Reply To: IV Access Getting More Difficult

Tricks?

The most effective method is to drink lots of water. Since you are doing home infusions: before the nurse arrives try increasing your body temperature. When your body heats, the blood is pushed towards the surface of the skin, increasing the appearance of veins. One quick trick that works for some is to use a hairdryer on your skin to get the veins to pop.

Try supplements. Agmatine is a supplement that is a by-product of the amino acid Arginine. Agmatine prevents nitric oxide from breaking down in your body, which promotes increased blood flow to your muscles. Enhancing this blood flow can increase your vascularity. A nitric oxide supplement can also help you achieve more prominent veins.

A Port is not required for IVIg. A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC Line) is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (6-12 months) for IVIg. I had a PICC line when I did home IVIg infusions. It worked well for me.