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Difficult veins for IV treatment resulting in anxiety-
every time I get an infusion, I think I am prepared for having a new nurse assigned or issues that can arise with locating a vein- all my calm goes out the window when it takes more time to find a vein, I have started breathing techniques to control my fear,
I had bad bruising and vein damage, one took months to recover, bruising is still visible after 6 months, but reduced in size-I'm nervous especially when my arm gets probed, massaged, patted, turned over and over and then the site which is chosen does not work-
i have protruding veins on the back of my hand- have you had IVs there without any issues? Is there a good alternative to veins on the side of the arm? I have nurses stand while
inserting the needle? Do they find the right angle then? Should the removal of IV
be painless? I know I could get a port. Did you have any complications with a port and why? I had some positive experience with a nurse or two, they don't leave bruising, they find a vein.
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@charlotte12 Do you take something with you to ease your mind? A book, perhaps, a travel crochet project, something to take your mind off of the suffering you see? Sometimes I start a conversation with someone else on a mundane topic. Last time I was at the cancer center, we were talking about all the weather patterns. Like you, sometimes I have a wait, so it's important to work on calming yourself. I get it. Monthly blood draws for cancer numbers means there is anxiety for the results, let alone the procedure!
What is a little thing you can do for yourself that will calm you down, help you feel less anxious?
Ginger
@charlotte12
Do you bring something to do while waiting to keep your mind off treatment. I use to bring crochet, kept my mind and hands busy. If interested in puzzles, maybe a book of Sudoku or something similar. And there is always game apps on phone.
The research dept at Mayo Charlton building 7th floor has an infrared or uv based device that will show all of your veins. You'd be surprised at how many there are.