Constant venesection problems

[Kari1961]

Hi all

I have PV and tend to need venesection every 8 weeks. I'm always well hydrated, I keep my arms warm and moving before venesection, but my veins are small and 'kinky' and after a few minutes of the needle being inserted they blow! For a long time now they have failed to get the required amount of blood out of me.

Many have tried and failed so it's not a user issue, it's my veins.

During the last attempt on Monday the haematology nurses agreed that next time I will be cannulated. Which I have no problem with as they have found a perfect vein near my wrist.

My question is why isn't a cannula automatically used for venesection? Is there any specific reason why they use venesection over a cannula?

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Karina

[harleydavidson]

Hi Karina. When I started having venesections it was always done with a needle, but when I changed hospitals they used a cannula and it was alot more comfortable, I would not want to go back to the needle now. Good luck. Mel x

[Kari1961 in reply to harleydavidson]

Hi Mel

Thank you.

I'm actually looking forward to it.

It's been so bad of late that I started to dread it; going to the hospital feeling relatively well and then leaving feeling drained, traumatised and bruised with swollen arms wasn't the best.

Fingers crossed the cannula works. x