venesection trouble
Posted , 7 users are following.
So had 4 sessions of venesection and everytime I go through the mill and back! No decent viens and come out like a pin cushion. So fed up and need this done regularly any advice
1 like, 8 replies
lisa23155 Flangies
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megan36105 Flangies
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The very first time I went in it took 45 mins just to find a vein. I was poked numerous times in both arms. It was very painful and very trying. The next time I guess my adrenalin wasn't pumping as much as it was the first time because I almost passed out. That's when they figured out that I need an IV bad 10 mins before, during, and after my phlebotomy every time. My trouble is is that they can generally eventually find one, but then I drain like my life is depending on it and I fill a bag in under 5 mins, so the loss of blood so suddenly is too hard on my body.
We have it down a bit more though because so long as I have my IV bag in my left arm I'm less anxious, which helps, and then they always take the blood from my right arm.
Although I did have it once where they just could not get it so they ended up sticking a needle in my hand, attaching a tube to that needle and I literally bled into a jug. It was glamorous and I felt like I was in a weird vampire movie or something.
So I don't really have any advice, other than to try and relax, drink lots of water beforehand, make sure you haven't had coffee as that dehydrates you, make sure you've eaten a meal within a few hours, etc. I try to listen to music at the same time to relax myself. The needle hurts but my anxiety is my main obstacle when it comes to phlebotomies.
megan36105
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sheryl37154 Flangies
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I also find if I am left sitting and waiting for a while beforehand, my veins go to sleep so try to keep moving beforehand, and raise your legs once in the chair, if you get one of those type of chairs.
Ask to try Megan's process, and/or a hot towel before you go to iron chelators - they have awful side effects although they don't seem to affected Lisa which is good.
Good luck with it and think positively about it. Venesections are better than having chemo.
terrihigashi sheryl37154
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terrihigashi Flangies
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megan36105 terrihigashi
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Right. Because of course I do everything in my power to make phlebotomies as difficult for myself as possible lol
mark_24924 Flangies
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