i have a physical question for anyone that used "IV DRUGS"

[scribbler]

ok, this is a little off the recovery track, sortof, but i dont know who or where to ask, i am 24, used I.V. for 9 years, about 8 continuous, anyways, my problem is my veins and circulation are SOOO bad no doctor can draw blood.. i just had 3 doctors, and two phlebotimasts TRY to draw blood for 1 1/2 hours... every time i need blood taken in last 3 years they suggest taking out of artery, which is VERY painful, and ive said no, now sometimes they do get blood, but it is out of my feet and it runs SOOOO slow, it took 15 minutes to get 1 thing filled, i believe one milliliter or something, and it stopped, but they needed 18 milliliters (is that what they are called???) so many times when i need blood drawn it doesnt happen, and now many times they will not do tests because they say my veins will only get worse and they dont want to screw it up more... i also had to have some veins lasered off in my lower legs, ankles due to drug use. now i am excersising, eating better, but it isnt helping... does anyone know ANYTHING i can do, or i'm sure someone out there has the same problem, tell me what you do or did???? everytime i relapsed i thought "i'm healthier, so it should be easier to use now" WRONG, i was known to take a HOT shower and spend a long time and many bloody moments later before i used, if at all, which is part of why i dont want to use, it just DOESNT WORK ANYMORE, physically or otherwise...... ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED, im only 24, what am i going to do, i have the circulatory system of a dead person basically...... THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[abtchonamission]

My fiance has some similar issues, although maybe not to the extent of what you seem to be describing. Last time he had blood drawn, they used a vein in his wrist.

[Ann]

Have you discussed this with your doctor? I would think (being your doctor and all) that he would be able to tell you what might be appropriate for your circumstance.

I'm sorry you have this problem, but even with it I am happy you were able to stop doing that to yourself.

Hugs
Ann

[scribbler]

the only thing i've been told by VARIOUS docters is excercise, eat better, stop using... and the wrist isnt happening, ive had a few infections there when using so any vein that is there is TINY, like spider vein size almost, and even bigger ones in feet, they get blown up when they take blood, and it gives a small, SLOW flow for a few minutes, and they have to try somewhere else, and then same thing, so i dont know if i'm going to have to actually give up the artery or what, i really dont want to.... when they went in your husbands wrist ask if it was in the artery, because they sometimes get the artery through the wrist.... also, has anyone actually gotten blood drawn through artery while CONCIOUS????

[Richey]

I had some blood drawn and an IV drip put in...in my NECK! I have no idea if it was a vien or an artery because I passed out long before it was done...although I can't see many veins in my neck.
Have they tried the back of the knees? I had some taken there...I have a big vein 'round there (although it's probably big because it's gonna go varicose or something foul)

[Evanna]

Hello Scribbler,
Old IV user here....

I dont know what things are like in Boston but here in the UK they have people working in connection with the drug clinics who are specialised in getting blood from addicts. When i need bloods taken i draw up boundaries in my mind before i go to the doctor....those boundaries include where i will allow them to attempt to draw and where i will not plus the right to end the session whenever i feel uncomfortable. If i feel a doctor isnt up to drawing blood from me then i will ask for a referral to someone that is. I will not allow them to dig at me for hours. It really helps me to have taken charge in my mind before i get there.

As for your veins coming back....you dont say how long you have been clean but given your age and length of use i would say that your body will do miraculous things if you stay clean. One thing is for sure it will only get worse with using.

Warmest wishes
Evanna.

ps., i have never, ever had a doctor suggest drawing from an artery....although a few have wanted a go at my groin....also on my absolutely not allowed list so they have had to want.

[dmajor7th]

Yeah, I have the same problem. I once sat with three lab workers pricking my feet for an hour and a half. Loads of fun. Everytime I go for a blood test-it's my feet. Once a doctor had to jab a huge needle into my interior jugular(couldn't find the regular one)-which is the size of your pinkie finger-while nurse squealed and left and I'm lying there saying "What's SHE going on about?!!!"

[In memory of miracle]

They always haveto take mine from the top of my hand with a butterfly needle. Doesnt hurt. I also drink ALOT of water before hand. I know it really hurts when they keep poking you !!

[eddie z.]

scribbler,
I haven't had to have blood drawn since right after I got to treatment at which time it took four hours, four sticks, four nurses, and two offices to get what they needed! The nurse who finally succeeded was a neonatal specialist who was used to finding small veins. I am hoping that with two and a half years clean, I won't have to go through anything like that again. One more reason to stop using...Take care, girl!!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[jenmargo]

Wow
I just got back from the doctor. I have the same problem. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant (unsuccessfully) and they need to take blood. The problem I have is that the person taking blood (as was the example today) does not listen. The person tried to take blood in the pit of my elbow. Hello, gone, way gone. Been gone for years, it does not matter how long i have been clean and sober, that sucker is never coming back! I had a consult with the doctor afterward. He and I agreed that we would come up with a plan, set aside the appropriate time and have him do it. The thing that bothered me the most is that she gave me attitude, as she was hitting the tendon or bone. It is hard enough to be in recovery, to try to change everything, just to be reminded again of where I came from. It is hard to be humble when you feel humiliated.

[Janitw]

Hi - Phlebotomist here.....there are 3 major veins in which to take from the inner arm....have they tried all 3 on both arms for you?? Next spot would be the hands, then the feet then the head...someone should have found a vein in you somewhere hun...

[Arura]

Yep I also have the same problem ,....and they dont listen when you try to explian...?

But keep at it ,...and yes ive found that they can get Veins deep into my arms,..!

and i have No veins left for Abuse and I get cold ,..and pins and needles aswell Always try to sit with you legs Not crossed ,,as it cut's more criruclation off,..!

Ann Said it ,..Talk to your Dr about it and see what they say as ,..after long trem abuse IV ...they can still find one ....!

My Best Wishes are with you Honey .....