Pet Scan frustration

They always have a problem with an IV with me especially that kind which requires a 2nd insert to administer the test stuff.  Last time I wound up with 14 holes of attempts including 4 in not allowed arm Onc gave permission for.

If they have a pick team ask the team to try.

Also tell them if they have a talented tech they may be able to use a 20 needle though it is more difficult to use the 2nd thingy.

This is a constant problem for me. Taking blood is not bad since I tell them to use a butterfly or 20 then it's a fly

For major surgery (14 hours)which also requires a few days of antibiotics, the surgeon put some kind of tube through my shoulder to a vein or artery in my chest. Be sure to clue in your surgeon.

Good luck. Sorry they sent you home. Even anesthetizing the place on your arm to get it done is another possibility

Have fun. I even woke up during a surgery once when the anesthesiologist had a god complex and tried to move it from hand to arm.  Surgeon really bleww up at him telling him to put it back and I heard cause I was awake but woke up with about 20 holes

It is just the next size up and is a regular needle no wings

I too am a "difficult stick" with tiny invisible veins. Like you, I only have 1 arm that can be used.  I always warn anybody who has to draw blood, inject contrast, etc. I suggest the use of pediatric needles at the outset. If the tech can't find a vein with 2 pokes and I am in a hospital setting I request that an anesthesiologist  be called to do the job. The anesthesiologist  has always been able to find a useable vein. They can also use the inside of the wrist, the top of the hand or even the vein in your foot/ankle. I wish you luck.

IRENE 

I was told I was difficult, but had an intestinal blockage and the tech decided the night before they were going to do a colostomy that he needed to change the i .  He couldnt find a vein that didn't collapse or roll. So he was going to use my ankle. No way.  He called the surgeon who asked why he changed it?  Said not to worry about it they would take care of it in the morning. But the intestine untwisted. No iv, no surgery.  Then within a year when cancer was back, the first thing they did was the port!  

I am so sorry you have to go thru it, but ask for an experienced tech or nurse. I was pretty pushy on that but when I went thru it the first time, I figured 8 infusions I didn't need a port.  Only had 3 infusions bcuz had an allergic reaction to the cytoxin.  I didn't think of all the blood draws and they just suggested the port and when I asked the nurse said it was my choice but nothing else was said just that I refused.  Now my veins in my left arm are no good. Wish I had more info 1st time around.  

Surf wish you the best!  It is so many of the s/e that are worse than some of the actual cancer treatments.  I have even asked for an infusion nurse.

keeping you in my thoughts,

 Carol

I had my MRI and the nurse was not experienced enough.  She caused my left arm vein to swell and it is still swollen.  When the first nurse started to poke my arm I told her to stop.  My BP went up in a flash.  I don't let anyone play with my veins because it is very painful with a hematoma.  The lab tech sometimes use my right arm even though there is a risk of lymphedema.  And yes, he told me to drink water to help hydration.  Plain water.  It won't damage the study.  A small amount of water if going to surgery.  Not much to avoid vomiting.

I've been checking in since 2012, and I still cannot believe you're going through this again.  I know I've said it before but 2009 was eight years ago. Surf, I want this to be off your plate asap and moving on with life again. Thinking of you!  Big hug, Linda