Ive got plenty of experience. I did it for 6 months, nothing compared to your 3.5 years, yet something.

I always enjoyed it when they would put just the 2x2 guaze pad over the needle site so that you dont see the huge 16guage needle sitting there on both sides..

but maybe you have a port and it doesnt bother you any that way.

I had mine done at UNC and ill give you a low down of what happens:

They bring you in and have you lay down on a pretty comfortable hospital bed, and take a few viles of blood which they run STAT to see if they can proceed with the procedure. (Comforting) and then start the other side, and when the results are getting processed they offer you snacks, juice, warm blankets, etc. I think those are all crucial to patient care, alteast it made me feel a lot better

And during...i usually slept the whole time so it didnt become too boring. If it did, i would turn the tv on or something.

After I think the most crucial part if your not used to the procedure is getting something in your stomach directly after or some juice. I always had two bags of chocolate chip cookies and then some apple juice.

I think the main thing is making someone comfortable while doing the procedure and making sure if they have questions to answer them, kinda make i homey.

the pain of needles wont ever go away..yes they have stuff they can spray on but i think thats more psychological than anything but thats my opinion. Needles a needle

Hope this helped a little...not sure if you were looking for something more specific.