Blood draws and BP on effected arm

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Beachygirl
Beachygirl Member Posts: 3
edited February 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Ten years ago I had a lumpectomy with lymph node dissection. And it was drilled into me to not have blood draws or BP's on that arm, Now I developed a totally new cancer in the other breast so I had a bilateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection again. I had a real round about today at my doctors office and lab about where blood was going to be drawn. Is anybody getting any evidence that it is OK?

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  • bella2013
    bella2013 Member Posts: 489
    edited February 2018

    Beachygirl, I was given the same instruction when I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on my left breast. I am having BMX on Thursday so I will be sure to ask questions about blood draws and BP

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2018

    I have been told to use the side that had the less-worse cancer.

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  • Trishyla
    Trishyla Member Posts: 1,005
    edited February 2018

    Since I had a BMX, and have developed mild truncal lymphedema, I have to have my blood draws from my foot. It's very specialized, and very few phlebotomists know how to do it. It's kind of a pain, but if you can find someone who will do it, it's much better for you. I do, however, still have my blood pressure taken in my left arm. The foot is just too inaccurate.

    Hope this helps. Good luck.

    Trish

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited February 2018

    I have blood draws taken from the arm where fewer nodes were taken. I ask for the smallest needle and no tourniquet. (I have large veins so it's no problem.)

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  • SarahB57
    SarahB57 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2018

    Not many people will know how but you can do BP on your thigh with a thigh cuff. Have no clue about which veins to use. My mom had bilateral mastectomy and used one arm all the time for blood draws.

    On another note, does anyone wear a medical id bracelet stating no blood draws or bp on your arm?

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  • Gigicommon
    Gigicommon Member Posts: 68
    edited February 2018

    SarahB57 - I wear a medical bracelet I found on Amazon.com

    image


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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2018

    Yes, I wear a Medical Alert bracelet with this information.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited February 2018

    yes, I wear Medic Alert bracelet They maintain a history on me with ALL my meds, POA, emergency phones, anything you can think of. Worth the price to me.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited February 2018

    I wear a medic alert bracelet telling them to stay away from my right arm. I developed truncal lymphedema after being assured and reassured by my medical team that having only 3 lymph nodes removed meant my risk was extremely low. So the bracelet goes on every day!!

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  • couragement
    couragement Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2018

    This is a hard issue. I still have my port after finishing infusions 4 months ago. I kept it for a few procedures, like a colonoscopy, etc. But I will have it removed in two weeks, and then have them take blood from my ankle or foot. Not so easy sounding to me, but the nurses at my infusion center say they can do it easily. So I will go there for all my blood draws for any samples needed. If I have an emergency then I am asking for the one that had the fewest nodes removed. All BPs are currently taken from my leg. They have to adjust for it (legs run higher) but they seem to cope okay. Planning on getting a medic alert bracelet as well. Best of luck!

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  • carmstr835
    carmstr835 Member Posts: 388
    edited February 2018

    I also was told the same. No BP in my arms and if they can't use my port, the blood from my lesser affected arm without a tourniquet. Not sure what they will use for my surgery. Thinking about asking for a pic line if they can't use my port. I am having a bilateral DIEP in April

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited February 2018

    I have an IV placed in my foot for surgery, carmstr835. Not a fun time the first time they tried to find a good vein, but since then I know where a good one is and can direct the nurse.

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited February 2018

    I just got back from my pcp and had to explain, again, that I didn't want a tourniquet for my blood draw. She said she'd never heard of that except for those who already have lymphedema and that she was thinking about calling my oncologist's office about it. I told her I hope she does!

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