AWAKE.........

Hi Sthomas  What I meant was, they only have my right arm to use as I have Lymphoedema in the Left arm! 
However on the Right arm there seems to be one ‘easily’ accessible vein, which everyone keeps using! Now considering I’ve been having blood taken 3 sometimes 4 weeks in a Row. I think my poor vein/arm is saying enough is enough! I just don’t want to be left with permanent pain in my right arm, IF it can be avoided. 
I was wondering if they might be able to use the same vein but in a different spot, if that makes sense? I don’t want to make their job more difficult, but I just don’t want to cause more pain than needed! 

Hope that makes some sort of sense! Sal xx

They only have one arm on me for the same reason. I didn't have bloods done often enough to cause a problem. Now I've a PICC line. They can go into lots of different places including your neck of they need to. If I was feeling that way inclined I would tell them about the partial clearance on the left side too. It's fun to watch the panic flash across faces. I know , naughty!

I suggest you say that it seems to be causing problems and they will find another site. 

The chemo wrecked the veins in my right arm and a port was fitted but has since been removed. 

The person that removed it told me if one had been fitted prior to treatment the damage would never have happened but that apparently is not the current policy. Grr.

My oncologist has said I can have bloods taken from my left arm and the lymphodema clinic has confirmed this.

I can be a fainter if they can't get a vein first time so using the wrong arm has helped.

Hope you get something sorted, bloods shouldn't be traumatic. 

Aah ok, yes they can go lower in your forearm for the same vein. But definitely mention the pain. It may just need a rest. I'm sorry your having painful bloods xxx

 LondonLass I also cannot have bloods taken from my right side but fortunately for me I don’t have blood taken very often. There are other sites such as the back of your hands, but this might be quite painful 

Cwtches, 

Gay xxx

Just want to say hello to any early fruit loops on here. I am doing ok, nearly 10 years since dx - I was here at the start of the awake club - thank you Sal! Can’t believe it has lasted that long  - the support of people in similar circumstances is immeasurable! I haven’t been on here for a while - is luckypants still on here? Is he behaving? ( I hope not :))

Cwtches to all fellow fruit loops,

Gay xxx

Thanks everyone. 

I will have to sort something out. I have a lump where my bloods were taken on Wednesday morning, it’s still uncomfortable and I can’t straighten my arm properly Theres always something isn’t there!

Those that have had their lymph nodes removed, please be cautious about having blood pressure or bloods done on that side. If there are other options use them! 
There have been many papers written on whether or not blood pressure or blood draws can cause lymphoedema, but I personally would air on the side of caution, as having Lymphoedema isn’t much fun! 

Sending love to all. Sal xxx

Sal/LondonLass I have slight lymphoedema in hand and wrist (very slight but it’s my warning) so only have one arm to offer when having anything….I’d suggest they try a heat pad and try a different vein. Try icing the spot where they have caused you problems as it might help? 

Im lucky in that (so far) I’ve only needed tests once a month to start with, now only every 12 weeks. Some nurses are very good but I’ve had the occasional rubbish one and yes, it does take a while to recover. 

Good to see wombat.23 

hugs xxx 

Two years ago Doctor wanted me to have a 24 he blood pressure monitor on me. Just before the did it I mentioned the lack of lymph nodes. The usual look of panic and the usual "I will just go check." The nurse came back with a normal monitor. Apparently I can't have a 2 4 hour monitor on my right side for another 7 years. That would make it 25 years since clearance.

By now you would have thought these computer programs would identify blood pressure and flash up a warning. This site seems to find trigger words in normal e mails!

Night night Fruit Loops, sleep well and stay safe, plenty of sleepy fairy dust for all who wish 

hugs xxx