No more veins

[mbrooks20]

I was recently put on IV Steroids. I finished 3 days in the hospital got home and had to do 5 days. Over 4 days the home health nurses managed to blow every one of the veins in both of my arms and hands. I got poked 4 to 5 times each day and only managed to get 3 days of treatments. I still have 2 more days of treatments but no place left on my arms. I was told this is because of how much steroids I was placed on. Has anyone else had this issue?

[LAS3]

Good morning ☀️...I also recently received 3 days of IV solumedrol, where my veins were blowing like tires on hot pavement. Around 2005, I was receiving Novantrone, and my crazy, immature self elected not to have an infusion port. That is one thing I regret. So I understand wholeheartedly...

[Hidden]

Why didn't they put in an IV port? That's all I've ever had with solumedrol. That way I did my own infusions when it was convenient for me.

[mbrooks20 in reply to Hidden]

I am not sure why they didn't.

[goatgal]

When I was treated with solumedrol, after the first treatment in clinic for monitoring, the port made it possible to stay home and go about my life for the following days of treatment. I am so sorry for all the poking ( it can be extremely painful, just one more indignity piled on someone who has enough to carry already). I hope you are feeling better.

[ahrogers]

My veins keep getting worse over the years but luckily my infusions are done at the MS clinic infusion center. They always put a heating pad on my arm and have this vein finding device that shines on my arm to see the veins better. The nurses there have lots of experience starting IVs. Not sure home health nurses are as good. It would be nice if they just left it in place to use again the next day instead of sticking you so many times. Ask if you can get a nurse with more IV experience because you are a difficult stick.

[IFwczs]

One nurse told me over and over again that you need to hydrate well for them to see your veins. Hydrate not on the day of but a day before.

[mrsmike9 in reply to IFwczs]

And no tea or coffee. Must drink non caffeinated things.

[PWilli in reply to mrsmike9]

You're right, caffeine just dehydrates the body!

[sashaming1]

I had blood sample/IV issues where my they couldn't get a vein . It was attributed to being dehydrated. They finally found a vein , drum roll please, in the top of my foot! A glass of water please.

[mrsmike9 in reply to sashaming1]

Ow, ow, ow!!!

[PWilli in reply to sashaming1]

I just can't "like" that. Sorry it had to come down...🙄...to that.

[mrsmike9]

I have crap for veins. My only "good" one has scar tissue over it so nobody can get it. When I had steriods for 5 days I made them keep the thing in my arm and tape it down good. I babied that thing and managed to make it work for the entire time. No way did I want someone digging around again!