I'm so tired of having terrible veins!!

[Annig83]

I had to have a CT scan today of my catheter because it's been coming out, and causing me some abdominal pain.  I'll never understand why the medical community can not make barium taste better!  Drinking two glasses of what resembles watered down Tums, and has a texture of snot, has to be the most disgusting thing I can think of drinking.   

It took 4 people to finally get an IV stick today.  I was poked 5 times.  Twice in my left arm, and 3 times in my right.  My veins either "exploded", "rolled", "hid", or, maybe these people didn't find one in the first place? I was at the hospital for over 3 hours, for a 3 minute scan!  Ridiculous.

I am not fluid restricted, but it seems that no matter how much water I consume, my veins just don't cooperate.  Any suggestions?  Anyone else have this issue?  My arms are so sore and bruised tonight, I couldn't even bathe my son at bathtime!

[jeannea]

I wish I had a solution. Mine completely suck. There's so much scar tissue. Last hospital admission I had 8 failed IV sticks. My central line even failed. It was the part I feared the most about a new transplant and I was right. The weekly blood draws are a nightmare. I say something to all my doctors and they just shrug. No one knows what to do.

And I agree. Barium is completely disgusting.

You have my sympathy.

[jbeany]

As someone with crappy veins....

Learn where your best spots are and demand that they use them, and use them exclusively.  They whine like crazy when I demand an IV in the crook of my elbow, but anything else is going to blow as soon as they start using it.

Tell them to skip the lidocaine.  I know it hurts a bit more at the start, but the lido actually makes veins shrink, so it's harder to get a stick.

Also, learn where your worst spots are and refuse to let them try there.  They all dearly love to aim for the pretty, visible vein on my right wrist.  It, however, has been stabbed and blown so frequently that it's one mess of scar tissue.  Every time they use it before surgery, I wake up with one in some random place, with a black and blue swelling that looks like my wrist has been beaten with a bat.

Lastly, warn them that you have miserable veins.  Do not let the newbies fish around endlessly.  Tell them if they can't get one by the second try, you want them to go find the one "expert" who is on shift.  There's always one who is better than anyone else.  I don't give a damn if I hurt their feelings or their professional egos.  They are going to forget me minutes after I leave their care.  I get to deal with the bruises and pain for days, so too bad if they don't like it!

[sullidog]

I'm the same way. I always need the best sticker. Another thing that seems to work for me is heating the vein with either hot water or a heated hospital blanket.

[noahvale]

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[Annig83]

The hospital I go to doesn't use lidocaine, so I'm good on that.  Today, even my good veins didn't work!  I will be asking for the IV team from now on... that's a good idea.  I've had enough of being the pin cushion

Thanks all!