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Information For The Recently Diagnosed
Needle Talk
If you are on Coumadin® therapy you'll be getting your INR tested frequently. This means lots of blood draws. Your arm is going to eventually
get tired of this.
One way to help your veins is to ask for a butterfly needle (ask for a 23 gauge needle- I like terumos). They aren't more expansive than regular needles
(so if the lab starts that line you can inform them they are incorrect). It's up to you to be proactive with your treatment. If the phlebotomist is having
trouble getting blood from your vein using a needle or butterfly, ask for another person. I have two favorite folks who stab me and I ask for them when
I go in. At one point I was having a particularly bad time where my INR was all over the map. Because of my many sticks I knew when my favorite vampire
was on duty and adjusted my schedule so that he could stab me.
You can also have your blood taken from your hand, feet, leg, femoral vein (ouch!) or you can have a PIC inserted. A PIC has to be replaced every few months.
You can have a port put in. Having a PIC or Port inserted into your veins usually isn't done unless your other veins have scared. I had a PIC for several
months when all my veins collapsed. It was heaven!
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The information contained on the this web site is provided for your general information only. I am not a doctor and I do not give medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine. I do not recommend any particular treatment/trial for individuals, and in all cases recommend that you consult your physician or local treatment center before pursuing any course of treatment. It is up to you, as a consumer to find out if these trials posted are something you want to participate in. I just post the information.