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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
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02-23-2008, 12:34 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 13
Hysterectomy: March 14th, 2008
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
I have to go in on the 16th of March and have a LAVH. I had a Cone Biopcy back in January and I also had my tubes tied in January of 03. This is my problem. When they did my IV in 03, it was the first time I had ever had any type of surgery. I was sooooo nervous and the FIVE different nurses could not get the IV started in me. I am assuming because I was so tense. Finally, they gave me a shot to relax me and were able to get the IV started. Then, when I went in for the Cone, they couldn't get it started in me until they took me to the OR and put the Nitrus on me and knocked me out. They even gave me an anxiety pill to ease me and it didn't work. I take Xanax daily anyway so I think that may be the reason it didn't have much of an effect on me.
SO, I am sooo scared of the IV this time.
This is so unusual for me. I have had 6 children and an IV with everyone of them. Just since my tubal am I mortified of that thing. Has anyone ever dealt with this and if so how did you overcome it??
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02-23-2008, 12:55 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 3
Hysterectomy: June 25th, 2001
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
My daughter is terrified of needles. She's 17 and it is a major ordeal to get her through IV's or shots of any kind. It is all in her head, she is just sure it will be horrible, so she makes it that way.
We both sing, so... while they're hooking her up, I make her keep direct eye contact with me, and sing with me. I become her focal point. It's a little corny and the nurses give us funny looks, but it gets the job done.
Some hospitals use a local anesthetic when starting an IV, that is a wonderful thing. You may ask for something like that, it makes all the difference in the world.
Try to get a focal point, breathe and conciously relax. It's a meditation, yoga or zen sort of thing. It takes practice and self control. It wouldn't hurt to start learning how to focus on your breathing and make yourself relax. See if you can't make yourself relax enough to reduce your pulse rate.
I wonder too, how much emphasis should be put on the IV. Is it possible that you are subconciously using the IV as a vent for something else that is bothering you? I don't know whether this has any validity, but there may be something to it.
No matter, girl you have SIX kids!! That you still have any scraps of sanity left makes you my hero! Best to you and I hope all turns out well for you.
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02-23-2008, 01:03 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 51
Hysterectomy: March 4th, 2008
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
Hi tcom08,
Stay hydrated the day before. You can have the anest. put the IV in for you. Sometine they are more skilled. But don't discount the nurses, I have had several pleasant experiences when the nurses have done it.
I recommend that prior to having it done you focus and go to a happy place, whatever that is for you. Picture yourself at the beach, feel the wind on your face, the sun beating down on you. I have found that visualization is REALLY helpful. I have used it with very good results when I have had to have an IV done.
Take a deep breath and relax, It will be over before you know it.
I will be recovering and praying for you on March 16th
Blessings,
JSalami
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02-23-2008, 01:21 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 35
Hysterectomy: March 12th, 2008
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
I wish I had a magic pill for you to take - my best suggestion for you would be to make sure that you discuss your fears during your pre-op and/or during your pre-surgical testing at the hospital. Communication is key. Ask what kind of options you have and just be sure to voice your concerns - don't be afraid to bring it up multiple times so that they know just how scared you are - and don't be afraid to say you are scared! The bottom line is they can't do anything for you if they don't know of the problem in the first place. But I find that most people are more than willing to help out if you give them the opportunity to do so.
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02-23-2008, 01:33 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 198
Hysterectomy: January 11th, 2008
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
I have had trouble with needles all of my adult life. Part of it is because of a childhood fear but mostly it is because my veins are deep and hard to find. When they do find them they roll and break easily. So getting someone experienced enough to work with me is an even bigger fear than the needle itself. So, I was very afraid, too, when I went in for my surgery. I told my doctor and she told me to have the anesthwhateveryoucallit person put it in. That young man was very good. After taking one look at my arms he asked me if I'd ever had an IV in my foot? Anyway, to make a long story shorter, he started an IV with a butterfly needle in my foot. It did not hurt at all. I barely felt it. They were able to put me to sleep with that then after I was asleep they put an IV in my wrist with a bigger needle. That worked really well for me.
I had an interview with the anesthetist the day before my surgery so he knew ahead of time what to expect. Maybe you can do the same and make a plan ahead of time that you will be comfortable with.
When you have had as many bad experiences as you have had with IVs, it's not really the fear of the needle, it's the fear of the bad experience. If you can be reassured before you go in that you are going to be in good hands it may help a lot.
Don't blame yourself. You may be like me and just be a "difficult stick".
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02-23-2008, 01:50 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1,077
Hysterectomy: March 13th, 2008
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
I cry at the sight of the needles....litterally freaked out!
HYDRATION is key, I have a problem with getting IV's in also because my veins collapse and are deep. Id read on this board about being dehydrated which makes total sense to me. I drink very little water as is and always battle with drinking more fluids...then I have to go to the bathroom.
I am going to load up on the water until my cutoff time this time round.
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02-23-2008, 02:13 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 63
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
Like the others said, drink lots of water for a couple of days before. I have had the same problem. If you are cold it is worse. Also, don't know if it is practical at the hospital but walking around and getting your blood pumping is also something they suggest.
After reading Pryorcreek's mention of a local anesthetic, if they have a problem sticking me I think I will ask for that.
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02-23-2008, 02:16 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 135
Hysterectomy: January 23rd, 2008
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
I am a "tough stick" too. I have really small veins that roll and as many times as I've had IVs in and blood drawn, I still hate needles (of course, who really LIKES them?).
I echo the other ladies on staying hydrated. That really does make it easier for the nurses to do their thing.
You can also ask for lidocaine...it's a little numbing shot that feels like a bee sting and you don't really feel the IV needle.
Also, tell the nurse that starts your IV that you're scared. Hopefully they will be extra sensitive to you if they know that. When I had my surgery last month, the nurse kept telling me to flex my toes while she was starting my IV. I'm not sure what that was all about. Maybe it takes your focus off of the part of your body they are sticking?
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02-23-2008, 02:19 PM
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Posts: 36,890
Hysterectomy: November 14th, 2000
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
It can be tough to get an IV in me so I try to warn nurses ahead of time. For my last IV I was already getting dehydrated as surgery was delayed so they brought in the anesthesiologist to do the IV. He had to use a big needle in case I needed a transfusion and of course, those needles are even harder to get in. He got it on the first try! He did use a numbing agent first but only needed one stick.
So if you know ahead of time that it is hard to get an IV started and you have fears, talk to the staff. Let everyone know. Maybe they can wait until you are out to do the IV, maybe the anesthesiologist can do it, or maybe anxiety meds can be given before they even try to start the IV. There are a lot of options available to help you so talk to your doctor and talk to the hospital!
Take care and best wishes! S
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02-23-2008, 02:33 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 13
Hysterectomy: March 14th, 2008
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Scared of the IV!!!!! (children somewhat mentioned)
Thanks for all of the replies! You know, the odd thing is that I have no problem at all with having my blood drawn. It does not bother me at all.
I am just an IV wimp!
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