Alternative parts of body for a venesection?

[MarkD6701]

Had my venesection today. However, as I have CP I always have to use my strongest arm as I can't properly straighten the other and keep it still enough. It means that if I end up with soreness in my leading arm it can be difficult to do things well enough for a period of time if both aren't working properly.As they had to have a couple of attempts to get blood out which was a bit painful I just wondered if anyone else has a similar situation and been able to give blood if they can't use either arm correctly?

[william-Indo]

Prefer you ask for reference note from hospital and going to red cross.They are the best to perform venesection.

Cheers

[ainslie in reply to william-Indo]

You can’t donate blood if MPN

[william-Indo in reply to ainslie]

Not donate, the blood will destroy as waste.I done this many times.

They do this faster and very cheap compare to hospital

[ainslie in reply to william-Indo]

ah okay, its different in the UK

[Kari1961]

I used to have severe issues when having venesections. I now take Hydroxy so don't need them.

A few things they tried with me were - taking the blood out of a vein on my wrist using a catheter, which worked a few times, but then the veins started collapsing.

They also brought in the Vascular Scan team to scan for the location of good veins as they were 'deep and bendy' again this worked a few times.

Hope you get things sorted as I know how distressing and painful it can be.

[MarkD6701 in reply to Kari1961]

I've never heard of a vascular scan team, so I might ask next time. I'm on hydroxy as well but as my white cell level is just above normal my consultant doesn't want to increase the dose as in case they drop to below normal and affect my immune system. I might just ask them to take the blood from my hand next time and see how well that works as it's quite painful at the elbow.

[Kari1961]

Using the scan team is very interesting - If you're not squeamish as you can see the needle entering the vein... and unfortunately when the vein disintegrates! I found it fascinating.

[MarkD6701 in reply to Kari1961]

Is that done in the Oncology unit? That's where all the venesections take place at my hospital.

[Kari1961]

Yes they were - the Scan team was alerted that they were going to be needed in advance.