So, how many sticks does it take you for them to finally find a vein?

GregP_WN
GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
edited June 2020 in General Cancer
I always tell them ahead of time that I'm a hard stick, I've had chemo, bad veins, blah, blah, blah. Usually they will look at my arms and get a concerned look on their face, then start digging. When I go to Vandy, 99% of the time it's one stick, usually painless. The last time it was three times. Today, it was 2 times when I was at the lab the first time, then when I went back in to give blood again, because they "forgot" to fill 3 more files, the same nurse had to do it. I assume as punishment for not doing it right the first time. He tried twice, after I kicked the cabinet he said, "I'll get someone else". She came and tried twice, the second was the one.

I have asked for a port to be put in before my treatment and trial starts. We hope that is quick.

So, are you a "one stick wonder"? Or are you a pin cushion?

Comments

  • LiveWithCancer
    LiveWithCancer Member Posts: 470
    edited June 2020
    I was an easy stick before I had chemo. They didn't think I would live long enough to need a port (I guess that is why they didn't suggest one) so I had all of my actual chemo treatments through my veins. It ruined them. Suddenly finding a viable vein became a near impossibility. The only time I have an IV is before I have some kind of surgery. For some reason, no matter how much I beg them to do everything through the port, they will only do an IV. I've had a few nurses who can hit (in my hand) first try, but that's uncommon.
  • Bengal
    Bengal Member Posts: 518
    edited June 2020
    So sorry you so frequently have to go through this torture. I'm lucky I guess. I'm always complimented on my "great veins". Even when I had my port I always had blood draws with the needle. It just seemed simpler. I do know what it's like though. Many years,ago when I was being prepped for surgery, the nurse was being very tentative with the stick. I think she was a beginner and was afraid of hurting me so as a result she stuck me about 6 times but couldn't start the IV. The anesthesiologist came in and took over and did it like nothing.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited June 2020
    When I had chemo, no one mentioned a port (I had to have only four infusions altogether, so maybe that’s why). I was an easy stick then. However...no longer. The last time I had to have an IV inserted (right before my colonoscopy last September), the nurse tried twice; when she couldn’t get it in after the second attempt, she said, “We’re not allowed to ‘torture’ the patients. Someone will do it in the procedure room.” And that’s what happened. In one try, accomplished.
  • wldflwrgoddess
    wldflwrgoddess Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2020
    Abe would say the same thing you said! He asked the nurse if he could do anything to help...and she said "you can pray!"

  • c1a1c1
    c1a1c1 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2020
    It took them 11 tries once with my husband before doing a scan - they put in a port before he started chemo.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited June 2020
    @c1a1c1, wow, that beats my record of 9. I had gall bladder surgery once and the IV was supposed to be started in my room where I was getting ready. Nurse after Nurse came in to "give it a shot". 4 of them failed with 2 attempts each. I made it all the way to the OR without an IV. The anesthesiologist wasn't happy. He got one in the first try. I hope to have a port put in next week.
  • c1a1c1
    c1a1c1 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2020
    Each nurse who comes in is sure he/she can do it, tries 3 times, onto the next, etc. Finally they pulled someone from the ER who got it the first time. He had already prepped so he did not want to come back another day and try again.

  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited June 2020
    I just had an IV started for today's scan. 1 stick! She was a good one.
  • wldflwrgoddess
    wldflwrgoddess Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2020
    Good for you! So glad it was only ONE!!! Sending good vibes to you on your upcoming procedures. Prayers!
  • Bengal
    Bengal Member Posts: 518
    edited June 2020
    I hope you got that nurse's name, Greg. You can put in a standing request for her to be on hand for all your IVs.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited June 2020
    They do so many CT scans and PET scans at Vandy they have a room full of IV nurses. That's all they do all day long, so I guess they get good at it. On another positive note, I go next Wednesday to get my port put in. After that, it's candy time. I've decided to think of these drugs like candy, you know, I like candy, so it has to be good, right?
  • cllinda
    cllinda Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2020
    I am also a hard stick. Always have been. This last draw she got it in one try. But it took a little bit of patience to get it to work. It did, finally, and I didn't even get a bruise. Which is rare. I usually get a bruise the size of a half dollar.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited June 2020
    This Wednesday I get the port, still on schedule with no problems yet, but hey, it's only Monday and there is ample time for something to blow up. You know how that works, don't you? My last stick was a good one, she got it in one shot, after I suggested which vein to use. I have two that are in odd spots, on the back of each arm. They are usually good ones. I always tell them that ANYONE can hit those. But no pressure.

    After I got done with my scan the last time I was walking down the hall to the waiting room to get Sweetie and I heard a nurse yelling, SIR, SIR, SSSIIIIRRRR! You're bleeding all over the place! My spot where they started the IV had blown and I was spurting blood and didn't even know it. I had blood all over my clothes, and a trail down the hall.

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