Question on veins post-chemo

[Carol.hope]

I have "challenging veins" since chemo (20 infusions, the usual MUGAs, etc, no port). It's been 4 years and it still takes most MDs and RNs several tries to get a good IV. I wonder if there's something I can do to get my veins back to normal?

I had Sentinel Node Biopsy and I think only 3 lymph nodes removed. Does anyone have experience with using veins in the Sentinel Node arm? So far all my docs say to avoid using that arm, but I don't know if that's based on old information when most people had many nodes removed. Last week my doc had to try 6 times to get a vein that worked. I was sure ready to switch arms. I look like a junkie, with all the bruises!

I've been taken twice by ambulance to the ER (over 4 years) and don't know how important it is to make sure I gather my wits and tell them to use the non-Sentinel Node arm.

I'd appreciate hearing what you know. Thanks.

[Jean]

Hi Carol,
From what I recently was advised (as I have small veins) and it is a real job for the nurse when drawing blood. They do not use the arm of the surgery side. Like you I did not have a port during chem treatment and had SN biopsey. I know that it is important to keep hydrated which helps the veins and my nurse always uses a butterfly needle.

Jean

[BonnieR]

Carol, I don't really have an answer for you. Jean's advice about having them use a butterfly is good. I had sentinal nodes done on both sides but my left had some lymphedema issues so that is the one we do not ever use. Do you wear a medic alert bracelt on that wrist? Not that it always helps. I was wearing one during my recent hospitalization, there were big signs all over saying "no needles, left arm" and STILL, I woke up once from a drugged state to see that someone had started an IV in that arm while I was not aware.

[ElaineM]

Have you tried wrapping the arm you want to use for the I. V. in a warm cloth, several warm cloths, warm towels, a heavy jacket, or even a blanket before the infusions to warm it up? Warmed up veins respond better to needles.

[michka]

Hi Carol. I have to report the same problem although I had a port. Since chemo, it is very very difficult to find my veins in my only available arm. It wasn't the case before. They told me it might improve over time but now almost 4 years have passed. They once used my foot. Some nurses however seem to manage better than others. As for Jean, they sometimes use a butterfly needle. I am happy you posted this question. Maybe we will receive other explanations and suggestions. I always wondered about the veins in the rest of my body. What are the potential consequences. Michka

[jhandley]

Hi
I use my arm that I had lymph nodes out for blood tests and herceptin and have done so for 4 years without any problems. Chemo I have in the other arm.

Cheers
Jackie (down under)

[Carol.hope]

Re: Question on veins post-chemo
Thanks, friends, for the comments! Yes, ever since the later chemo days I have used the hotpacks, hydrate, etc. And always the butterfly to help hold the needle. The problem seems to be that my veins have a lot of tough scar tissue (from the drugs, I assume). The chemo nurses used up all the good veins! The only ones left are "rollers" or too small.

This summer I have been trying IV glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that doesn't survive the digestive tract) to see if it helps the chemo brain. It does, but so far I'm not sure if it's a long-term solution. With the tiny needles that fit into my non-chemo-scarred veins, a drip takes a long time!

So Jackie - did anyone ever officially tell you it's fine to use the other arm? That does seem like the solution to me, if it's ok. Good to hear it works for you!

If anyone finds an article on the subject, or has a MD's opinion, I'd love to hear it. Thank you!