Tips for Reducing Needle Stick Pain

Whether you are being stuck for the millionth time for yet another chemotherapy treatment or for a blood test, it can be painful. It can also be very frustrating for the nurse (and for you) if finding a blood vessel is like finding a needle (no pun intended) in a haystack.

Here are a few quick tips to help you reduce the pain of needle sticks and help the nurse find a "good" blood vessel.

Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, eat a good meal and drink plenty of water before your chemotherapy treatment. This will help to open your veins to improve blood flow.

Walk the hospital hallways while waiting for your chemotherapy treatment, rather than sitting in the waiting area. This will help to improve circulation and cause your veins to protrude under the skin surface, making them easier to find.

In between chemotherapy treatments, exercise your hands and arms with squeeze balls and hand weights. This will help to enlarge blood vessels.

Keep the skin of your hands and arms soft by using a moisturizer regularly. Soft, supple skin will take the needle stick easier than dry, cracking skin.

If the mere sight of the needle entering your hands or arms bothers you, look away during the procedure. Also, try rhythmic breathing or other relaxation techniques to help you stay calm during the procedure.

Coping with Lung Cancer and Chemotherapy

Source: The Complete Cancer Survival Guide by Peter Teeley and Philip Bashe