Difficult veins for IV treatment resulting in anxiety-

Posted by charlotte12 @charlotte12, Jan 30 6:39pm

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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msh466 | @msh466 | 2 days ago

Having been a phlebotomist for a number of years technique and experience are needed to provide excellent customer service. However not all blood drawers are on the same level. Yearly competencies are required. But it’s usually what tubes do what tests and drawn in what order, etc. Technique is usually visual on easy blood draws. I never started IV’s or ABG. But countless blood draws for weeks on end for inpatients does take its toll on veins. Drug addicts are the worse since years of use it’s just callouses and tracking scars. Doctors put standing orders on charts. Not realizing the difficulties the patient is going through. Butterflies can and should be used on all hard draws. Or ports can be used as well though the downside is they get plugged or sore.