Fibromyalgia Support Group
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My husband and I were talking last night. I have Fibro-along with other things...But I also have Hereditary Hemochromatosis. I have to get monthly phlebotomies at this point and it has been VERY stressful. In talking with most HH patients,I've found we have something in common...our blood is very thick. My mother who died last June with Leukemia,also had very thick blood. She was never diagnosed with HH,so IDK if that was why her blood was also thick.
Anyway,with my phlebs,this last session it took them poking me with an IV needle five times before they finally got a vein that wouldnt' clot or simply give no blood,or flow. At this point the nurses are aggravated with me because they tell me I need to be more hydrated. I try very hard to do this. It makes me feel like they've never seen anyone like me before. I understand their aggravation with it all...but I hate being blamed for it.
So what usually happens is they have to give me IV fluids before my phlebs,have me drink thru the whole phleb session-which neither seem to work anymore and now they're telling me to force myself to drink various drinks they've all said are 'the trick' the day before and day of,pick my 'good vein'-which isn't so good anymore from all the poking. My veins are considered bad and almost non existent. They now have me squeeze a ball while a blood pressure cuff is on thru the whole hr to hr and half session (this is after an hr of finding my vein to begin with) and with my Fibro,I'm in so much pain during and after:(
All this to get to my "I wonder". Since my blood is so thick and I seem to have very poor circulation...I wonder if that plays a very big part in my pain that is diagnosed Fibro? And is that just part of Fibro?
Anyway,with my phlebs,this last session it took them poking me with an IV needle five times before they finally got a vein that wouldnt' clot or simply give no blood,or flow. At this point the nurses are aggravated with me because they tell me I need to be more hydrated. I try very hard to do this. It makes me feel like they've never seen anyone like me before. I understand their aggravation with it all...but I hate being blamed for it.
So what usually happens is they have to give me IV fluids before my phlebs,have me drink thru the whole phleb session-which neither seem to work anymore and now they're telling me to force myself to drink various drinks they've all said are 'the trick' the day before and day of,pick my 'good vein'-which isn't so good anymore from all the poking. My veins are considered bad and almost non existent. They now have me squeeze a ball while a blood pressure cuff is on thru the whole hr to hr and half session (this is after an hr of finding my vein to begin with) and with my Fibro,I'm in so much pain during and after:(
All this to get to my "I wonder". Since my blood is so thick and I seem to have very poor circulation...I wonder if that plays a very big part in my pain that is diagnosed Fibro? And is that just part of Fibro?
Sun
Lovingautumn, I'm sorry to learn that you have this to deal with on top of fibro. Best wishes for getting some relief.
Phlebs have no problems drawing my blood. I have always made them take it out of my right arm, because SOME have problems drawing from my left arm....but that's because the veins run deep in that arm for some reason....just another birth defect. BUT in your case....I would make them note somewhere that there is an issue with drawing your blood. Whether its fluids or whatever, they need to be aware and be a little more patient.
Gentle hugs.....
Hugs