allergic to Lidocaine (numbing cream) any suggestions???

[fuzzyL]

been on home hemo since Oct 201-at this stage it is still extremely uncomfortable to "scrap" the scabs off my buttonhole and the initial insertion of the needles is no picnic either.I was using Lidocaine as a numbing cream for the pain, but I am allergic to it--both my buttonholes surrounded with red swelling and sores. So no more of that!!!  Any suggestions on an alternative would be appreciated. Thank you

[cdwbrooklyn]

What I do is get a gauge and rinse it with hot water then tape it to the button holes for 15 to 30 minutes while I set up the machine.  When I’m done setting up the machine, I take off the gauge and start scraping the scabs.  The scabs are now soft and easy to come off.  Now about the needle sticking, I have not yet solved that type of pain yet.  I’ve used ELM Cream and it really doesn’t work for me even if I leave it on for one hour.  I realized that the pain is less without the cream for me.  Strange but true, so I decided not to use the cream. 

Hope this help with the scabbing.   

[KatieV]

I do the gauze trick, but I also put a drop of antibacterial soap on them.  Lay the soap right on the scabs.  Comes off like a dream!

[Speedy1wrc]

I use a 4x4 soaked in Exsept and lay it on the access for about 3-4 minutes. It disinfects and softens the scab.Then using another 4x4 with Exsept I scrub the area. I have a lot of scar tissue so it doesn't hurt much anyway, but the soaking and scrubbing does loosen the scab making it easier to pick off.

As for pain, try Pain Ease spray which is a freezing spray. As I said I feel little pain but it is a bit of an extra layer of comfort just in case. I spray it on just  before inserting needles and whether it's the scar tissue or the freeze spray I don't feel anything but pressure.

[fuzzyL]

thank you all for your help!!!  sound corny but true, it does help to connect to others that have to do this--I stalled at a long as i could , doing dialysis, and many of my friends do not realize that this is not temp-this is for the rest of my life--good to know we are not  alone

[JohnJ]

What pain? You mean that little stick you get? GROW UP. You're an adult. You KNOW it's going to hurt a little AND THAT'S ALL IT HURTS is a little.
My experience? How about giving shots in the Army for 9 years? I KNOW what pain is and there is very little with a needle stick.
I bothers me to no end when I see grown adults crying over a shot.

[*kana*]

JohnJ,  I found your comment to be a bit rude.  Everyone feels pain differently and should not be made to feel bad for needing a numbing cream for two 15 guage needles.   A shot in the arm is normally a much smaller needle. 

My clinic also has a cold numbing spray, not sure of the name, you should ask them about it.   

[amanda100wilson]

 John, you have no right to judge other people's pain.  as a medic you should know that everone's pain threshold is different.  i had to get my buttonholes re-done because the pain was so severe. 

[amanda100wilson]

John,  as a medic you should know that everyone's pain threshold is different.  I had to establish new buttonholes because the pain was so severe throughout the treatment.  so please don't be so judgmental of other people.

[MaryD]

I was about to reply to John's post about peripheral neuropathy, when I checked back through his previous posts to see what sort of dialysis he was on.  When I struck this post I decided it was wiser to not reply.

[chiromac]

Gebauer"s Ethyl Chloride, it is a spray that numbs the skin for injections & starting IV's.

[papacat]

I have always feared needles and used to pass out when getting a blood draw. Even though I am better about it, I don't look forward to sticking 15 or 16 ga. needles in my arm if I ever have to switch from PD to HD. Mousemom posted a new thread about a week ago discussing needle pain. She posted information about a device called Buzzy that along with a cold pack significantly reduced pain. Someone had already tried it with dialysis and it worked. Here is the location of the thread:

  I Hate Dialysis Message Board
    Dialysis Discussion
      Dialysis: General Discussion (Moderators: kitkatz, paris)
        Easing needle insertion pain/phobia

Might be worth a try. If anyone tries it please post the results!

papacat

[CebuShan]

I, too, am allergic to EMLA cream (Not the lidocaine, something else in the cream) I use Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride. It works for me! 

[Speedy1wrc]

Pain Ease is also by Gebauer's. Not sure then difference between it and the straight ethyl chloride.

Everyone has their own pain threshold and I would never deny that anyone feels any more or less than I. Since posting I have been having more access pain. This after years of scarring from sharps and two previously fine button holes. The button holes are near nerves and a slight misplaced needle can be a bit painful. I have now added Sting Relief to my regimin. It's a high concentration lidocaine, however it is no longer working as good as it has previously.