Almost if not all people that we know have a fear of needles. My fear of needles is much greater than his, if I ever did experience a fraction of what he had, a heart attack from fear from me is a certainty!
He has undergone countless CT scans and blood tests... each CT scan requires a plug. The plug is that of a butterfly needle inserted into the vein, held down by a 2 plastic flaps onto the skin which is further taped in place with a porous tape (tagaderm), a sterile yellow plastic cap is also attached to the needle. This yellow cap has a circular rubber portion which a needle is able to penetrate for blood or medications to avoid repeatedly piercing the flesh. Almost anyone who had a hospital stay would have one inserted.
He has undergone countless CT scans and blood tests... each CT scan requires a plug. The plug is that of a butterfly needle inserted into the vein, held down by a 2 plastic flaps onto the skin which is further taped in place with a porous tape (tagaderm), a sterile yellow plastic cap is also attached to the needle. This yellow cap has a circular rubber portion which a needle is able to penetrate for blood or medications to avoid repeatedly piercing the flesh. Almost anyone who had a hospital stay would have one inserted.
His original makeup had veins hidden pretty deep in. Ever since the diagnosis and treatment, the veins are flatter and with fluid retention, they are even more difficult to locate.Many a time, the inserted needle has to be maneuvered whilst in the flesh to find a vein. That's what causes the most pain.
Once there were 5 attempts made before a vein could be hit (total of 3 nurses came to help). For that, he became even more terrified but persevere on. To worsen matters, there was a period his chemo line was infected and removed. Any blood needed had to be drawn directly form the veins ... as expected, it was always more than one attempt to successfully draw.
Once there were 5 attempts made before a vein could be hit (total of 3 nurses came to help). For that, he became even more terrified but persevere on. To worsen matters, there was a period his chemo line was infected and removed. Any blood needed had to be drawn directly form the veins ... as expected, it was always more than one attempt to successfully draw.
Each time a CT scan was instructed by the doctors, the dread sets in and he confides in a resigned tone how much he dreads it and feels like calling it quits... if the toxicity of the chemo drugs weren't bad enough. This aspect of treatment played a big part in affecting his emotional well-being. Any news that he needs a plug for a CT scan is enough to cause a sleepless night.
The CT scan was ordered after his diarrhoea-bacteria ordeal, 19th Dec. He didn't want the plug set at the foot due to previous painful experience. His arms were swollen with fluids and veins could not be located. The nurses had no choice but to manoeuvre the needle. He clutched my hands so tight... an image of a natural birthing process flashed in my head! Agony was written all over his face and finally so unbearable that he cried out in pain to stop. Next day, a sister nurse and 3 senior staff nurses tried again unsuccessfully and he was visibly very shaken. The doctors had no choice but to use oral contrast which would not give a clear image.
Let's pray for the advancement of medical science to one day develop a device for tests to be done without any kind of bodily invasion....
1 comment:
I second your motion for tests to be done without bodily invasion. If it were me, I'd probably have given up a long time ago. Kevin has a strength which I hope that the Lord will continue to provide him and also to you.
God Bless......
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