Transition to bigger needles

[cchalk11]

My center has moved me to a 16 gauge needle from a 17 gauge needle. My question is, has anyone felt a difference of comfort with a bigger needle in your access?

[obsidianom]

There is such a small difference between the 16 and 17 guage  needles that you may not even notice it feeling different.

[Simon Dog]

A 16 gauge needle is 12% bigger in diameter (.058->.065), but has 25% more surface area for blood flow.  The next step is a 15 (.065->.072), and 11% increase in diameter and 22% increase in surface area.

[Schweinfurt]

My FRESENIUS Center uses Gauge 15 needles.

They always hurt. I have tried Lidocaine and that freezing spray. Neither works.

A big reasons why I'm getting a transplant is so I can stop having these 15 Gauge punctures in my arm six times a week (three dialysis sessions X 2 punctures per session.)

I hate the needles: much also depends on the skill of the particular nurse you get on any particular day. A good nurse is decided- no tentative poking around, she has studied the area well and knows where she's going to stick the needle in - and she/he is fast.

I have never cried out, but it hurts. Certainly others have cried out, cried tears, screamed in fact.

I will be so relieved after my transplant in October.

[Simon Dog]

One more thing you can try - EMLA cream.   Apply 1 hour in advance, cover with saran wrap so it stays in place.

Good luck on the transplant.