no veins for IV

[burcham6]

I have just been poked with a needle over 15 times.  None of the nurses nor the doctor could get an IV running in order to sedate me for a lower lumbar epidural for spinal stenosis.  They finally gave me some shots in the hip and proceeded with the procedure, but I screamed and begged them to stop because I was never asleep.  I was so tramatized, the medicine made me hallucinate and 48 hours later I am still upset.  WHY can't my veins handle an IV?  Please help me. I am 53.

[littlears]

i am so sorry that must of been very painful.  Some peoles veins are so fine you may be one them.  Veins that are very fragile can blow but after the third or 4th time they should have stopped if not able to get and possibly sedated you orally first then numb the area with a shot before the epi.  This should not happen next time if they won't stop then I would get off the table and walk out.  Maybe before your next one talk to your md about procedure beforehand and set up plan b after the 3 or 4th try to go to plan b.  hope this helps..

[burcham6]

I have never had problems getting IV's before.  Whay would it suddenly change???

[jrae11]

i have a very similar problem. i always get anxious or nervous when i know that blood is going to be drawn, and so my veins seem to shrink in size. i have found out also that it helps me to drink a cup or 2 or a bottle of water before hand. drink something! also you might try carrying some flax seed in a small pouch and next time place it over the vein for a few minutes before they stick you. also a hot compress will help to make the veins stand up. I hope something here will help you. i hate getting stuck so many times for just a little tube of blood!
God Bless You!

[Duchess47]

Dehydration colapses the veins and if you hadn't had any water for a while then this may have been the problem.  Next time, drink a lot of fluids (if permitted) and have them wrap your arm in a hot towel for a few minutes and it should raise the vein enought for an I.V. insert.  I know someone with same problem and they finally had to use a vein in her neck.

[Demiguise]

You're a tougher more tolerant person than me! I have 1 vein on
1 arm that is just rt. for IV's/bloodtests. 3rd try is my cut-off. I call for a new 'sticker' in command. If they can't make
it work on that 1 vein, they're practicing on me. I ask for a
newbie & their rubber ball to squeeze & pump up vein. If they
weren't able to start a line, I'd wonder about the rest they
were doing. Once on the 3rd try (in a hospital pre-surgery), gal
said 'lets try your ankle'. I told her to show me on hers first!
Doc called her trainy & started line himself in 2 secs. They're
not usually good at that. Didn't hurt a bit. Next time get a
ball/pump making a fist/change arms/show them where you want it
done. Stay positive for the future draws knowing you got an
diot. Both arms don't collapse at once.