IV problems

Anyone else ever have that one person who can't get an IV in on the first try. I always get, you have tough skin, can't get the vein, need a smaller needle. By the time they get done I look like a junkie. The last time I went to the ER, the lady tried 4 times on one arm and 3 on the other. FINALLY, she had to go get somebody else. This person got it on the first try, go figure.

Me too. Mine roll....
They told me that I am dehydrated almost all the time...
I guess that would have to do with my endless cup of coffee (1/4 caf. only) during the day.
I plan to up the water big time...soon.
Maybe that would help???

I am a very hard IV stick myself. For my two recent surgeries, I was stuck 15 times for 5 IVs. Ask for Lidocaine - this helps with the pain and makes it a little bit easier. They inject the lidocaine (feels a little bit like a little sting) and then they can go to town trying to get the IV started. Hope this helps!

I have small veins and have problems with IV starts as well. I have learned over the years to always request an IV tech right from the start. All they do is IVs and they are darn good at it; they recognize small veins or other problems and I've found they actually listen to the patients.

When I had my surgery last week I went through this whole process. I even asked for the lidocaine but they coudn't do it because it would take 45 min for it to take effect so they went ahead and used a smaller gauge needle (20 gauge I believe) and it was fine.

Just ask for what you need and the nurses and staff will be helpful.

I also have small veins and they role, in the pass I had problems with IV starts. I know most hospitals have an IV team, make sure you tell them about your veins and ask for an IV tech. Being stuck several times is a pain so make sure they take care of you.

All of the ideas given are great. I would like to add however, that you are always welcome to request another person try if someone has missed the vein or whatever. I am a medical professional and can honestly say that in the practice where I work, it is the policy to get someone else to start an IV if you miss twice. If they have an IV team then go for it. They are trained and certified to start IV's and are the best people to do it. Don't feel bad about asking for someone else. It's your body and your decision.

I too have problem veins, was told by sp. I have small,collapsing, rolling veins last OP. yrs. ago 13 pokes, this surgery 7 pokes, only to have it back up day2, hand was 3 times its size still on morp. drip so had to get another poke. the vein now is hard on the one that backed up and painful, it is hard almost to my elbow. dr. said there is a blood clot in it, but not the kind that will move and to watch it for infection which is common with this prob.Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Best of Wishes. Lisa

almost forgot Sp.told me to never get an I.V. without a Sp.doing it and to have them use Lidocaine, but when I brought that up this time nurse said that the Lidocaine shrinks the vein and makes it harder to get, don't know what to think about that. Lisa