40 minutes, 4 nurses.........and 8 sticks | Arthritis Information

To finally get a vein that wouldn't collapse for my infusion.

It sucked. I don't mind the sticks, but everyone was getting

aggrivated, and I ended up with silent tears from frustration.

I hate being a bad patient! Unfortunately, I have no control

over my veins......wah.

You weren't a bad patient- what a frustrating experience! Sorry you had to go through it. Not your fault. That was one reason why I switched from Orencia to Rituxan. I am such a bad stick. They once had to try over 15times. They were pulling nurses from the cardiac wing to try to do it.

I know it hurts. I used to drink a ton of water, run my hands under warm water, and then they would wrap them up in warm towels. Obviously, didn't really help. I am just really attached to my blood!if you are going to continue infusion medications and are consistantly a 'bad" stick you might consider getting a port. that's a tough day!! Sorry you had that happen.. After my next infusion I see my rheumie....I'm going to ask him about a port. I'm always a bad stick, but this was the worst. I'm not a baby, don't mind the stick, doesn't hurt so much that I can't take it, not afraid of needles, etc......my veins just like to collapse.

Thanks for the resonses!

Bless your heart! I've been there and done that, myself. I don't know what kind of infusion you were getting, but if it's something you get every month, why don't you consider getting a porta-a cath. I finally got one (3 years ago), after having trouble with my veins. It has been a Godsend and I love having one. It was an out-patient, easy surgery, with little to no recovery time. Once it's in, you're home free. You can't even feel the needle, that is used to access it. I love mine and it's made my infusions so much more pleasant. I go in, every 3 weeks, for a 5 hour IVIG infusion and every 4 weeks, for my Orencia infusion, so I use it a lot. Anyway, it's just food for thought. You might want to give it a try. If you need more information, please feel free to email me!Awwww Debra, I am so sorry! I hate the needle in the arm sticks the most!!! I can take shots to the knees, in the foot, the butt, but those where they have to keep searching around, going from one arm to the other.... waaaaaahhhh is right! You are not a bad patient because your veins have a mind of their own! We had a long discussion on ports here not long ago... http://www.arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21406&KW=port&PN=1

I hope this helps and hope you are feeling better after the infusion.

I am sorry debrakay. Sounds like me, when I get someone who does not know how to stick people. I hope next infusion goes well for you.