Helping for easier IV access.

[lpnstudentin2010, LPN]

I do not think that this is looking for medical advise. If it is I apologize and mods feel free to close.

I need to have an MRI on the 9th. I am going to need an IV. I am a hard stick. I am planning to drink lots that day and for 30 mins to 1 hour before I am scheduled I plan to tape hand warmers on to my inner elbows and the back of my hands (since those are the most common places).

I was wondering is there anything else I can do to make it easier for the person who needs to put it in?

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

Try putting one on the thumb side of your wrist as well...I love that vein. Your thinking is correct - you're on the right track.

Also, it will help to wear warm clothing to the hospital, rooms are cold and the more you have on, the warmer you'll be when they go looking for a vein.

[lpnstudentin2010, LPN]

Thanks. And just to let people know, when I say I am a hard stick, I am. Last time I needed an IV I believe she used the vein at the base of my thumb. She was able to get a 24 in it.

And she said that she is the nurse everyone in the department goes to when they are struggling. And this was an endoscopy clinic.

Sometimes during surgery they end up needing to go in my feet.

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

I hope everything goes well for you. My wife is a difficult stick as well, so I know full well what you go through. I put IVs in babies and kids and would rather stick a preterm neo than anyone over 25.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

And I'm the opposite---I can get an IV in almost anyone, but I HATE sticking babies and children.......don't like hurting the little ones.

[lpnstudentin2010, LPN]

Thanks for the well wishes. I am doing this research because I am also COMPLETELY afraid of needles. It is a phobia I have. I know that it is stupid, and that it only hurts for a sec or two. But I can not help it I FREAK OUT most times.

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

another thought, since you said you are scared of needles. anxiety can most definately make your veins hide. try and zen yourself out that morning so that you are calmer (i know its hard), distract yourself however you need to, sometimes the techs let you listen to headphones, maybe you can do that while they are looking for a vein.... if you are less anxious, your veins may be more dilated. good luck to you tomorrow, i will say a prayer for you!

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

another thought, since you said you are scared of needles. anxiety can most definately make your veins hide. try and zen yourself out that morning so that you are calmer (i know its hard), distract yourself however you need to, sometimes the techs let you listen to headphones, maybe you can do that while they are looking for a vein.... if you are less anxious, your veins may be more dilated. good luck to you tomorrow, i will say a prayer for you!

Exactly..when patients get anxious about the needle, the veins run and hide. I have had many times when I found a great spot, and I picked up the needle, the patient "flinched", and the vein disappeared!

And i love that spot beside the thumb too :)

[patwil73]

If your doctor schedules a test that you know requires an IV you might ask for a prescription for say valium 5mg po (or other antianxiety med). I know they prescribe them for a lot of outpt procedures that are somewhat uncomfortable and it might help with the anxiety you feel around needles.

Also, combined with lots of water is elevating your heart rate (such as exercise) can make the veins stick out.

Hope this helps

Pat

[htrn]

I am also terrified of needles. My co-workers would take bets on how long it would take for me to pass out while getting my annual TB skin test and flu shot.

Ask your Dr. about getting emla cream and have the nurse starting your IV put in on a couple of good vein sites up to an hour before your procedure.

You can also INSIST that the nurse uses lidocaine to numb the area prior to placing the IV. It is injected with a small insulin or TB syringe and really cuts down on the pain of IV starts. The lidocaine burns a little, but if you can get them to use buffered lidocaine (add 2mls of bicarb to a 30cc 1% lidocaine vial) that will take the burn away too.

I know many nurses do not like to use lidocaine. The two arguments I hear are "It hides the vein" and "That's just an extra poke". For all you nurses that feel that way - please, try it, get training, work with your CRNA/MDA's to learn how to use it. It really is great - pt's appreciate it and I hardly ever miss with lidocaine. My personal policy is unless they are doing CPR on you when you come into my ER, you get lidocaine before an IV. Oh, and I never miss a vein because a patient jerked and pulled away either :)

Off my soapbox now - sorry. Good luck with your MRI.

[Agnus]

Those suggesting emla and lido. She did not say she was afraid, nor did she talk about the pain issue. She stated she is a hard stick. When someone tells me they are a hard stick this is a signal that lido or emla probably should not be used.

[gagezoie]

I don't think you read the whole forum before you posted. In case you missed it here it is

"JustaPatient"

Thanks for the well wishes. I am doing this research because I am also COMPLETELY afraid of needles. It is a phobia I have. I know that it is stupid, and that it only hurts for a sec or two. But I can not help it I FREAK OUT most times.

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