Medically Complex and the Stories of Our Lives

Calling Nurse Number Four Throughout Rhyse’s 20 months of life he has had numerous platelet transfusions, more blood draws than I can count, three bone marrow aspirations, a gtube placement, several sedated EKGs, and of course a sprinkle of unscheduled ER visits and nineteen days in the NICU. IVs are a ‘normal’ part of his life. But Rhyse’s body isn’t so obliging. Between Rhyse’s small stature, petite bone structure, hypersensitivity to pain, and veins as curly and winding as his gorgeous, red hair IVs are a terrifying experience.  What’s more, finding a nurse who can stick a vein and get a successful flush in less than three attempts is next to impossible. On this day Rhyse endured the worst experience with IVs to date.  Already screaming from the effects of a high fever, complete with shivers and tremors, nurse number one scanned his limbs over and over,  careful to choose the best site; his left arm.  Historically Rhyse’s left arm has indeed been the best donor. But afte