Port for IV Access and Blood Draws

[pklipe57]

I had my 13th iron treatment yesterday.  I have one a week for five weeks then wait a month and start over again.  Yesterday they stuck me three times before they got IV access.  Then I had to go to the lab for blood work and they stuck me twice.  Last week when I had my fistula surgery they stuck me three times for IV access and ended up with the IV in my shoulder. 

Is it time for a port?  Is that common practice with my record?  What has been everyone else's experience? 

Thanks for this website - I have learned more here than anywhere else. 

[peleroja]

My friend, who has a lot of illnesses, usually has them give her a pick line when she's in the hospital.  Frequently she keeps it for several months so she can administer her own IV drugs at home without having to keep going back to the hospital.  The only problem with a pick line is that only a nurse can draw blood from it, not a lab tech.