One day seems to blend into the next here. Last night was better belly-wise, but I had problems with my IV.
When I got here Friday night, they refused to use the big vein in my left arm because it had been used earlier that day for my CT scan. They said it had contrast in it. They picked my right arm, my dominant arm.
The nurse who placed the IV didn’t seem very experienced, and I hated the placement in the crook of my right elbow.
When I got to my room upstairs, I moved my arm just right and kinked the tube and immediately set off the alarm on the medicine pump. The nurse then wrapped my arm with gauze to make it harder to bend my arm.
That made it hard for me to eat, brush my teeth, use my phone, and wipe myself. I’m right handed. The more I tried to use my arm, the more the IV dug into my skin and hurt.
Last night when they hooked up my IV, it began to bleed, leak and burn. Ouch. They had to remove that IV and look for a new location. Finally! My arm is a scratched-up mess
My nurse tried twice to find a new vein with no success. Ouch. Ouch. She went and got a male nurse. He tried twice with no success. Ouch. Ouch. I was starting to feel like a pin cushion. They brought in a third male nurse. He was a little cocky and obnoxious, but he found a vein on the first try. I now have the IV on my left wrist and I’ve regained use of my right hand.
That’s the highlight of my day so far. They drew more blood this morning. I don’t know what they’re looking for now. I have two test results pending now with the specimen they collected yesterday.
My hubby saw our primary care doctor yesterday for his physical on her first day back from maternity leave. He clued her in as to where I am and what’s going on. She said she was looking into it. I’m much happier knowing she’s involved now.
I also talked to HR at work yesterday. I’m glad my employer is so supportive and helpful. I asked about disability since I am now out of vacation time and each day I’m here now is without pay. I don’t know when I can go back. I’m just concentrating on getting well and going home.
I miss my family and my pets. My kitty girl probably thinks I’ve abandoned her. She’s my girl. I can’t wait to sit with her on my lap again.
Hi Donna, just been a little ‘tied up’ with my own life and happenings but have been following your troubles and your hospital stay. Of course, you just want to be home. Hope you have really good and positive news regarding all the tests very soon. Wishing you all the best.
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Thanks, Wendy. I’m hopeful.
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Keep the updates coming x
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IV’s are evil. They had to clean my blood off the floor after a ragged attempt at hooking me up before one of my kidney stone surgeries. If they ever asked me which arm I’d prefer them to stick, I’d tell them “Yours!”
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LOL! Why didn’t I think of that? It’s amazing how bad some of them are. I did some research online this morning, and they’re not supposed to dig around, looking for a vein if they know what they’re doing. They even used an infrared vein finder, and they kept claiming my veins “moved”. Sigh. The one guy had a jerky personality, but he was a pro. I barely felt it, and he was done. He put it in a great location. I donned a rubber glove on that hand today, they taped it down, and I showered with TWO working hands. Imagine that.
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Oh, IV’s are the devil. Especially when you get a nurse who can’t find a vein. How hard is that? We have them going throughout our bodies! Anyway, hope you get good news on the test results. Good luck! Here’s wishing for the best!
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Thanks, Jackie. They even used an infrared vein finder and then kept complaining that my veins “moved”. Ridiculous.
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Ugh! I was hoping to drop by and find out you were heading home! Is your husband on the road today? It sounds like he was at least around yesterday, so that’s good.
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He’s still home with me today and tomorrow. He goes back to local delivery on Thursday. My son is home Thursday so he can pick me up if they release me. Friday is up in the air. I hope I’m not still here then!
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