tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post7492940201381496252..comments2023-10-02T04:06:53.185-04:00Comments on Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA: Self-Advocacy, Phlebitis, and InfusionsLisa Emrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-76160200786336776092010-08-09T17:13:35.527-04:002010-08-09T17:13:35.527-04:00I cringe at the thought of having any sort of proc...I cringe at the thought of having any sort of proceedure that requires an IV, or going to have blood drawn, etc. You are definitely right that it is all in the nurse. I can get a good nurse, and they can hit my veins on the first or at most the 2nd try. I can get someone that is inexperienced and they will stick me and blow out veins, and turn me into a pin cushion.<br />I was unable to have an MRI with contrast of my brain last October because they couldn't get an IV started. They had trouble in my arms (they always have trouble in my arms - say the veins will roll, or that they are deep, or whatever), so they moved to my hands, they blew out the vein in my right hand, after 2 sticks, then moved to my left, blew out the vein there (1 more stick), then she called in her supervisor, who tried again on the right and jabbed me, and then went on a hunting/fishing expedition - moving the needle around while in your flesh, talk about painful - then when I flinched and said ow during a particularly painful jab, he looked at me, and asked "does this hurt?" no... I just enjoy getting stuck, I mean really. How would you like me to take a 3 inch needle, jab it into your hand and go fishing? sound fun? <br />Last surgery I had, the nurse remembered me, she had tried and blew out a vein the surgery before, and had to get help on the 2nd stick, this time she didn't try, she went for help first. I thanked her. Some of them seem to take it so personal. It isn't a personal rejection for them to realize they need help I wish more of them would realize that.<br />Any time I go to have blood drawn or have an IV, I remind even the nurses that seem to remember me that everyone has trouble with my veins. I think if I had the other issues you had as a result I would be even more addament that they get someone who knows what they are doing before they try the first stick.MS Day Dreamerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16323233788366076180noreply@blogger.com