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