Lidocaine

[cchalk11]

Has anyone tried their hemo treatments without lidocaine? If so how was it?

[Simon Dog]

Although I generally use buttonholes, I have done 15ga sharps without Emla or Lidocaine - no problem.

Go visit a blood drive.   Everyone there is getting a needle of the same general size (probably 16ga) without anesthetic.

But, I have also heard patients at the clinic scream in pain when being punctured.

[obsidianom]

My wonderful wife got 16 guage sharps 5 days per week without anything . She never complained.

[casper2636]

I always do Hemo without Lidocaine. I've noticed that, with time, my skin has become somewhat "numb" to the stick. Once in a while it will hurt, but not so much anymore(4 years). Also, I don't know if this is true, or not, I've heard that the use of Lidocaine builds up more scar tissue in the fistula and leads to clotting. Personally, I'd rather get stuck once in one spot, rather than twice in one spot. Makes sense - less scar tissue to deal with. I just take a deep breath, close my eyes, and hold on tight!

[Michael Murphy]

I am stuck with 15 gauge needles without lidocaine.  It's a quick jab and only occasionally hurts.  Easier with out the cream.  The only strange thing is I don't look. Going in the needles look like the size of the holland tunnel in New York they look a lot smaller coming out.

[PrimeTimer]

My husband uses 15-gauge blunt needles using the buttonhole method  -no lidocaine or anything for the pain except for me.     For the most part, works pretty well. 

[PrimeTimer]

My wonderful wife got 16 guage sharps 5 days per week without anything . She never complained.

Dr. O: You must've had quite an effect on her.