Pet Scan frustration

1surfermom
1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member

Hi Everyone

Yesterday I went for a PET Scan that was ordered by my oncologist. It was scheduled  in the  afternoon and I was instructed not

to eat or drink anything for six hours prior. I then waited in the radiology department for an hour before I was brought

back for the scan. Two techs tried to get an IV started to put in the  contrast and were unable to start it due to my

veins. They kept saying there is a lot of scar tissue in my right  arm ( I have lymphedema in the left arm so it can't be used) and

they couldn't even access a vein in my hand. They sent me home and rescheduled. I had an MRI on May 5th and I had an IV in my arm during that procedure. I'm wondering if that IV could have caused this vein  damage. Has this ever happened to anyone ?  How long does it take for veins to repair themselves ?I'm worried because I'm scheduled for surgery at the beginning of June. I hope my veins can take it.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Love, Surf

Comments

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    edited May 2017 #2
    Same

    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

  • 1surfermom
    1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member
    edited May 2017 #3
    Yikes

    I hope I don't wake up during surgery.  I don't know what I would do. I hate anything medical . The only time I can be found in a hospital is visiting someone who just had a baby. Thank you for the tips. When I go for my pre-ops I'm going to ask for a butterfly or a 20. Is a 20 the child's size of needle?   I'm so appreciative of your advice.  Love Surf

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    A 20

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

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    edited May 2017 #5
    Grrrrr....

    You call it frustration. I call it -- well, they won't let me use the words that come to mind.

    I'm really sorry. Besides being starving, being poked, you now have more waiting. Yuck!

    xoxo

    Victoria

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    Bad Veins

    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 

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    edited May 2017 #7
    SurferMom...dehydration

    I have had this happen due to dehydration. The day before any shot or IV you need to drink plenty of water. I'll be that is what happened to you. You could give that a try.

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    edited May 2017 #8
    I had them use a butterfly or child size and 3 pokes max.

    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

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    Port

    Prior to my cancer, I had bad veins.  So when it came time for chemo, I said port.  Now I have lymphedema in both arms and can never have a bp, blood draws, or IV's in either arm.  I ask my Onc nurse how long can one have a port adn she said, as long as you keep it flushed you can have one forever.  I may have to do this.  

    Mixed feelings on it, but since I dont like the idea of someone poking my feet, I am considering keeping this port for awhile.    Anyone else have this problem.

    HUGS

    Annie

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    edited May 2017 #10
    bad veins too

    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.

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    I'm sorry, Surf

    Surf, I have nothing helpful to add, other than to let you know that I've been thinking about you ever since you let us know that you'd been diagnosed again.  I'm so sorry you have to go through all the tests and waiting and frustration and anxiety all over again -- oh, and then you get to have cancer, too!  It just sucks.  I'm sending you strength to get through to your surgery in June, and then move forward and enjoy a sunny summer with this behind you.

    Big hug to you,

    Traci

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    edited May 2017 #12
    I've thought of you often

    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

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    edited June 2017 #13
    Surf ..

    thinking of you - and sending you prayers and positive thoughts my friend.

    children's size butterflies needles always used on me - for any blood draws or needles insertion. blood comes out much slower -- so most tech'a don't like to use them.  That is what I have been told, again and again by Staff.

    Vicki Sam