Ethyl Chloride vs ice

[kidneysblowingchunks]

 
The center I go to was recently purchased by Renal Advantage Incorporated. They discontinued the use of Lidocaine injections to numb my access for needle insertion.

I have had to buy my own Ethyl Chloride because Medicare doesn't cover it. My appeal was denied. I am running low, and the nurse suggested that I use ice instead. Has anyone done this? What kind of results did you get?

I call the center that I go to........

Renal Agony Institute

L8R...
Kidneys Blowing Chunks

[RichardMEL]

That's pretty tough they just won't give it period. I can't quite understand that.

Our unit does discourage the prolonged use of locals - not for cost reasons but because repeated use of local injections in fistula areas is bad for the skin (and possibly the fistula).

You know many of us don't use any sort of injections. It really doesn't hurt after awhile as the fistula matures and hardens up - have you tried just doing it without the injections?

[gothiclovemonkey]

idk if it will work or not, but i do know there is some over the counter stuff..... probably any pharmacy or even walmart would have it...
i cant think of the name. Id figure u could call up and ask them if they having anything that would work thats over the counter...
I had a scrip for something that numbs, i didnt find that it was worth using, so ive used it twice... ill see if i can find it and let u know what its called. it was covered by my medicare. I dont use anything when i get stuck, but I have learned there are breathing techniques to help. If ur brave u can cough while they stick u, just warn them thats what ur going to do. If u dont want to try coughing (i dont do that...) I take a very deep breath while the needles going in, and id say a good 90% of the time that works out for me. They dont use injections at my clinic either, they can, but they prefer not to because its bad for ya.
As for the ice idea, sure it would work, but it would take a long time, try numbing with ice at home, to see how long it takes for u.
Everyone is different
Good Luck!

[Hazmat35]

My neph writes me a script for Lidocaine /Prilocaine cream.  I know that I have seen it available on other web sites as well. 

I rub it on my arm about 1 - 1 1/2 hours before my treatment and it works great.  I cover the area w/ plastic wrap so it will "soak" in. 

[KICKSTART]

Cant help with the thread .  I  dont know why , every time i see your user name i just associate it with  .sorry !   

[kidneysblowingchunks]

Thanks for all of the replies. RAI says that the discontinuation of Lidocaine is to preserve the fistula.

As for the Lidocaine cream, I have a Patient Transport service take me there and back. I have to be ready by 2PM, but they come at any time between 2:15 and 3:30.

I have tried doing the needles without anything, and it hurt very badly.

I bit the bullet this morning and got some more Ethyl Chloride. There goes this month's budget.... ;|

KICKSTART: I close the user name when I was in the hospital. I was losing kidney tissue through my urine. It was visible in the cath bag.

[thegrammalady]

i have used the Lidocaine /Prilocaine cream and have put it on my arm up to 2 and a half hours before the needles have gone in and it has still worked. it would be worth trying.

[Zach]

Dialysis centers are cutting back on many supplies and medications in preparation for the new bundle payment system.  Fewer meds and supplies, greater profit.

[Riki]

Emla cream.  I get a 30ml tube of it for around $50 and it lasts about 2 months.  I put it on about an hour before I leave (transport picks me up at 1, I put it on at 12) and cover it with a tegaderm bandage.  I'm told that saran wrap will work, but I can't really handle that stuff on my own.. *G*  They wipe it off before putting the cleaning solution on, and I don't feel the needle going through the skin at all.  You can also get it for $10 for 5ml tubes, and they also have patches.  I orignally had a prescription for it, but when my mom went to get it for me, the pharmacist told her that it was over the counter.

[Stoday]

My unit uses a topical spray if asked. Either Ethyl Chloride (to freeze) or Xylocaine (contains Lindocaine). I've tried both; I'm still not sure which is the better. I don't think either is completely effective but both reduce the sting enough for me.

[sullidog]

I didn't know you could get emla over the counter? Now topika I know you can and buy it online.

[kidneysblowingchunks]

In Florida, Emla cream is a prescription item.
At the RAI (Renal Advantage Inc.) site I go to, all pain reduction costs are paid by the patient.

My experience with Lidocaine injections were painful. Both the insertion of the needle, and the "push" of the lidocaine. Man that stuff burns!