This and That and Talk - My Transplant

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?

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 

@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

@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.

@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.

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 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

@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)

@contentandwell, @lcamino, Sorry to interrupt this interesting phlebotomist discussion 🙂
There is a discussion that I would like for you to look at. A member has posted a very interesting question about staying motivated with weight loss. I thought that maybe you might have some 'wisdom' to share! When you have a moment, give it a look. Thanks, Rosemary
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/staying-motivated-for-the-long-haul/
Wouldn't it be interesting to hear from a phlebotomist?

@lcamino This is also a small lab, just a collection place for Quest Labs and the blood get sent "stat" to their real lab in MA. There is just one person there. When I walked in there today and saw Ruth, the regular woman, I practically kissed her! She and I have become very friendly as I think I have mentioned. She is very Christian and was quite dismayed to hear that my daughter is having a civil ceremony for her wedding. Heck, I would prefer a Christian wedding myself but she is not a practicing Christian so it's her choice - she is 35, plus we are contributing to this three ring circus, not paying for it all.
JK