I went for a CT scan this morning, which I got at short notice via a phone call. I went prepared in my scanner clothes and when I got there I asked if they were using a dye today as they were l removed my shoes. The person said it was ok I could leave them on so I said they would need them off to find a vein. This caused a stir and they had to ring a doctor to get permission. They very nicely told me that they normally would only do arms and hands but if I was happy she would try the foot but if it failed I would have to wait for a radiotherapist to come on duty at 9.30am it was now just 7.30. Luckily on the second attempt we managed to get a cannula in.
I was told yet again that it is probably fine to use the arm even when all the nodes have been removed as there is only a slight risk of infection. I am however reluctant as already I have had 3 infections in needle sites when on wards, once from a scan injection and also in a PIC line whilst on Chemo. My friend's mother actually died after getting a thorn in her lymphodemic arm.
I do feel under pressure to give in and let them use the arm but I am very concerned about the infection risk. In actual fact only needing 2 attempts in my feet was very good as when I was using the arm it has taken as many as 10 attempts by 3 different people.
Does anyone else have this problem?
