tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post4953255447445411703..comments2023-10-02T04:06:53.185-04:00Comments on Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA: Summer time and medical stuffLisa Emrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-15441004408615183082010-06-07T22:31:42.855-04:002010-06-07T22:31:42.855-04:00So sorry the infusions have been so hard on you! N...So sorry the infusions have been so hard on you! Nine pokes to get an IV in is crazy!! If pain from pokes is a concern, there are topical anesthetics that they can put on a variety of places on your arms and then if they have to fish, it won't be painful. <br /><br />Your infusion center is in a hospital, right? While you may not be able to get that specific nurse to come poke you when you need an infusion, you can tell them each time you go in that you need an IV specialist and not a regular nurse. <br /><br />My veins are easy to get blood out of, but challenging to get an IV in that will last. I let the regular nurse do one poke, and then ask them to call in someone who specializes in it. I've even occasionally ended up with an anesthesiologist come do the poke, and those are my favorites. :-)<br /><br />So glad you're getting some good relief from the meds, and I hope you have an easier time next time at the infusion center!Avivahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16411667763810131618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-85023581808941976172010-06-06T11:39:08.852-04:002010-06-06T11:39:08.852-04:00I'm with anne, I found a GOOD needle poker (te...I'm with anne, I found a GOOD needle poker (techinical term) and got her name and I make sure she is on shift b4 I go for a poke. I always blamed ME, MY veins, until I met this poker, now I know the truth---it is skill. I asked about veins getting too used, she said, "That's ridiculous. You have many veins and the bounce back." My very first IV doobie (technical again, keep up, Lisa) told me same thing and most RNs to follow who couldn't get a vein or "lost it" always blamed ME/THEM. After some years I found Julie and she is now my poker until one of us croaks. (yep, technical term, you're catching on!) (Now, I am not saying bad things can't happen to veins, but with MSers use, it should not be an issue without mitigating circumstances, and that is what doctors are for. Your situation does not sound dire to me. I was scared to death when they told me my veins could get over used and I might need a port. PS don't forget building your veins...)Diane J Standifordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11862850657925658079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-20604327777915052322010-06-05T20:30:50.070-04:002010-06-05T20:30:50.070-04:00Hi Lisa, As a former IV nurse/ICU nurse, I agree w...Hi Lisa, As a former IV nurse/ICU nurse, I agree with you considering a port. Your veins react to repeated use and get scarred and harder to use. A port would offer a larger vein to help dilute the infusion better. It would be fairly easy maintenance but a semi permanent thing sticking out of your body. As a patient I would want to try to get the same IV nurse or ICU nurse but that is not always possible. Good luck. Glad the meds are giving you some relief. MaryTravelogue for the Universehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01127086480471321349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-28779866553562416472010-06-05T14:20:20.341-04:002010-06-05T14:20:20.341-04:00Hi Lisa: Sorry to read about your IV experience. ...Hi Lisa: Sorry to read about your IV experience. You had one nurse who was good with you & got your IV started......methinks, you should ask for her all the time! LOL<br /><br />Take it easy...it is getting sooooo hot now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-86211425357772211942010-06-05T13:23:50.502-04:002010-06-05T13:23:50.502-04:00Oh Lisa, what a scary scenario. I'm so glad th...Oh Lisa, what a scary scenario. I'm so glad there was that one nurse, the one so open with her humanity. Those types of medical folks go a long way in situations like these.<br /><br />Enjoy the Alaska cruise -- I used to live there -- beautiful.<br /><br />DonnaBibliotekarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896112760553996504noreply@blogger.com