Trouble with cannulation.

[Ozchick]

My regular Rheumy is away for 3 months and I saw his Locum (possibly joining the practice). I have been having problems with pain in my right hand and he felt that blood flow and pulse to right was weaker than the left so as a precaution asked me to have a CT with contrast to check upper limbs. Yesterday after imaging place had noted I was difficult to get venous access they booked me in @ 2 for a 3pm appt.

Even with U/S guidance they were having real trouble and finally doctor inserted cannula and stuck me in the scanner. Asked me to tell them if I was having problems to let them know. Almost immediately the contrast went in I called out 'I can feel it' and they assumed I meant the strange feeling you get when contrast goes in. I had a rock hard bicep which was quite painful where it had tissued. They had a go on the other arm where same thing happened (except I yelled out as soon as I felt it!!) so it was abandoned.

They suggested I ask Rheumy for an MRI request rather than try again. My poor hubby thought I'd been swallowed up by the machine when I finally got out 2 hours later!

Does any one else have this much trouble getting a cannula?

[HollyHeski Administrator]

Sadly yes, now on my notes as big warning prior to any procedure. Becomes a mega problem if I need a line for a few days, very painful if both arms have tissued and have to go into ankle.

I have stenosis in both sub clavian arteries which also rules out long lines unless absolutely critical.

I have reduced blood flow to both arms and they tend to check now by dopler first, then MRI.

[Ozchick in reply to HollyHeski]

Yes, also have Subclavian stenosis and at one stage looked at getting a graft to open it but deemed not suitable because it was over the clavicle (rather than under) and the graft wouldn't have lasted as it would rub through in a relatively short space of time. If I need hospital treatment I ask for a PICC line rather than being stabbed 20 times!

Feet hurt like hell and one time I had a very puzzled doctor who couldn't find my cannula and had to follow the infusion line to find it

[SCMW]

Hi, just seen your post - I’ve had issues with bloods & cannulation, it’s more than likely you’ve tried this but I’ve found similar techniques to getting blood tests helps - lots of water the day before and on the day, so hydration & pre heating the skin. Heat over the skin really helps my veins and arteries lift up so they are palpable. I have a form of vasculitis and my mum was suspected for Hughes. I found pre treatment in relation to surgical procedures may have helped as I had skin necrosis on my first surgery, the second surgery I pre heated the skin, it states in guidelines 30 mins on and off 3 times. I haven’t had it this time and it was more likely to happen. I’ve found heat and a good brisk walk before these procedures has helped them with my veins. I hope it helps.

[Ozchick in reply to SCMW]

Thanks for your reply and generally do the stuff you suggested. The problem is that the veins in my arms and hands are very small and not very straight or else taper to nothing. For this particular scan they wanted access in the hand or upper arm and I didn't find out until after they started they could only do one arm at a time. Had to come a few days later to do second arm. (that's not happening now) Also need a large bore needle for contrast.

[KellyInTexas Administrator in reply to Ozchick]

Yes- taper to nothing. I was told after a ultrasound should it was from clotting and the “lumen was obliterated.”

[reddogger]

I do as well. U/S snd the whole bit

[reddogger]

Exactly the same - tiny tiny veins and never straight

[MaryF Administrator]

Oh dear, I had similar with a real difficulty getting blood out in hospital, feet were discussed but then a day later another consultant had a go, and managed to get some blood samples also a fresh cannula in which had been impossible the day before. Annoying when that happens. However I did not get the rock hard biceps, that sounds painful. I did go through a spell with extreme cramping making my lower legs go hard, I used magnesium lotion on them and this helped me immensely, not had it since. I also think my B12 deficiency at the time made it worse, something I have also shifted. MaryF

[Stereolover]

I have terrible trouble. I’ve been in hospital recently, 9th - I7th as somehow I’ve fractured my femur. I haven’t fallen because I can’t stand up to fall down (multiple sclerosis) so I don’t know how this has happened. It got to the point where they were struggling to get blood out of me too. I’m bed bound on an air mattress now until my next hospital appointment in April. It was a horrible experience in hospital with orthopaedic doctors disagreeing with eachother so until my check up I’m trying to hold on to the hope that I won’t be operated on.

[Ozchick in reply to Stereolover]

You win!! At least I can still drive and get around.

[Stereolover in reply to Ozchick]

I’ve driven with hand controls longer than I have by using my legs. I split with my now ex partner in September so I have nobody to lift me in and out the car. I sent it back in February

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

Oh yes.

Cath lab is called in to scan to find very deep veins that are not visible to eye .

I find that a heating pad from home helps. I warm the entire arm first. ( forget the little heat packs provided by hospital. )

[Ozchick in reply to KellyInTexas]

I usually get a rubber glove filled with warm water because by the time I've waited for my turn my fingers are going blue from the aircon!!