Surgery Prep
I had my colonoscopy on Friday and have surgery coming up the end of March/first of April. The nurse who put my IV in insisted on using my right hand. I told her that I had RA and using my right hand would be very painful for me, including post-op. She told me that wasn't her problem, all of her IVs go into the hand. Yes, my hand still hurts, along with my right arm. Any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening again? I thought about having my rheumatologist put something in my records to not use my hands for IVs. Thanks! =^^=
Hi Jan ~
I'm so sorry to hear that you had this experience - it doesn't sound like the nurse you interacted with was being very understanding or accommodating to your needs, which isn't right because doctors and nurses are meant to help you. Have you considered filing a complaint with the facility? That's something I might consider doing in your shoes. I also think that having a note from your rheumatologist could be useful as well. It is definitely possible for IVs to be placed elsewhere, and as a patient you do have say in what happens to your body. The only other thing I can think to suggest is to consider calling ahead to ask about this issue so that perhaps you can have it settled prior to your surgery.
Best of luck and please remember that we are here to support you!
~Mariah~ (Site Moderator)
I have to have a surgery prep on the 20th of Jan..I also have to have a colonoscopy...I have a crooked right arm and I always tell them about it in advance..Every scence my arm was frooze up one time and Doctor took a hold of it and jerked on it.. Didnt go back to him...Just be sure and tell them...If they are not a Reumatoligist , They dont understand...Of course sounds like you and I had insensitive people..
Thank you for sharing, Child of God! It's always a good idea to let medical staff know about our pre-existing conditions and issues before any procedure. And since they may not always read out paperwork, it's not a bad idea to verbally tell them, as you did. I hope you surgery prep goes well and that your colonoscopy results are good. Thank you again for sharing! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
I agree that there might need to be a discussion about the nurse not paying attention to your preferences. That being said, most colonoscopy patients are placed on their left side during the procedure, thereby trapping their left arm under their body. For that reason, the doctor/nurse may opt to start the IV on the right side to ensure proper circulation and to make sure it's readily accessible to administer anesthesia or other medications. I would hope, however, that if there were a medical reason (such as this one) to use one side or the other, the nurse would explain that to the patient instead of just telling them to deal with it.
