Crazy infusion-or not | Arthritis Information

 

Went today to get my monthly Orencia infusion.  Or so I thought.  After two hours and 15, yes 15!!! attempts, they couldn't get an IV started.  I have always been a very hard stick.  It usually takes at least two or three times.  But his is a record.  After every few tries they asked if I wanted to stop.  Obviously yes, but I can't afford another day off without pay.  In the county, I have to teach a month to get a sick day.  Since these are monthly infusions, I never get days built up.  I had multiple nurses and three doctors all try.

Goodness, I am sorry you are having a bad time with the infusions. 15 times is a lot of attempts, you must be exhausted. I hope it goes well for you on wednesday. Let us knowI am so sorry! :(15 attemps, wow! the things we have to go through. Hope Wed goes better for you.......make sure you drink plenty of water between now and Wednesday.  My veins were so bad, they could find them but would blow the minute a needle went in, that I ended up getting a port.  Its a bit of a pain getting it flushed every couple of months but so worth it when it comes time to an infusion. buckeye2008-09-15 19:19:29Good luck Wednesday! Sorry you had such trouble today! I too have heard drinking a lot of water prior is helpful.They have mentioned a port in the past. I have been pretty against it. I drank water yesterday and drank a full bottle in the car. I must of had like 10 cups while at the office.   They also tried wrapping my hands and arms in heating pads to bring the veins out.

I just told them I am very attached to my blood-don't really want to part with it.Ouch!! Sorry you had such a hard time. I hope it goes well next time. I'm a easy stick and my veins are juicy. I do drink lots of water and maybe try some powerade or something.....? the port is really nice if you are getting regular infusions...it took about 4 hours from the time I got to the hospital to the time i got home to put it in.  I used it 2 days later.  The stick is nothing compared to the multiple sticks.  Its nice too cause it leaves my hands availble to hold a book during the infusionIsn't here a pretty high risk of infection?Becky - you are so brave.  And a great attitude too!  We are pulling for you.  Cathynot if proper infection conrol procedueres are followed.  the nurses use masks when accessing the port and all the stuff they use comes in a special sterile pack.I get so nervous when I know they are going to take blood.   I drink lots of water and try to lift a weight (3lbs is all I can handle), before I go to make the veins pop out.  It really does help to exercise your arms before you go.   Good luck.Ugh!!  My record is 12 tries for my remicade.  The nurses wanted me to get a port as well but since I have recently had 5 blood clots the doctors say no way.  Apparently just having a port increases your risks for blood clots.  Its only a slight increase but they just won't do them unless there is no other option if you have already had clotting problems.

Dress very warmly before going in, like a sweatshirt.  The warmer you are the more the veins come out, thats why they put the warmers on your hands and arms.  Drink, drink and drink some more, especially the night before.  Those are the only things that seem to help at all for me.  My next remicade infusion is this Thursday and I am already starting with the extra water!  Good luck!

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