Chronic Pancreatitis and now have a new issue I am scared

Hi. I hear you, my veins Are terrible. No one can ever get me unless I tell them right where to go and then it's a long shot. You might have been dehydrated. Pancreatitis is the worst. I have only had it acute 2x.
It's almost as bad as childbirth.
You're not alone.

This sounds very scary and I can only imagine your frustration and uncertainty. Try not to let these things overwhelm you. Pay close attention to what do when they are successful getting an IV in you and be sure to share that with the nurses every time you need to get an IV. Continue to advocate for yourself and do not let them get you down or give you inadequate care: if it takes an ultrasound to get an IV in you then that is what needs to be done. They have folks that specialize in this kind of work and communicating these challenges early and often is important so the don’t waste time trying to get an IV in the “usual way” and they can get the ultrasound guided IV going sooner. Good luck and Godspeed to good health!

Having a hard time getting an IV in, IS NOT your fault. Like the others said, dehydration, cold room, cold arm, small veins, roll away veins, happen. If possible always have an advocate/friend/relative with you, my hubby is always there and I know, even if I can't communicate well, he WILL ALWAYS have my back and NEVER let anyone push him around/away. If this is an option for you, need to have it in writing signed by you before hand, then the personnel must listen to him. It has been very helpful a few times. I can't speak to the pancreatitis, was it a super emergency, or what the reasons. I'm like the other replies, I always tell the medical people, I am a hard stick. Some listen and wrap my arms in really warm blankets, and I make tight fists. My last ER took 3 different people, 7 digging sticks, finally a sonogram /ultra sound was brought in and one stick was all it took. My arms looked like I was drug user, the stick points were more like digging holes. My record is 17 sticks, a specialist dr was called in, the IV was placed in my neck. I recently learned that the sonogram/ultrasound , in many hospitals, is always used, it is not the exception. I will not ever let me get stuck more than 1x, after one failed attempt, demand the sonogram, warm blankets. If possible try to drink a lot, even on the way to hospital and while you wait for the IV, request/demand they give you water, if you are able to drink.
Not in a mean way, but I did chuckle, about your comment of having no veins....that has been said to me a lot; yet my veins are very visible through my thin skin.
RE: I have just been told that my pancreas has issues, shown on CT scan. I have two other major problems right now, so I have ignored this. What happens to you when you need a hospital? No, rush, just when you feel up to it. Thanx,Shelley

Have they tried a PICC line? I have no veins from the bacterial spinal meningitis. Several times for a simple procedure they have to go through my neck. They have gone through my neck for colonoscopy and several other procedures just to have an injections in my hips.

Hi there!

I am new here. I just got accepted at the Mayo Clinic for my chronic pancreatitis (acute in 2017,2018,2109 and diagnosed chronic in 2021). They gave me my appointment for a week from Monday. I have been crying tears of joy, as I have been waiting for this forever. I get about 18-24 chronic flares and am at my total wits end. I am really really hoping surgery is something I am looking at in my very near future.

I HAVE to tell them everytime I am at the hospital for it that I have awful veins. That they roll right away and I am probably dehydrated considered my pancreas is hurting
My last hospitalization I did have to use the ultrasound machine to get two of my lines going. When I go to the hospital, I always know exactly what I need. IV bag, promethazine and dialudid. I have a pain contract with my pain doctor which is for dialudid and morphine ER.

‼️👍‼️I am thrilled for you, getting an appt. So, what does your appt need to show, so you can get the surgery?
It sounds odd to wish for surgery, those who don't have chronic!!! pain can't understand why. I am finally going to get my parathyroid gland(s) removed. I am traveling 19 hours by car to get to one of the two doctors who have performed this surgery 1000's of times. I am not worried about the surgery at all; I am concerned that I am counting on this being an eventual cure for so many of my problems.
Your "pain contract" sounds like it cuts through the BS, we're all subjected to in the ER. Could you send me a copy of it, I will replace your name and dr., with mine...just kidding. Maybe you could get your dr. to add that the ultrasound is always to be used for vein location. You mentioned Promethazine...ER's are always trying to push Zofran or Reglan on me. Keep us all updated on your results after the appt. GOOD VIBES are in the air for you. Shelley