Labs,foot draw concern

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kcshreve
kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I had basic panel bloodwork done in my foot yesterday, which went well.  My potassium came back weird, so my doctor wanted another draw today.  When I went in today, they had some difficulty using my foot, so had to try 2 times. Did not go so well.  Now in less than 24 hours, I've had 3 pokes.  My foot is sore and feels swollen (my other foot does not work for labs).  I'm trying to stay calm, but I'm finding with LE already in my arm and trunk, an existing swelling tendency in my legs that all I can think about is developing LE in my foot/leg.  Just about anything is possible, I realize.  Does anyone have any input on how likely this could be? I'd love for someone to tell me this is not possible.  :)

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited April 2012

    KC, a while back KS posted about how a traumatic blood draw really beat up her good arm and she avoided moving fluid there for a while.

    I am very aware that I may have a predisposition to primary LE, and I wear 15-20 mm compression socks all the time now, and I completely understand your concern.

    Your poor foot has gotten beaten up and needs a rest and to be elevated and possibly lightly iced and compressed gently.

    Ever since that article came out about how some of us share the gene with primary LE, I've been so aware of leg swelling and how one of my daughters has always had "thick" ankles, and I saw her socks left an indent, when she visited last week and I got a cold chill. 

    You had trauma, and trauma causes swelling and a traumatic blood draw will raise the potassium in the specimen (beat up blood cells.)

    Let us know how it's going. 

    Kira

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  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited April 2012

    My foot is a bit swollen and tender today, very sore.  Maybe compression socks are something I should think about.  Do I need to order these through my LE therapist?

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited April 2012

    KC, I just order them from one of the on-line retailers: brightlifedirect for instance.

    There is a diabetic shoe store nearby that sells them, but more of the class 1: 20-30 mm

    http://www.brightlifedirect.com/COMPRESSION-LEVEL-15-20mmHg-Knee-Highs-%28Socks%29/c353_137_156/index.html?osCsid=b7af05582cc0aae21f2f32dc9335440a

    I have some trouser socks and some more athletic ones--they are knee highs, but that's just what I picked out. The inexpensive Allegra brand seems fine to me.

    Kira

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  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited April 2012

    KC, I share your issues. I have found that having footsticks for blood work are somewhat painful and leave the top of my foot puffy and tender for that day and the next.... 3 sticks would make it even moreso.

    1. My first thought is hoping this is just not LE and your foot is puffy as it was poked 3x.

    2. Where you get your blood draws is important. If you can I would suggest going to a hospital

       and asking the IV Team do them. They are much more experienced than lab venipunture  with

       foot sticks and use much smaller needles called " butterflys" ... and they deal with smaller

       veins. Just go to the lab and ask them to page IV Team in the Hospital since you have issues.

    3. Wear comfy slippers foot stick day... anything pressing on the top of your foot will cause tenderness.

    4. Take it easy that day.... not too much walking or exercise. Elevate your foot as well when you can. I can not speak re: compression experience.

    Foot Sticks are not fun. Hope this helps and that you are feeling better already

    Brazos

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