Forum Discussion

Julia44's avatar
Julia44
Member
13 years ago

getting cannula into veins

Hi,

I went today to get a CT angiogram done priior to having reconstruction in a few months, referred by plastic surgeon.

 

It was very distressing as they could not get the cannula into the vein to inject the dye, so I ended up in tears and left saying i would come back another time(nexc Fri). They said this is due to the veins being wrecked by chemo (FEC,Docetaxel).

 

On the other arm I have been told not to have veins pricked due to lymph nodes being removed, so god knows what I am supposed to do.

Chemo finished 13 months ago now.

Has anyone had this and got around it?

 

hanks, Julia

 

chemotherapy
coping
Reconstruction
  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hello,

     

    Well I went back to clinic today and they had another go at vein but still no good, so they did an ultrasound to look for deep veins to use. they found one and put the cannula in under ultrasound guidance. It was very painful but I took my (rather squeemish)husband in for support.

    Then I had to walk very slowly back to the CT room, when injecting the dye in the valve popped twice but the cannula held.

    So eventually the scan was done. Yay!!!

    So after all the trauma of the last couple of visits I am so relieved.

    I asked them if this would be a problem when having the anaesthetic and drip for my operation but they said not necessarily, so fingers crossed.

    Julia

     

     

  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks a lot Annie, I'll give it a try. I have also been thinking of contacting the hospital breast care nurse for advice?? also the lymprodema clinic to actually see what the risk would be of having it taken out of the other arm. Also maybe seeing a vascular specialist as presumably this may be a problem every time I need just a normal blood test too, not to mention when I go into hospital for reconstruction and need anaethesia/drip etc.

    Will let you know how it goes on Friday.

    Thanks,

     

    Julia

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    13 years ago

    Yes, i too now have trouble and its been about 12 mnths.I ask them to get the blood nurse now.They seem to find a vein straight away without any pain or drama.Ive been told to drink a lot of water before hand,makes it easier for them to find.Also if they soak your arm in a bucket of warm water before hand.

    I too have had lymph nodes taken out so only have one arm that they can go from.It must of been an ordeal for you.It wont help for next time as you will be tense to start with.Talk to tham when you get there and discuss the problem before they try again.

    Goodluck next week let me know how you got along.

    Take care 

    Annie x