Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi everyone Has anyone had experience with having a port inserted? I am feel absolutely terrible on Hydrea but unfortunately it is nearly impossible to do a venisection because of my small veins to get blood for a test it is taken from the back of my hand. Any suggestions would be welcome.
0 likes, 5 replies
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peter98873 rhonda83632
Posted
Ports are usually inserted into the back of the hand when there is a frequent need for blood to be taken, mostly when in hospital etc. Is it that you cannot accept the usual method of gaining a blood sample (in the arm) that you are taking Hydroxy as in most circumstances the two are not used together. If over time, you have been required to supply blood samples it could be that your veins are becoming scarred and thereby more difficult to use for samples. I am sure that what you describe is not unusual for some patients. Perhaps you could speak to a qualified phlebotomist and gain some expert opinion on what may be best for you. If you are having troubles taking Hydroxy, discus your symptoms with your haematologist who should be able to offer a solution. Best of luck.
Peter.
rhonda83632 peter98873
Posted
peter98873 rhonda83632
Posted
I fully understand your predicament which must be a concern for you. It would appear that you are required to supply the sample in the best way available to you. Yes, venesections are usually the primary source of treatment for PV unless the condition is more advanced and that is usually when Hydroxycarbamide (Urea) will be used. Venesections as you know require fairly regular blood samples usually acquired from your arms but from which you are precluded. There are other drugs that can be used other than venesection and I would have thought that using Hydroxy might be a little advanced for you. It is a powerful medicine that needs very regular supervision by the specialist haematologist. It is really what opinion the Haematologist takes of your situation. Perhaps the prescribed dosage is too strong for you. I would suggest you put your concerns to your Haematologist who should be able to provide a solution. Nobody wants you to suffer unnecessarily. I wish you well.
Peter.
debbie08388 rhonda83632
Posted
Rhonda, tell the staff to use a catheter with a leuer lock on it. ( a smaller needle size which will not scar your veins). I probably did not spell it correctly. To my knowledge, there is no port in the U.S. which will take the regular phlebotomy needle. That large a hole in the port would cause major problems/can't be done. The hospital I go to bought these new needles to get blood out of me & now they use them on other PV patients who havce scarred over veins from big phlebotomy needles. It also saved the nurses lots of time. They don't have to stand beside the patient while blood comes out. They just come back occasionally to check that all is flowing well & they can devote more time to other patients. Now my veins aren't all getting scarred. I think I only had 1 good spot left. This small needle/lock system can be used in the hand as well & won't scar the vein there either. Good luck
peter98873 debbie08388
Posted
That looks like some very sound and useful advice.
Peter.