Hemochromatosis Support Group

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease characterized by improper processing by the body of dietary iron which causes iron to accumulate in a number of body tissues, eventually causing organ dysfunction. It is the main iron overload disorder. Hemochromatosis is notorious for having symptoms that are often initially misattributed to other diseases.

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FeralFerritin 02/11/2011

Just read this study, it shows people will feel less pain if they look at the area where they are experiencing pain, belief it or not!

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/02/dont-look-away-staring-eases-t.html

deleted_user 02/12/2011

Think I'll stick (pardon pun) with the EMLA cream, thanks :-)

deleted_user 02/12/2011

Does Emla cream really work?

deleted_user 02/12/2011

Absolutely! It was Gidget who first recommended it. My phlebotomist then gave me a tube and I put it on about 45 mins before the phleb. Contains lidocaine which numbs the skin. I feel very little, it really makes a huge difference.

GageL 02/12/2011

Even thought that seems counter-intuitive, I still tried it a couple times only and must report that it made the entire experience worse and the pain more intense!!! Obviously a psychological response on my part but just saying.

deleted_user 02/14/2011

Thanks Andrea. i will make sure I get some before my 1st phleb.

deleted_user 02/14/2011

Isn't it funny how we all respond so differently with our phlebs. Sometimes I watch while they are "sticking" me and other times I don't, and it doesn't make any difference one way or another. They are nnow using a pretty small needle for me (21) because I have small veins, but even the first time when they used a regular size, I didn't have issues with discomfort. The funny thing was that even though I am fine with needles, when they had trouble drawing (only 200 from one vein and 100 from the other) I suddenly felt light-headed and passed out. I haven't used the EMLA yet, but I am so glad that I have hear about it (here) just in case. What I do know however is that when we have our phlebs at medical facilities the needles are smaller than the ones used at blood donation centers.

deleted_user 02/15/2011

LOVE THE EMLA cream!!! Cover with a large band-aid or bandage. It keeps it from smearing. Wash hands thouroughly after applying:)

Doesn't seem to help though, when the lab girls draw my CBC from the back of my hand.

stephen63 02/15/2011

Had my 3rd phleb yesterday and mentioned the study to the nurse.

One of the other nurses had read the article and her view and the view of several other patients was somewhat skeptical.

As if to prove a point the vein in my left arm decided enough was enough and after a promising start stopped co-operating so eventually the nurse started again on my right arm and it hurt even more.

Watching really did not help..

Cream sounds good!

deleted_user 02/15/2011

My veins (very thin and deep) are always 'running away' and refusing to cooperate, so I put the cream on both arms and back of hands too, just in case. Looks a bit odd, covered in plasters (band-aid) but who cares if it spares the pain?

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