[Wendy Beltrami]

I have a few more things to offer with regard to finding those hiding veins. Grant has been transfusion dependent for almost 2 years now and refuses to have a port so we know all the tricks.

As everyone else has mentioned... drink a lot of water prior. Hanging your arm down off the side of the bed/chair for a while also is very helpful. Ask for a warm towel to wrap your arm in for a few minutes. The light "tapping" on the vein is supposed to release histamines to "plump" the vein and yet... I'm guessing most people take transfusion "pre meds" of benedryl and tylenol. Everyone knows that benedryl is an ANTI-histamine.... so... although it's hard to know whether it really makes a difference or not.... Grant doesn't take his pre-meds until the IV is already in.

He also tries to lift small dumbells every day to help pump up those arm veins.

The most valuable thing is finding that favorite person to do the IVs. They don't like missing a stick any more than the patient likes it. If we encounter someone new I always make it very clear that "Grant is a tough stick", giving the person the chance to turn us over to a more experienced nurse or phlebotomist. Two tries is all anyone gets. After that, ask for "the best person you've got".

We have used peds nurses, ER nurses and even nurse anesthetists in our hospital.

We notice that Grant will go for months and months with no problems and then have a run of difficulties where good veins are nowhere to be found.
It's really kinda' strange.

Hope that helps..
Wendy/mom to Grant
Diagnosed 12/4/98 (AAACK! 9 years!)