• BASIC DRUG
    DISCUSSION
    Welcome to Bluelight!
    Posting Rules Bluelight Rules
    Benzo Chart Opioids Chart
    Drug Terms Need Help??
    Drugs 101 Brain & Addiction
    Tired of your habit? Struggling to cope?
    Want to regain control or get sober?
    Visit our Recovery Support Forums
  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Why the difference between HR and prescription IV use?

B

BlueIV

Bluelighter
Joined
Apr 22, 2014
Messages
256
I'm doing IV infusions at home with a prescribed medication, and am still getting training until I can do both hands.

I've been told to use my hands as the preferred IV site, the crook of my elbow is for emergencies. I can go elsewhere on my arms, but it's not recommended. I'm not allowed to use any other sites. The HR advice I've coming across seems to be against using the hands.

I'm using 25G needles. Most recommend smaller than that. I've been told what I'm using is the smallest size for IV. Maybe it's just the smallest size for butterfly needles?

I've noticed this from before I actually joined the site, and was hoping reading more would explain it, but I'm just more confused.
Is there anyone who can explain the differences?
 
If you're exclusively using your hands, you would be better suited using smaller gauge if you can. There is also the vein towards your wrist under your thumb you can use. If you don't mind me asking what are you injecting?
 
Ok so you have to do this frequently I see. It's good to rotate iv sites when at all possible. Personally, I have really shit veins and lately it's a struggle to even give blood. The veins in your hand would normally be last resort. I did see a vein map here someplace, fucked I can't find it now.
 
I was given a vein map of both my hands and arms. My veins aren't great. They are deep but luckily my skin is pretty pale so I can usually see them when I'm warm. I'm not sure why, but the hands are what they start the training with, and what should be used for regular doses.

I do rotate sites though, I need to learn to do both hands and even within a hand I switch it up as much as I can.
 
My suggestion would be keep yourself well hydrated. Plus using hot showers/baths can bring the veins out clearer so you can find them better. Mine tend to roll so even when they are visible I can't hit well. Sorry if I'm no help. I feel bad what you're going through and hope you get the hang of it.
 
Thanks! I think being deeper they don't roll as bad as some. I haven't tried the inner elbow site yet, but I never have an issue when blood is taken. Those spots aren't even always visible on me, but my husband hit it blind when we gave up after having issues with my hands one day which is what the nurses have done after failed hand attempts.
 
So I got the answer about my hands, it's about keeping as many spots available for as long as possible. If a vein in my arm blows, everything below it including the hand sites are useless as well. As the hand goes, I can work my way up to the arm.
 
I wonder if it's related to the volume of fluid being injected. I would also ask your doctor these questions - such as why can't I use a smaller needle - and see what they say about it.
 
Unfortunately, I can't just see my specialist whenever. The nurse did say they were the smallest, I need to make time and get to the pharmacy and see if that's true for the butterfly needles. If they carry something smaller, I can bring it with me to an appointment or just try it out at home. Worst case, it takes a long time to infuse or I create too much pressure, lose some of the med and restart the IV with my current needle.
 
There may be a good reason but as a patient you should be able to call with questions, and they'll probably call you back within a day or two. I feel for you. I'm not afraid of needles or anything but I imagine it would get old having to do it every day.
 
It's not every day at least. Silver lining :)
Calling would just lead to the nurse calling back. lol I wouldn't be surprised if the doctor isn't even sure what size of needles are used.
 
I'd phrase it in a way to force an answer without making her feel too dumb ... like "my pharmacist recommended size 29 needles, what does the doctor say about that?" Actually ask the pharmacist first. They might have a good answer for you right there.
 
I've checked with 3 major pharmacies, none of them carry butterfly needles, so I'm starting to think 25 might actually be the smallest that's typically available.
 
Even the homecare supply company recommended by 2 of the pharmacies doesn't carry them. Yikes! I better make sure I have a decent supply at all times. Looking online, I can find a few that are 27G, but it becomes difficult to tell if they are the same otherwise. There doesn't seem to be anything smaller.
 
Since I only slam my two arm crooks, the 25 gauge needles suit me well. Any other veins I would suggest 27 or 28 gauge needle. I would never slam meth anywhere else but my crooks since they are thick and healthy to take it all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top