K, I've got an interesting question that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere else...

I probably shouldn't even bother mentioning it before asking my Dr. first...but I'm curious.

Has anyone ever asked, or heard of using a product like "Emla" during a fill?

(Emla is the gel/cream they sometimes use on your hand before putting in your IV to numb the area) There are other brands, but that is the only one I know by name.

I've heard alot of people use it when getting tatooed as well. It just seems like it would be fantastic to help with those fills I've heard about where it took more than a few pricks to get it...

Has anyone ever heard of it being used, or does anyone know already why it couldn't be?

I can't wait to hear what you guys think.

Sunshine

Yes I have heard of it but to be honest, fills dont hurt even a tiny bit. I've never had my doctor poke around for my port either, he's straight in and out. It really doesnt hurt.

its not like an ordinary needle because the saline is injected into the port, not into your tissue, so you dont get the pressure and burning/stinging you get when you have an injection, just the prick as the needle goes through the skin. Emla would be a waste of money for so small a prick (SUCH a bad choice of words, but hey, you know what I mean, lol).

I've heard a few really rough stories from people who aren't as lucky and don't get their fill with one poke. It's really just that situation I'm looking to avoid.

Good point though, they shouldn't be painful in the first place(ideally).

I've heard of people using it for fills, ALOT. I've used it before (not for fills though), and it does work really good.

I don't wish I'd had it for my last fill, but I almost think, that in fear of having a fill nightmare like some people, with the 10 prick tries, that I just may give it a try. It also helps that I have some leftover.

I'd suggest using the stuff that comes in the large tube, so you can spread it over a big area (in case they don't stick the needle(s) in exactly where you're expecting)... the Patches only cover an area a bit bigger than a toonie.

I use LMX 4% lidocaine - which you can get from the pharmacy without a prescription. I put it on 2 hours before my appointment with a plastic covering over it to conduct heat and prevent the cream from getting on my clothes. Lay down and feel where your port is located...I generously put the cream from my scar line to about 1.5 inches above. I wipe it off when I get to the dr's office and the area is sufficiently numb. I cannot feel the fill at all. I'm needle shy and I know that people say that it does not hurt...but I am not going to risk it. I've also used it for the IV and for blood draws. http://www.dermadoctor.com/product.asp?productid=954

My doctor uses some type of numbing agent prior to a fill. Mine was totally painless, quick and easy.

Thanks guys!:dance:

My docs don't use it...but check out my my latest thread on my last fill (yesterday)...maybe I should consider it!!!!

haha, yeah Yoda... might be a good idea!

(p.s. You can buy and apply EMLA yourself... no one even needs to know that you're 'numbed', they'll just think you're a trooper :grouphug: )

My MD using a local 2% lidocaine that is injected with a tiny needle gradually. After a minute or two, the area is numb and then the fill is done. The procedure is quick and painless.

Yoda, you oughta get some (poor u), and If it were me, I'd have to put it all over my tongue too, cause what I would be saying to that nurse after 2HOURSof pricking me wouldn't be very nice!!:grouphug: :zip:

My docs don't use it...but check out my my latest thread on my last fill (yesterday)...maybe I should consider it!!!!

Actually, that post inspired this one Yoda. You poor pin cushion...

can you buy the emla without a prescrition? sorry to hear about your fill yesterday loriely

My fills have been totally painless. Doc injects a tiny numbing shot first and I dont feel a thing. Does your doc not numb it first?

can you buy the emla without a prescrition? sorry to hear about your fill yesterday loriely

Here in Alberta it is kept behind the counter and they asked me what I wanted it for, but you can get it without a prescription. I have no idea how much it costs though, cuz I didn't buy it. At the time I was asking about it for something else.