vein damage and body damage from IV use

[tramaqueen]

vein damage and other health issues

Hello there,
First off, I tried doing a search for this topic and didnt come up with anything specific.
Id like to ask and discuss the effect of Iv use. Not just abcesses and addiction- that comes with the territory other health issues and
conditions and its symptoms less talked about such as cord like veins, pulmonary talcosis (low blood flow in the area?) and other problems a recreational drug user can get from moderate IV use
I have been an iv user for a while, this is not something I do everyday in fact I dont for months at a time, but Ive noticed my veins feel normal but when I try to register they are hardened or vein dissapears or collapses. I am a phlebotomist so this is frustating so Im thinking it must be my veins not my technique (i can only iv on the veins on my hands)
Any advice, tips, ideas, or knowledge welcome!
Tramaqueen

 

[fryingsquirrel]

I almost never shoot up in my hands because of the same reasons. I found a hot shower first really helps those pop out. But mostly I just use other beins. Why are you limited to those?

 

[tramaqueen]

Hi how are you, well I can never find veins in my arms i have deep veins (im a phlebotomist) and only the nurse teaching the class ever hit a vein on my arm (she blew it though). So during our practice we would draw eachother and my hands were always where you had to go.

 

[fryingsquirrel]

Obviously you are gonna know more about finding veins than most people. I'm far from an expert, just blessed with good veins and steady hands. One thing that occurs that you might be using to large a needle. I don't think you ever use insulin syringes at work, correct? So you might tend to discount really small (30,31 gauge) ones for hitting veins. And those work really well for hitting the veins in the hand.

 

[tramaqueen]

Yes, at workd we use 22 gauge usually but for shooting I use the tiniest insuling available half and inch needle 31 gauge--I like those because they are so easy to plug so you know you are not shooting as much junk than with a 25. I had been shooting ritalin for two weeks and my hands are a mess, I have decided to quit and try other methods... It does worry me though the possible damage I might have done to my veins and or my lungs