occasionally there is a problem and I am told that some veins have a "valve" (I think that's what they said) that restricts and prevents the needle from entering.
Why does this happen and why are most doctors and nurses really good about it and try another vein, whereas occasionally there is a less than gentle doctor who forces the needle past the restiction.
It hurts like hell, both to have the infusion and then for 2 weeks after with swelling and bruising.
What can I say to the next doctor about it, because obviously, I won't know in advance if he/she will be alert to the restriction and I want to avoid another painful infusion and a fortnights worth of pain?
2007-02-16 07:10:03 · 3 answers · asked by kittykatts 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I start IV"s on a daily basis. I don't know where you live, but in the USA, not many docs put in IVS. I have been able to 'thread a cannula' past a valve. It can cause bruising, and that's probably what's hurting. But, what are they putting into your vein? some cancer drugs, and some antibiotics are notoriously 'hard' on the veins, and if it's a smaller vein, it can be more sensitive, and it can last for some time. Also, you can get a localized infection in the vein, if there's any redness or warmth, the vein itself may be infected. also, some of the medicine may have leaked out into the tissue, and takes awhile to get absorbed. So, I'm sorry that you've had a tough time. I kow we do things so often, that we forget to be sensitive sometimes. If you have a good vein, that is easy to 'hit' tell the nurses or docs, they're usually receptive to an easy target. If you're getting frequent transfusions for long term treatment, ask them about a PICC line. (peripheally inserted central catheter) It can stay in you arm for weeks for long term treatment. It goes in like a regular IV using ultrasound, the only downside I know of is possible infection But, it can save alot of pokes!!!
2007-02-16 07:20:19 · answer #1 · answered by nickname 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a great question as there are so many boneheads out there.
First people who will not listen to you have an ego problem: i.e. I am the technician I know best. BUT you have the right to ask them to try another spot and infact demand it. There are valves that close down on some veins and it does block the flow. Also scarring from repeated transfusions is another reason. I take a bottle of ARNICA spray and spray it on the area where they are going to insert the needle. During the transfusion spray the area near the needle insertion and also after. For 2 days after 2-3 times a day. Arnica reduces the pain and also removes the bruising or heals it. I don't ask I just do it. I am suffering the pain and discomfort so take care of yourself.
2007-02-16 07:15:40 · answer #2 · answered by commonsense2265 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know. Go to canular.com. They have cool stuff even some meat.
2007-02-16 07:13:56 · answer #3 · answered by Evan Spear 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋