Painful vein after iv

[Tulipano]

I was in hospital on iv fluid and antibiotics for 5 days. After 10 days my veins are still very painful and today they tried to take blood but the nurse could not do it. Had to use a different vein on my hand. Has these ever happened to you? Will my vein heal eventually? X

[PMRpro]

OH had no veins left after 9 sessions of week-long chemo. They recovered. No vein should really have a cannula in it for more than 3-4 days maximum and that is with a perfectly placed one that is cared for. I've just been in hospital - had 3 different ports in under 10 days. Nothing hurts despite some crackers of bruises!

But yes, don't worry, it will improve. Luckily the good lord fitted us with loads of veins And the nurse not getting blood probably reflects more on her abilities (or lack of) than your veins.

[Tulipano in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much for your reply x I feel better now x

[panda2]

I've also had collapsed veins from tri-weekly chemo over 4+ months 6 years ago. I actually still have hard lumps blocking veins in the backs of my hands, which will probably never be unblocked, but as PMRpro says, we are fitted with loads of veins. I only have one arm for them to find mine due to risk of Lymphodema from Lymph node surgery and we are still managing. During chemo, it was not uncommon to try 4 or 5 times for blood tests with different nurses called in (very commonly back of hand) and on two occasions I was sent home to come back the next day because we were all in tears...

Fast forward about 5 years for bloods every 2 weeks for Mycophenolate, so we have a routine at the surgery now.

1) Drink a pint+ water the hour before (hydration is the number 1 necessity).

2) In winter, or if it's drizzly and cold, bundle up and wear gloves until the last minute to keep the blood flowing to the hands in case they need them.

3) Ask for a butterfly needle. When your veins become very tiny and/or constricted, the butterflies can be manipulated slightly to find blood easier.

4) If a nurse is particularly good with your veins, ask for that one again.

Here's hoping there won't be trouble in the future. But know there are measures to make it all easier if you find it's difficult again. It can be quite traumatic particularly if you've had a hospital spell and your body is weakend and everything is extra sensitive.

Panda x

[Tulipano in reply to panda2]

Thank you so much xx