[ Post a Response | Lymphedema Board ]
Posted by Carol H. This is your new mantra. I had a bilateral, and was clueless about lymphedema until I got it about five years later, no doubt because dumb-ass phlebotomists and nurses were also clueless. They happily stuck me wherever they felt like it until I got lymphedema and then got educated. BPs are taken on the thigh with a thigh cuff. Needle sticks, I am sorry to say, are on your foot or ankle. It hurts like hell. And not every phlebotomist can do it or is allowed to do it. Anesthesiologists are great at it. If you have to be on lengthy IVs, insist on a central line. For a blood draw, I have certain things I do to up the chances that they will have a successful draw the first time. Be very hydrated so your blood is very hydrated and will flow. It tends to be harder to draw in the foot or ankle. I take aspirin the night before to lessen the chance of clotting. Have the phlebotomist sit lower than you - gravity helps - and use a BP cuff, not that woosie rubber thing, to restrict the blood return. And if you've got it, take a Xanax to keep you from punching whatever healthcare provider tries to tell you that it's okay to take blood out of your arm. Good luck. It is a lifelong battle.
on 9/2/2007, 1:29 pm, in reply to "Need your advice"
4.88.164.145
NO BPS OR NEEDLE STICKS ON EITHER ARM!!!!!!!!!
Message Thread:
« Back to thread