I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

My DS had surgery this AM (which went well thankfully and he is sleeping now)---but he was stuck 12 times to start an IV, which ended up being put in his scalp. He has had an IV before with no problems. It is a teaching hospital, so I can only assume the resident was the one trying as most anesthesiologists have no problem starting an IV (I was not in the room, we were already in the waiting area when he got the IV). I am just sad as I felt the surgery itself was tough enough for him, I just can't imagine being stuck that many times

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Glad to hear he is doing well.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

I'm glad that your DS is doing fine now and sorry he had to be stuck so many times. After reading many posts and having my own child be stuck 5 times to try and get an IV in, I think it's very common for them to have trouble getting an IV or taking blood in an infant. It's heartbreaking to watch though.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

I am glad your baby is doing well

So sorry he had to get stuck so many times, they should have called someone else in i think.....it's over now that, just give your lil one lots of love and hugs now

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

I am sorry that happened to him. We have had similar situations when DS was hospitalized in a top rated pediatric hospital and still there were issues w/getting the IV in. Their veins are just so little I am glad to hear he's resting now, I know how awful it is to watch

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

12 times?!?!?!?!?

My heart broke into a million pieces when I read this
It also brought back memories of when my DS was in the hospital at 5 days old and they gave him an IV on the top of his little hand, something that I as an adult, refused to get when I needed an IV. He was so brave, and I just melted into a puddle on the floor, but I had to be strong and hold him and comfort him while it was happening......
That was THE worst feeling of my whole entire life....

I am sorry your little boy had to go through that, it seems to hurt us more than it hurts them.....

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

I'm so sorry you went through that! I'm glad the surgery went well!

I was a student and worked in a teaching hospital. The rule for any student is that they are allowed to attempt a procedure (Such as IV insertion) 2 times. If they don't get it the MD o RN supervising them has to do it!

Also, if you are not comfortable with a student doing an invasive pricedure you are allowed to request that A MD or RN do it, not a student or resident.

It sounds like he was a hard stick and the last resort is a scalp vein. In the future, if your DC gets sick and goes to the hospital and they want to start and IV I would automatically request a pediatric RN or NICU RN come down and do the IV. You can let them knwo the baby is a hard stick. USually in teh ER there are 2-3 nurses that have a lot of experience in Peds and can usually get it, if not, where I worked they did not hesitate to call a NICU RN down.!

I hope he feels better!

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

thanks ladies, I know I just need to be thankful everything went okay, I'm just glad its all over!

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

It hurtful to watch but their veins are so little.

I had to hold DS at 12 months to get bloodwork done. I could not even see the vein myself when the tech was doing it. It's really a hit and miss.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

I know its tough but its not necessarily correct that its becuase it was a teaching hospital. Even anesthesiologists have a hard time with my veins. I got stuck 20 times when I was in labor trying to start an IV. I did not want it in my foot.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Oh, that's terrible! I am so sad that he had to go through that and now you are left feeling so awful. I kind of wish they hadn't even told you about that part.

I am glad that DS is sleeping comfortably now. I hope that he gets well soon!!!

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

I'm sorry to hear it took that many time for an IV for you DS, I'm glad the surgery went well and hope he's feeling 100% soon!

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

My nephew had RSV when he was a few weeks old and ended up with an IV in his scalp also. It's so sad to see that. I hope he recovers quickly!!!!!!

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Before my surgery in June, they stuck me about 5 or 6 times (including searching for the vein once they were inside). They had the anesthesiologists themselves trying it. A RN tried twice, then one anesthesiologists, then after he couldn't get it, they got the "expert" guy at finding veins.

I can only imagine what your DS went through, especially since he doesn't understand what's going on.

Glad it turned out OK, though.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Im sorry your little guy had to go through this

It is possible that because he was stopped from drinking or eating from midnight the night before the surgery that the veins are hard to stick. This also happens with adults who are dehydrated. That is why sometimes its easy since the child has been drinking, and other times if they are constantly vomiting/diarrhea or not eating that its hard to get a vein.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

sorry to hear that. i heard if they have trouble finding a vein, shut off the light and put a flashlight under the area of interest. my girlfriends son had problems too and it worked.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Posted by curliegirl

12 times?!?!?!?!?

My heart broke into a million pieces when I read this

I am sorry your little boy had to go through that, it seems to hurt us more than it hurts them.....

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Awww my heart sank when I read 12 times - that is horrible for any baby or adult. I'm so sorry he had to go thru that. I'm glad to hear he is okay and doing well now though. At least he is at an age when he shouldn't remember the experience. When I was little I got stuck 10 times at LIJ children's ER b.c they couldn't draw my blood - I was several years older than your DC but I have been terrified of needles since.

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Re: I am trying to let this go, but I need to vent

Poor baby, I think one of the hardest things in life is to watch our babies go through sicknesses and surgeries