Difficult veins for IV treatment resulting in anxiety-

@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.

I have the same issue. I’ve decided to buy one of those vein finders that Mass General uses and take it with me. They’re available on Amazon. Price ranges vary. I used to be a nurse and had the reputation that I could start an iv on a frog. Made me laugh. I don’t think nurses today are properly trained for iv insertion. My gdaughter is in nursing school and I’m appalled at how little training they get. This is my arm from last week. Ugh.

Thanks for sharing, and sorry you sustained bruising. My arms looked like this before, especially when I had to go for a blood draw every week. But now I watch like a hawk, if the blood does not come up the tube, I ask her to stop and look for another vein. I had to get an IV today for a CT scan with with contrast. I took an electric heating pad with me to wrap around my arm. The nurse
used a vein finder and we both could see the vein but no blood was flowing. She said I have thin veins. I ended up with a blown vein. She successfully found a vein
on the back of my arm, an area which had been used before by a nurse in the infusion center. Can you get a different nurse next time?
Is the vein finder working out for you? Can you share which one you got?

I haven’t decided on a vein finder yet. I’m still checking them out. Friday, I’m going to ask for another phlebotomist if they can’t find a vein instead of moving the needle around. I discourage them from using my hand because of the bruising. Upsets my gr-kids. I’ll keep you posted about the vein finders.

Before the start I have told the phlebotomists not to move the needle around if they can't draw blood. I tell them I want to avoid the bruises or a blown vein. If there are several technicians ask for their "expert". I have found one for the blood draws. Some clinics have a protocol
in place to get another nurse if there are issues with the vein and unsuccessful attempts. I found out over time. Ask. I don't want to look at the bruises on my arm or hands caused by IV or blood draws, it may take a week or longer to heal, I still have a bluish, partly hard vein from an IV from over 6 months ago. It is a stressful reminder. I also don't want someone in training.

Because of lymphedema on left arm ( breast cancer) my right one has overused tiny veins - and I have two monthly IVs. I was advised to get a port - and did. Not everyone infusion place can use them - but it’s great! Ask. It’s a permanent access under skin in chest side.

I used to be easy to find IV veins on but after a 6 week stay in Intensive care intubated, I wasted away and became a pain to find an IV location. I found myself in hospital for 5 months with daily bloods being done by different phlebotomists. Some would just go bang and get it; others would dig around like they were looking for gold.
Over that time one main vein was damaged to the point it is a scar; this feels like an excellent spot, and they all have a go at it (well used to) until I said don't go here. I just moved around until I found a good one and they pointed out my best spots which I took a picture of with IV in. If I have to go to a different place I show them.

I'm getting close to decide for a port, I don't know how they assign nurses at the infusion center, but the last 2 times, it was the same person ( who points out he has been doing this for 30 years) who did not find a vein on the first try, I would then ask for the nurse who had always found a vein before. I forgot to take a photo, I make a note of it. I hope you have recovered from your ordeal and wish you well.