Veins hurting

Hi 

Im on day7 no 4 EC sounds like it Is Thrombophlebitis. Stared after second one

with me . My oncologist not concerned suggested ibuprofen.  I find if It tightens up a gentle stretch and massage down the arm not up helps .Nurse also said try warm water to loosen it. General response was stuck with it . 

But we are all different so check with your team 

My arm 

Margaret x

ps Onco also told team to put extra bag of saline thru vein after chemo to help flush x

Could you apply a heat pack onto your arm? Some find that helps. A lot of us have either PICC lines or ports for this reason.  Could you ask about having that done before your next chemo? I hope it eases up soon xx

Hi

As mentioned a heat pack can help  You can buy microwaveable wheatpacks (some are scented) for this.

Don't know how many more sessions you are booked to need but PICC Lines are great for chemo and taking 'bloods' Might be worthwhile asking about having one fitted ?  They save all the cannula and needle jabs and protect your veins although do need flushing through every week.

G n' J

Hi

just to update you the extra saline going thru vein after chemo seems to have worked no pain this cycle .

margaret x

Yeah heat packs helped my arm also nurse used to put my hand in hot water before inserting canula staff are very good and helpful have a chat before next cycle good luck xx

Hi

I have my 3rd EC chemo this week so will ask for extra saline, thanks for tip. My oncologist is concerned that the risks of infection and blood clots associated with a port outweigh the benefits for me since I'm only scheduled for 4 EC in total.

X

Hi

Dont know which hospital you go to but might be an idea to ring the secretary for your Onco asking for extra saline in case Oncologist  needs to authorise it . Or maybe your chemo unit will just do it or call your Onco for you.

I just remind whoever doing my chemo now and they do it .

good luck 

Margaret x

Perhaps it isn't standard everywhere but whenever J had chemo they used to put a small 50ml or 100ml saline bag on the pump to flush/clear the chemo drugs from the cannula or iv line and vein used.

G n' J

Hi  

yes that is what they do as standard at my unit but because of thrombophlebitis pain in vein my Onco asked for another  extra 100ml saline as well to flush further . This seems to work better for me . Had a lot less pain .

margaret x