Question on blood draw

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ladsgma
ladsgma Member Posts: 23
edited April 2016 in Lymphedema

I had lymph nodes removed-12 on the left side so am at risk for lymphedema. When I went for a blood draw he had trouble finding a vein on the right side so he said it was ok to do it on the left side if the vein was popped up and he didn't have to use the rubber band. That isn't what I read in my pt packet. I asked him not to do it there but was he right?

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited April 2016

    I will bump your question to someone with more knowledge on the subject. However what I do know is that blood draws as well as other lymph edema preventative measures seem to be very controversial. I wish the professionals could all agree. It's very confusing

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2016

    No, he was wrong.You will need to politely advocate for yourself on this.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2016

    There is NO WAY I would allow any 'vampire'/blood tech who was so incompetent that he/she could not access a vein in my non-LE arm to attack/assault my LE arm. A Supervisor should be called in. Then veins in foot or ankle could be accessed by someone who is competent. My LE arm is not a 'pin cushion' for someone to practice on when they don't know enough to 'hit' a vein to start with.

    There is another point to think about. Any skin break (even paper cut or prick by a sewing needle - anything!) if there is LE or potential for, sets one up for infections/cellulitis - very BAD. Personally I have had no information issues but MANY do have very bad problems - not worth taking a chance on (in my opinion) because someone is incapable of doing their job safely and appropriately for the patient who is potentially at risk of 'injury' from their actions.

    I am strong enough to advocate for myself and will NOT allow my LE arm to be used for BPs or sticks for the 'convience' of some food. If a problem should develops I am the ONE who will have to live with it - the door will not.

    OK - I'll get off my soap box.

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