So, IVs and blood draws in feet forever?

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Janeybw
Janeybw Member Posts: 199
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I am just a little over 2 weeks out from bmx with 2 nodes removed on each side.  Patho was clear on the nodes.  I was on board with the surgery, but now I am left with no "safe" side.  Those of you in my shoes, are you having blood draws and IVs in your feet even without LE?  They tried to start an IV in my foot prior to surgery and it was AWFUL.  I'm an RN that is pretty skillfull at IVs and I know I would have trouble in most feet.  

My BS is unconcerned saying that with only 2 nodes on each side I am not really at risk, but I am more concerned than that.  What has been your experience with IVs and blood draws??  Thanks! 

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  • sanbar8771
    sanbar8771 Member Posts: 281
    edited June 2011

    I had 17 nodes removed from my left side and 3 from my right. I have had many, many IV's in my right arm and everything is fine.  I have been doing accupuncture and she puts the needles in both arms and I am fine. I think you should be fine with only 3 nodes removed from both arms. One thing I have NOT had done to me is blood pressure. I will not let them take my blood pressure on my arms...only my leg or wrist (some places have the wrist bp checker). Also, when I give blood or have the nurse do an IV they do not use a turnicate. I hope this helps. Take Care.

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  • beacon800
    beacon800 Member Posts: 922
    edited June 2011

    There are wonderful experts on this forum who will give advice.  Based on what I know, you are at some risk for LE, even with 2 nodes out and you will be wisest to do blood draw from feet if at all possible.

    I did study this quite a lot.  You should take every preventative measure, especially since you are so close from surgery.  You need to see how you are healing.  It took me a very long time to gain confidence and I don't have nodes out.  Believe me, I talked to everyone on this subject and I think you should be careful even if your risk is rather low.

    Best to you!! 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2011

    Janey, this is a toughie!Frown We all have to make our own compromises with the risks we face after bc surgery. We do what we can, and then we deal with whatever happens (or doesn't!Smile) It's cheering to hear from Sanbar that she's had no problems thus far, but that's not exactly a free pass, since no one knows beforehand what their own personal risk factors are, and LE can show up even 20 years later.

    There are a lot of ways to reduce your risk, and a good place to start is with a referral from any doctor on your team to a fully-qualified lymphedema therapist, who is the expert trained to assess your personal situation and help you make the best decisions for YOU. S/he'll take baseline arm measurements for future reference, teach you a gentle lymph massage you can use prophylactically, and fit you for garments to wear for exercise and travel. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    IF you decide to allow an at-risk arm to be used for IVs or blood draws, at least make sure it's not your dominant arm. LE anywhere is a challenge, but LE in the dominant arm is especially distressing.

    Hoping you never have to join this Sisterhood of Swell!Tongue out
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2011

    Janey:

    When I am having port problems (once for an entire year), I had blood draws, IV's, and CT scans in my "bad" arm.  My "good" arm has lousy veins and the tech's can never use it.  I don't like using my mastectomy arm and you can see from my bio that I had a lot of node work.  I use my arm quite a bit - for the first two years after surgery, I did heavy outdoor work.  I've never had LE and I've been doing this for going on 5 years.

    Best of Luck to you..

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  • Janeybw
    Janeybw Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2011

    Thanks for all of the replies so far!  There is a lymphedema clinic at my hopsital.  The BS didn't think I needed to go, so I'm going to ask the PS about it and see if she'll send me.  She will probably have some insight into what her patients like me do for the exchange surgery.  Thanks for the heads up about the dominant arm issue.  I see the onc for the first time next week, but am lucky enough with the patho report that I don't think chemo is in my future.  I hope to avoid all needles other than fill ones until the exchange!

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