That’s a nice vein
Today went well although a bit tiring. My last CAT scan episode resulted in the IV falling out during the process and warm contrast squirting all over me. Eventful but not great fun and a little sticky.
Today I mentioned that episode to the nurse with a little humor really to help ensure it would not happen again. Little did I know that this time it would not be contrast but my own blood running everywhere!
In fairness my veins in my arms are pretty stuffed after all the chemo. Some have shrunk, hardened, corded, disappeared etc. They are also very sore to touch.
The nurse tried hard to find a suitable candidate for the IV. One was found at the base of my right bicep. The nurse also had to collect 4 vials of blood for various tests to be done. This was not usual protocol as this would normally be done on another day but for efficiency my trial oncologist thought it would be a good idea to minimize the multiple pricks to my arms and collect blood during this one procedure. Made sense to me.
What happened next was pretty funny. I found myself in the chair, my right arm out, a large IV needle sticking into my bicep, blood squirting both through and at round the IV, running down my arm, pooling on the chair, dripping on the floor, the nurse in a mild panic, trying to attach a needle to that thing, turning it round and round, calling for help, asking me for help, I had blood all over my left hand as I was trying to stabilize the IV and then I accidentally touched my face smearing it with blood. The nurse strangely removed his gloves to get a better grip which I thought was not right ended up with my blood all over is hands, under his fingernails and then on his forehead!!
When help arrived I could see the look of surprise and mild fear on the helps face, it looked like I had been shot in the arm!! They both apologized continuously and I was doing my best to calm them down. I just wanted it done.
Anyway when I was cleaned up it all went well. I will end up with a decent bruise on my right arm but that’s about it.
The PET scan went smoothly although again issues with getting to a good vein. I am thinking about tomorrow mornings Rituximab transfusion and the search will continue. Maybe they will use my thigh!
Had a good nap when I got home as I felt pretty washed out. Now feeling really good. Watching QA, interesting topic.
My Unplanned Sabbatical 
WOW! your take on this “little”event is amazing. i personally would have freaked out, not a big fan of blood especially my own. On the upside, glad your feeling alot better and improving daily.
Rich.
You might make it into a medical journal as a “how not to” case…
You could be right although I doubt the nurse gave it a second thought. It’s a production line unfortunately.