2012 3:39:03 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/9/2012 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry! I almost got turned away from my Remicade treatment after the nurse successfully poked me (on her fifth try mind you) because I had a fever. The nurse called my doctor and he told her to do it anyway.
Last time I went into Urgent Care, I told the nurse that I have bad veins and she replied, "That's what everyone says." I wanted to stab the IV into HER at that point. I was in too much pain to have someone searching for a vein with the needle already in. I hate it when they dig around!! It hurts and creates such bruises!
Heating the veins with a heating pad, or warm wet towel can help. Another nurse has taken a vein that she picked and rubbed it vigorously with the alcohol prep wipe. Last time I went to the stab lab (what my hubby and I call the portion of Group Health that draws blood) the nurse had me warm my hand veins by running warm water on them for a whole minute. I say warm, but she made it as hot as I could tolerate. A couple of nurses have slapped the vein until it pops up enough.
LOL One of the times I was in urgent care and the nurse had five unsuccessful pokes, I offered her the large veins on one of my...."chest bumps". She laughed and said no, then realized I was serious. Think that would work? smilewinkgrin
Good luck, sweetheart. Hopefully something makes it better. It's no fun being accosted when you are trying to just get well.
Posted 5/9/2012 2:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

My veins have been getting worse and worse over time.  I finally broke down and got a port.  I was no longer able to get Picc lines, so my only option was a central line.  I went back and forth on if a port was really for me, and let me just say that it has made my life so much better!  when its not accessed, you can do anything you want.  You will forget you even have it.  But its so nice for infusions and hosptial stays.  One stick (and its usually numbed before they stick) and they can do blood work, give fluids, meds- one stop shop!  I have to say I love my port!

Posted 5/9/2012 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
If you are getting Remicade alot and blood tests I would say to get a port! They are awesome!!! =) I also have had a picc line and I loved it because i didnt have to get stuck when being in the hospital for 3 months straight every time they needed to get to me!
Posted 5/9/2012 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Aside from hydrating, you can use moist heat right before they try to stick you to see if that helps.  I have horrible veins also (lots of valves which makes it hard to advance the catheter into the vein, and lots of veins killed from phenergan and IVs), and heating pads don't work for me as well as hot wet washcloths.  The nurses usually look around to see what looks good, then we let a washcloth sit for about 10 minutes, then they try. 

Last time I was admitted to the hospital, they almost put a PICC line in, and I would have been all for it because my veins are weak and IVs don't last longer than a day in me.  If a PICC or port are an option for you, I'd definitely consider it.

Do you have your infusions at a hospital or outpatient clinic?  Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are really good at starting IVs so maybe you could ask if one of them can come down to help??  I have done this when I'm running out of veins...though I worked at the hospital I go to so I know some of the surgical staff and they are ok with me calling them.  Not all nurses are good at starting IVs, and some departments are better at it than others, so don't feel bad asking for a supervisor or someone up front so they have their best try first and don't stick you multiple times before going to a supervisor.

Good luck Friday!  I hope it's not a 6 (or 14 :O you poor thing cleanfreak) poke kinda day ;)

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