Blood test traumas

Why don't you have a PICC line fit  - has anyone spoken to you about this? I had a PICC for my chemo as my veins weren't great - I didn't like the idea of it but it's a good solution. They insert a tube into your upper arm and feed it through the vein to your heart and this is where the chemo is administered. They took it out on my last one and process of getting it in and out is very easy and painless. 

This is an option for the chemo but it's the blood tests in the arm that are causing the bruising and pain and I was told these can't be taken through the PICC line. Happy. To be told different though - fingers crossed  

I had a PICC line during chemo which was great, but when I was admitted to hospital with an infection for 4 days, none of the nurses or doctors were trained to use PICC lines, so all bloods were taken from my other arm which ended up very bruised and sore. I later developed lymphoedema and can only use my right arm for bloods. It's very difficult, but lots of water, keeping warm  and my nurse said a hot drink helps too. I feel for you, it's awful.

Sorry I misunderstood. At the chemo unit that I went to, they did PICC bloods where a nurse was trained to take blood from the PICC. But on the occasion I had to go to a different hospital cos I needed them at the weekend or I was in A&E then they used the normal method.  Ask if there is anywhere you can go where they are trained on taking blood from PICC?

It sounds like you have a PICC line but it’s not been possible to get the people who take your bloods to use it. In my experience GP surgeries and standard phlebotomy departments are only trained / equipped to take blood from a vein. I don’t have a PICC line myself but I do know my hospital’s oncology department runs a PICC line clinic where people can just turn up to get bloods taken that way. I have a port and need to book into the day unit if I want bloods done that way. It would be worth talking to your oncology team to find out what else you can do. Unfortunately it almost certainly will mean a trip to the hospital each time rather than, eg, the doctors. 

I have the exact same issue. Post-treatment I had my PICC line removed (2 ports gave me sepsis, 2 PICC lines as my body rejected them) and my veins are ruined from chemo. I can only use one arm for bloods, but need vascular access for Abemaciclib clinic, zolendrate infusions, bone scans etc. Last week was another failed attempt and another re-booked appointment. So much trauma. And so ridiculous that the worry is getting into a vein, not the weight of whether the scan will show the cancer has returned.

It's not a guaranteed first time fix, but if you can insist on cannulation or bloodwork with ultrasound it might help. It took an hour lately to locate a vein with ultrasound, but they did manage to get in. Sometimes I can get pre-booked to a unit with people who are ultrasound trained, but often have to endure failed attempts before it's escalated. Worth exploring, as they can see the best veins, scar tissue, etc.

It's awful, isn't it? Especially as medical professionals often see bloods as basic, easy tasks, so it feels like making something of nothing, even though it's agony and traumatising. 

Really hope this helps xx

This was me 8 years ago.  I would cry with pain when going for a blood test because no-one could get blood from my left arm.  They would try my forearm, my feet … it was so painful.  I would put a hot water bottle on my arm, drink loads of water but it was useless.  They would use a butterfly clip/needle - used for small children - which was hit and miss.  I dont have any issues now though, my veins seem to have repaired

Thanks MIBM, it really does help. It's crazy that this is now the part I dread. My whole left arm from elbow to wrist just feels bruised all the time but, as you say, it feels like you're making a big deal out of the part that's not the cancer.

Thank you for sharing. X

Thanks Mum and Mia. That's good hope that it's temporary and will improve when it's all finished. 3 rounds down and 5 to go. X