Self Infusion (First Attempt)

Myself attempting a self-infusion with a shielded IV catheter (retractable catheter).

The metal needle is wrapped in a thin tube of plastic that must be inserted into the vein using the metal needle. Then the metal needle is retracted. Connect the tube with the syringe to verify proper insertion (when blood comes back out). All using one hand. ;)

Oh, and I must say it is quite nerve-wrecking doing this yourself. Finding that one vein and then sticking the needle in. You can tell how by how long it took me to actually poke myself. :/

For those wondering, I have X-linked Agammaglobulinemia. If you're curious as to what that is, just Google it (or "XLA").

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• attempt
• blood
• catheter
• infusion
• IV
• retractable
• self
• shielded
• clumpymold
• curtis
• chan
• agammaglobulinemia
• needle

[fatboyqb]

the hardest part here is putting the tourniquet on yourself

[clumpymold]

@fatboyqb: You are probably right. It took me a while to figure that one out. I just used my teeth. Although my brother gave me a single-handed tourniquet which helps a LOT. 

[Falgroate]

It's not so bad, just put 1 end between your teeth and use your other hand to wrap around, snaking your tied off arm through the other arm.

[clumpymold]

@Falgroate That's exactly what I did. ;)

[iiperento]

@clumpymold thats very sad but i think u did the right thing to take it on ur own hands, well done again!

[clumpymold]

@iiperento: Oh, I have to get periodic infusions for my XLA (you can Google it ;) ). Thank you for your kind words though. :) I just didn't want to be completely dependent on the nurses so I wanted to know how to do this myself if I really had to. ;)

[iiperento]

@clumpymold for what exactly this is used for? im whithout headphones but i very, very curious! i think ur really brave and a big fighter! nice job, well done

[bfn18]

awesome

[clumpymold]

@kamarulx: Thank you. :)

[kamarulx]

nice job man, well done.