This and That and Talk - My Transplant

@rosemarya, My husband has done a great deal of phlebotomy and occasionally talks about it. You can make your draws more pleasant. Here are a few things I have learned after 40+ years of frequent blood draws. Change your attitude. Stop dreading and prepare yourself for the draw. If you are a hard draw, make sure to keep yourself hydrated -- maybe even drink a little more than usual a few days before your draw. Dehydrated veins are more difficult to get into and the dehydration may make the blood flow more sluggish. Sometimes what appears to be a very good vein will 'roll' so that when the attempt is made to enter the vein with the needle it cannot be done. Each draw actually has two "sticks" of which most people unaware. First the needle must be introduced below the skin, and secondly the needle must be introduced into the vein. Sometimes the needle tip is rejected by the vein because there is a valve at that point. Thus it appears the needle is "digging around" under the skin. Each vein has a series of valves that prevent backflow and move the blood to and from the heart and lungs. Sometimes the vein is so fragile that with normal pressure the needle enters and pushes completely through the vein when attempting to enter the vein. This will probably cause a bruise. I always watch the needle so that I can mentally prepare and calm myself to make the draw both easier and less painful. I make sure to place my finger on the gauze and apply pressure after the needle is removed and before the bandage is placed over the area. This will encourage clotting, discourage leakage and reduce bruising. Make sure to leave the dressing on at least 15 minutes (longer if you know you tend to clot slowly). Try not to use the blood draw arm heavily for the rest of the day, such as carrying a child, a heavy purse, lifting heavy pans in/out of the oven, etc. This will encourage clotting and discourage leaking. I have one super-duper, railroad-tunnel, x-marks-the-spot, treasured vein that I almost always suggest; particularly if I am under the weather. That baby just sits up and takes it. (lol)

@2011panc, Thank you for this reply! And Thanks to your husband for this wealth of information!!
Many years with many needle entries, and I never knew the details involved. I am so very happy that you have shared this with us! This makes it even more special when it is an easy needle entry. My sincere appreciation goes out to all phlebotomists for getting it done!

I learned when I was at Mayo, that they use thin needles. And now I make sure that the local phlebotomist uses the narrow "butterfly" ones. Can you believe that I once had to insist, because I was told that they cost more at my local lab!

Rosemary

The choice of needle is usually the phlebotomist's choice, having more to do with what they are comfortable using than focusing on the situation at hand. I believe the butterfly is generally accepted as the best to use for long-term and difficult draws, but like everywhere in life there are pleasant, caring people and then the other ones that would rather watch the clock go round and leave with money in their pocket.

You are most welcome to what's in my mind, just be careful going there! lol

@2011panc - THANK YOU so much for sharing your knowledge and that of your husband's! I knew some things but learned a lot. It is always good to get the perspective from another viewpoint. I can personally attest to not keeping pressure on the area. I get a terrible bruise if I don't keep a substantial amount of pressure for about 20 minutes. Instead of a bandaid Mayo uses gauze wrapped around the arm and it is tight and makes it hard to bend your arm but it seems to do the trick. When asked I"m always happy to point out the vein that is the one that never seems to fail.

@rosemarya, @2011panc - Now that you mention it Mayo does always use the butterfly needles. I think they are usually used in pediatrics as I first became aware of them when my children were getting blood draws. Maybe that is why I usually do not have an issue because my local lab uses them too.

@amynewheart

I was just thinking about you. As it has been over a month since you have posted, I was wondering how you are doing.

Teresa

I'm in ICU. Transplant went well the doctors said. The pain is almost more than I can take.  Tell the team as I did have 

Hi, @davebarnes. Wow--you wrote in from the ICU! So glad to hear your transplant went well. That is wonderful.

So terribly sorry the pain is almost more than you can take, and trust your medical team will help you with that.

When does your doctor anticipate you can go home?

@davebarnes Dave, I had bad pain for a couple of days too. One night it was so bad I couldn't sleep, The nurse came in at around 5:00 AM and told me never to do that, I could have had some more pain medication, I was not nearly at the limit. She gave me something, I finally slept and that was my worst night. It will get better. I really do not remember the actual pain, or exactly where it hurt, what I remember is that night, and also saying to my husband I wish I hadn't had the transplant! Within a very short time I was ecstatic that I had and now, a year later (transplantiversary on 09.23) I am better than ever. I really have been since very shortly after the transplant. It's wonderful to not wake up in the morning fearing an HE episode. I was fortunate in not having many but the ones that I did have were horrible. They put me in the hospital 3 times.
JK

@davebarnes - I guess I'm out of touch because I did not realize you were having your transplant but I'm so pleased it went well. I've not been through what you are experiencing but I'm sure you will start to feel better. Keep the staff informed of how you are doing because they are there to help. Don't try and be a tough guy because you need to rest so you can heal. So pleased for you and your wife!