I am thinking way to much into this..(PIP)

MMcLean05

but, yesterday I had to go into the OB dept of the hospital, also the L&D, just for an IV (apparently they don't take you in the ER if you're over 20wks) to be done because I was vomiting.

Well, she had trouble with the first vein she tried, I may be a baby but it freaking hurt! She was pushing all up all over the place. She couldn't get it in my wrist, so tried higher up my arm, it hurt, but she got it in OK. Well, now I have the weirdest bruise. I'm not too worried about it, but it's still very painful.

Now, my concern is, I'm nervous that when I go into labor, or need something else I'm going to get this same nurse. She was very very sweet and very considerate, and apologized several times for the vein job, so I would feel really bad asking for another nurse, but wwyd? I'm scared I'll go in and she'll kill my vein again. We have a very small hospital. I'm over thinking, I know... But OUCH.

 

It's even darker and more obvious now, just seems to be getting worse? 

willowcormar

I can't see the pic, but I do think you are thinking way too much into it. It's just a bruise and your LO is ok. I had to go to L&D for the same thing and they stuck the needle into my wrist bone! I was covered in bruises too, but I know I have sucky veins and I am bound to get bruises. Just realx.

Kara5109

I can't see your picture, but I wouldn't worry too much. It's common to have problems gettng an IV in and there is a good chance she won't be your same nurse when you go into labor.

kg_08

Can't see the pic, but I know what a pain that must be...

I probably would just forget about it though. Some people have tough veins for ANY nurse so you could run into that problem either way. Even if you do get the same nurse, she'll have an extra few months of practice anyway.

bstrangely

it might not be entirely the nurse's fault. the only times i've had an iv i was way too gone to notice it going in... but i vividly remember paramedics giving my dad one. they hit an artery instead of a vein. this = horror movie.

i wouldn't worry too much. you still have some time until you deliver, so she'll have some more practice if it was something she screwed up.

MeanMommyLady

Women in labor can make whatever demands they want to...if you don't want that nurse around you just ask for another nurse, no one is going to give it a second thought.

MMcLean05

Thanks girls. I know I'm being a big baby and thinking about this to much. This was my first time getting an IV that I wasn't in a lot of pain, so that may be why I noticed? I have crap veins, the ones in my hands roll so it's nearly impossible, I dunno why the pic didn't work, but it's about black right now. And it goes all the way down my vein, about an inch past the insertion point.

PubStar09

Pic is broken.  Looks like you tried to copy and paste it from a mail attachment.  Host it on a site like https://www.tinypic.com or https://www.photobucket.com first, then use the URL of the pic to post it here.

Anyway, I'm sure you're fine.  A lot of people bruise from non-eventful IV insertions, and if the nurse struggled to find a vein, bruising is especially common.  

When I got pg and had to do my first round of blood work, the phlebotomist had no problem finding a vein, but I still bruised.  Probably because it had been YEARS since anyone touched my veins, but still.  Not uncommon.

Kateysomething

Can't see the pic either. I wouldn't worry too much.

I am a tough 'stick' for blood draws, etc, and I have been told to tell them up front that they usually need a thinner needle to stick me. I forget what its called now (of course), but I don't usually have a problem when I say that, and it does help.

MMcLean05

Here you go ladies, pretty sure that worked.

willowcormar

MMcLean05:

Here you go ladies, pretty sure that worked.

Ow. some ice will help.

ReneeDerek04

As a phlebotomy tech, I'll give you some pointers -

1) Stay hydrated! Your veins will be easier to palate and visualize, minimizing the number of pokes and the potential for bruising.

2) If you are a jumper, fainter, etc, let the nurse know. They are better equipped to poke if they know your tendencies in advance, plus the chance of 'poking through the vein' and causing a bruise is lessened.

3) If you have a certain vein that you notice other techs use and don't bruise, let your nurse know! The least they can do is try to find that same vein.

4) If you have a preference for a particular nurse, ask for them. We don't get our feelings hurt, I promise, we just want you to be as comfortable as possible!

5) NEVER LET A NURSE POKE YOU MORE THAN TWICE!!! They aren't supposed to anyway, but sometimes they'll try anyway. If they don't comply, refuse until a nursing supervisor comes in.

6) If all else fails, ask for an anesthesiologist to start your line. They'll usually want to numb the area, but if they can't get it they'll bring in an ultrasound machine to find the vein. I know this trick well, as I have HORRIBLE veins and they use this technique with me OFTEN.

As a patient with terrible veins, I vouch for all the above also. I don't look when getting poked, I talk to the nurse through it, as much as I can do to calm my nerves. I have a cardiac condition, so I know my veins are awful, and I warn the nurses in advance. You can ask that if they cannot find a vein to please get another nurse or tech in to check before subjecting you to needless pokes.

Finally, YOU ARE YOUR BEST ALLY!!! You MUST advocate for your own care, and speak up! Don't be afraid to ask for what you need, as the patient your concerns and comfort come first! No-one will look down on you for it.

ReneeDerek04

Kateysomething:

Can't see the pic either. I wouldn't worry too much.

I am a tough 'stick' for blood draws, etc, and I have been told to tell them up front that they usually need a thinner needle to stick me. I forget what its called now (of course), but I don't usually have a problem when I say that, and it does help.

Butterfly needle :-) Some people ask for "baby needles", it's the same thing. They do seem to be sharper, but unfortunately they can't be used for an IV. Those needles are long with a catheter either sheathed inside the needle or smoothly finished outside so the needle itself can be removed and you have more mobility in your IV site.

bstrangely

ReneeDerek04:

Butterfly needle :-) Some people ask for "baby needles", it's the same thing. They do seem to be sharper, but unfortunately they can't be used for an IV. Those needles are long with a catheter either sheathed inside the needle or smoothly finished outside so the needle itself can be removed and you have more mobility in your IV site.

wow, you are super helpful!

nicole112709

You were probably too dehydrated. Its a lot harder to get a vein when u are dehydrated. I'm sure the same nurse would do fine if ur veins were cooperating!

RitaT22

bstrangely:

it might not be entirely the nurse's fault. the only times i've had an iv i was way too gone to notice it going in... but i vividly remember paramedics giving my dad one. they hit an artery instead of a vein. this = horror movie.

i wouldn't worry too much. you still have some time until you deliver, so she'll have some more practice if it was something she screwed up.

Yikes!! DH is also a paramedic, so I've heard all sorts of stories about him inserting IVs. I can only imagine this scene.

OP, if she does happen to be there, you can always kindly ask for another nurse. After all, you'll be in labor and probably don't want to be poked more than necessary. 

Dobermonster

ReneeDerek04:

As a phlebotomy tech, I'll give you some pointers -

1) Stay hydrated! Your veins will be easier to palate and visualize, minimizing the number of pokes and the potential for bruising.

2) If you are a jumper, fainter, etc, let the nurse know. They are better equipped to poke if they know your tendencies in advance, plus the chance of 'poking through the vein' and causing a bruise is lessened.

3) If you have a certain vein that you notice other techs use and don't bruise, let your nurse know! The least they can do is try to find that same vein.

4) If you have a preference for a particular nurse, ask for them. We don't get our feelings hurt, I promise, we just want you to be as comfortable as possible!

5) NEVER LET A NURSE POKE YOU MORE THAN TWICE!!! They aren't supposed to anyway, but sometimes they'll try anyway. If they don't comply, refuse until a nursing supervisor comes in.

6) If all else fails, ask for an anesthesiologist to start your line. They'll usually want to numb the area, but if they can't get it they'll bring in an ultrasound machine to find the vein. I know this trick well, as I have HORRIBLE veins and they use this technique with me OFTEN.

As a patient with terrible veins, I vouch for all the above also. I don't look when getting poked, I talk to the nurse through it, as much as I can do to calm my nerves. I have a cardiac condition, so I know my veins are awful, and I warn the nurses in advance. You can ask that if they cannot find a vein to please get another nurse or tech in to check before subjecting you to needless pokes.

Finally, YOU ARE YOUR BEST ALLY!!! You MUST advocate for your own care, and speak up! Don't be afraid to ask for what you need, as the patient your concerns and comfort come first! No-one will look down on you for it.

 

All very good advice right here. You can also tell your nurse that you have difficult veins and to just call up the IV team - they do pokes all day and get really good at it.

WishLuckyStar

OP I know your pain, I got an IV in the ER two weeks ago and the bruise is STILL there. It's ugly! (And it HURT!)

jess0884

Stay hydrated and when you go in for L&D, they shouldn't put your iv in your ac (elbow joint) you will need the freedom and ability to bend your arm.

laurenbug

I was in L&D a week before I ended up being induced, and was dehydrated at the time.  The nurse struggled to get a good "poke", and I ended up with two different nurses before they got an IV started.  Both my arms and hands were bruised like your pic.

If you see any of my picts from a week later when I had W, you can still see the bruises (much lighter, but still there), but since I knew I was going in that day, I really tried to drink a BUNCH of water.  They got my IV in the first try that time!

GL, most likely your experience will be much smoother next time around!

June2007

nicole112709:

You were probably too dehydrated. Its a lot harder to get a vein when u are dehydrated. I'm sure the same nurse would do fine if ur veins were cooperating!

this!

KRISTA555

My DH gets a terrible bruise every. single. time.  he gets blood drawn, regardless of who does it.  His veins roll.  Maybe it has something to do with pregnancy's affect on blood flow... I dunno.

I wouldn't worry about it though.

BrittH05

Just write down her and name and ask that she not be assigned to your room.  Usually they can accomidate that so I wouldn't stress too much.

haleybeth81

It's harder to get an IV when you're dehydrated.  They always have a hard time getting an IV in me and they got a big IV in on the first try when I was in labor with DD.  I'm a huge needle baby but trust me I didn't feel it with the contractions going on, same thing with the epi.

ReneeDerek04

bstrangely:

ReneeDerek04:

Butterfly needle :-) Some people ask for "baby needles", it's the same thing. They do seem to be sharper, but unfortunately they can't be used for an IV. Those needles are long with a catheter either sheathed inside the needle or smoothly finished outside so the needle itself can be removed and you have more mobility in your IV site.

wow, you are super helpful!

I'm an EMT Soemtimes my medical training gets the better of me... You can say it, I'm a bit of a know-it-all, LOL.

Chickpea2010

I have great veins and I bruise every single time (I already have a real pretty one from my 1-hr this AM).

That said, if it's something that is going to worry you during your delivery, you have every right to say something. It's best that you are able to stay calm and not stress over the little things on the big day.