Help with cannula please.

[Amyjane88]

Hi I have my lap next week. I have had 9 surgerys in the past 8 year for other problems. I have really bad veins. There so small and you can't see them. I come out of hospital looking like a pin cushion. My last opp they made 9 attempts and it ended up in my foot !!! It hurt so much. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to help if anything for my lap next week xxx

[Runner92]

I also have rubbish vains! They are invisible! Nurses have always said to drink loads of water the day before my lap and it’s makes your vains come up as your so hydrated.

Sounds simple but it has always worked for me! Xx

[Amyjane88 in reply to Runner92]

Thanks hun will give it a go xxxx

[luthien]

possibly mention that you have really small veins and it takes lots of attempts to get one; ask at your pre op if a note can be made for the day of your op so they could spend some time prepping to find one (they have small handheld scanners to find veins now). That may help. Other than that I'm not sure.

[Amyjane88 in reply to luthien]

Wow I did not know they had the scanner for them. Have pre opp today so will talk about it then . Thanks very much xxx

[luthien in reply to Amyjane88]

I don't know if all hospitals do, but I know it exists. may only be privately.

but its worth mentioning that they always have problems finding veins and can something be done before to prep for it so you don't have to go through 9 attempts again - possibly add in that it makes you stressed, nervous and upset - well it does hurt.

[Puttingonaface]

Also keep warm as cold hands/feet doesn't help veins.

[Amyjane88]

Hi I'm having it done in a privet hospital but on the NHS. So fingers crossed .yes will try keeping hands warm to. Thanks a lot xx