I just thought I'd share this piece of information. My surgeons office told me that there have been studies to help individuals that are a hard stick when it comes to giving blood or getting an IV. They said that the study showed that when people listen to music while they are giving blood or Getting an IV placed, that for whatever reason – the veins are better or react better I guess… I thought I would just share this because I know I've personally I have a horrendous time when it comes to getting blood taken and IVs placed. I've had several central lines and they can't even do pic lines on me anymore. So, I'm going to try this on Monday when I go in for preop and see how it goes… But like I said I thought I would share. If it helps someone, it's worth trying.

Blessings to all

Natalie

Thanks for the information, I myself am an easy stick. I work as a nurse and I am always looking for better ways to start an IV on a hard stick.

I just thought I'd share this piece of information. My surgeons office told me that there have been studies to help individuals that are a hard stick when it comes to giving blood or getting an IV. They said that the study showed that when people listen to music while they are giving blood or Getting an IV placed, that for whatever reason – the veins are better or react better I guess… I thought I would just share this because I know I've personally I have a horrendous time when it comes to getting blood taken and IVs placed. I've had several central lines and they can't even do pic lines on me anymore. So, I'm going to try this on Monday when I go in for preop and see how it goes… But like I said I thought I would share. If it helps someone, it's worth trying.

Blessings to all

Natalie

Being hydrated help plump the veins as well. As I age I find it harder when I need blood drawn. Thx for the info.

That's really interesting....I'm a hard stick so I will have to keep that in mind next time!

They have the hardest time getting my veins they are deep and move. I tell them this every time they don't seem to believe me till they can't get if the first try. One thing they did for the iv before surgery was apply heat to my hand and if went in fine. Next time other than drinking a ton of water I'm going to try to really warm up my arms to help.

when people listen to music while they are giving blood or Getting an IV placed, veins are better or react better

Natalie

that is very interesting

i'm also a hard stick

listening to music???

guess it could calm you down a bit, hmmmm, i'll try it

of course drinking lots of Water before needle is essential!

kathy

I was a very hard stick before surgery but now that I've lost so much weight they have never had to stick me twice. I asked the last nurse if it was easier to stick a thin person and she said that usually didn't make a difference. Has anyone else noticed a difference since losing weight?

Well, I had to get blood taken today for preop and just my regular everyday blood. And was I tried listening to music – at least in one ear for a short time, but, it didn't seem to work/help- I got stuck 11 times. They even brought and other people that were specialists in drawing blood. Then my blood coagulated too quickly and they had to redraw tubes are they already had drawn. I was definitely well hydrated – I always am. I had to talk to the doctor today and tell him that I was going to central line. I hate having them but, if that's the only option & way to go then I've got to do it.

Who knows about the study? Maybe I did something wrong… Or maybe I'm just that hard of a stick. I didn't used to be.