Is there anything I can do to make an I.V. less painful? (or just less scary)?

Question

I'm not especially afraid of needles but I HATE HATE HATE i.v.s

I have had 2 c-sections, 3 sinus surgeries, an endoscopy and a spinal tap and by far and away the worst part of any of those procedures were the i'v's.

Answer 1

You can express your concern to any nurse or doctor that walks into the room. There is a needle known as a "butterfly" that is significantly smaller than a traditional needle. They can begin with that if the doctor feels it can administer the necessary IV fluids. Also, there are topical items they can use...and a really great nurse or doctor will take into consideration your fears and help to alleviate them. Speak up to them and they can and will help.

Answer 2

I've lost count of how many IVs I've had in just the last two years. Nothing is going to make them feel any better. My only advice is to never let the nurse put one on top of your hand. The more you move your hand the more swollen and painful the IV will become. I always have the IV put on the side of my forearm just above my wrist. I have a good vein there and it's a lot easier to move my hand around.

Answer 3

Well, there are numbing creams and patches available, just ask the nurse. The actual cannula that is left in your skin is not a needle, it's like soft plastic. And it shouldn't be painful, unless it has been left in for too long and become inflammed.
Usually 3-4 days.
Theres nothing to be scared about. You have been through worse than that.

Answer 4

You've gotten some great advice here... the only thing I'd add a bit more strenuously is to speak up for yourself. Before someone attempts an IV I say: So... have you ever done any wild cat drilling? Cause that's what it's like getting a needle into me! (The humour is usually appreciated :) I then tell them the best places to *ahem* drill, and usually they call in the local 'expert' to put mine in. Be clear as to how much it pains you... if we don't tell 'em, they don't know. (The numbing cream and the butterflies also make things WAY easier :) Good luck, my friend!

Answer 5

While they are putting it in, just try to think of something else. Put yourself into the middle of a field of daisies on a summer day. I've had so many that I just don't care anymore and stick out my hand. That said, I don't necessarily like them. And, I believe it's because many of the phlebotomists who I've met have no empathy and little or no personality. One thing I do know: if it is not placed correctly it hurts like the dickens. In these cases, complain-complain-complain until it is fixed. If the nurse doesn't respond properly ask for her supervisor.

Answer 6

what I used to do everytime I have had to have an IV,which has been many because I have had a lot of kids and surgeries and the thought of IVs scares me to death,is to before they start I start singing you are my sunshine or the abcs in my head,I concentrate on the words of the simple song and keep my mind on that and it really does help. Even if they do it quickly your mind will be set on what they are doing,if you set your mind to a song and even through the pain you still concentrate on the words it WILL help I promise

Answer 7

Why? Are your veins are usually hidden? or you don't have much good veins?

Most hospital or clinic have a special team to do IV, let the nurse know that you are a " hard sticker" , request an experienced nurses or doctor to do it! No nursing student!

I hate to say that but males nurses seem have better luck or do better on finding a veins for good IV!

Believe me, they want it done in one shot as much as you want it.!!!

Answer 8

Perhaps you have veins that are difficult to locate. The best way is to concentrate of deep slow breathing and to focus your attention on something in the room, such as a picture on the wall. It works for me.

Answer 9

Pinch the skin and look at something distracting like a sticker on the wall or somethin

Answer 10

close your eyes?
get drunk first?

make a deal with the nurse--if he makes it painful, you get to punch him in the face

lol

I hate them too. my veins are tiny and they always have to stab me 9 times to find it, and then wiggle the needle around in my arm. lovely

actually--they use a baby needle with me. that might help you too