I have
to go in for blood work today. I always dread doing it because they never can
hit my vein the first try. I tend to walk away with bruises and a multitude of
band aids. I tell them I need them to use a pediatric needle. They look at me
like I’m crazy and don't do it. I hate when they ask if a student can draw my blood. I have to
say no. Because if they did, it would make an already complicated procedure
worse. I’ve been told my veins are deep and small. So I guess that’s what the problem is? I just know it’s a trauma every
time I go. They are supposed to take 5 vials of blood today. Good luck with
that. They'll be lucky if they fill one tube. I kid you not. I will hydrate. Wear something warm and massage my arm hoping the veins
plump up. But I bet you, it won’t help. It never does. Keep me in your thoughts. I suspect
like usual, I’ll become a giant pin cushion.
10 comments:
I have had so much trouble with the blood letting, too. The last time I had to have 13 vials taken. Three doctors wanted tests, so I waited and had them all done at once. Do you have to fast before the tests? I do and there is no vein showing anywhere! No students! A nurse wrapped my arm in a sopping wet towel full of boiling water. But, it worked! I told this to a guy taking blood who could not find a vein. He got a heating pad and wrapped it around my arm and it worked. Good luck getting this done.
i appreciate knowing i'm not alone fighting this. i'm sorry you had to suffer through it too. i have to fast for 8 hours.
Sorry you have such troubles. I don't. Blood tests never bother me. And they do so much good. They can tell a lot about us from them. Hope all goes better than expected.
You poor thing! This may be too late for you, but once I had a similar experience and the tech brought out something called an infant heel warmer -- normally used on newborns but lab techs usually have access. More often than not, my hubby's techs are challenged. They usually go in the back of his hand.
I have had friends with 'problem veins', ones that roll, the deep ones, the small ones and some that just hide.
I am always amazed that they can hit mine most every time and I cannot see a thing. I always compliment the ones that hit it perfect every time.
I used to give blood, but once I had a terrible experience and never gave blood again except for a friend.
Something that seldom happens, bu I looked over at Sherry'
s computer and she is reading your blog too. She never comments that is why I comment for both of us.
The best of luck today you reminded me of my 'BAD' experience and I can sorta sympathize.
Sherry & jack having coffee this morning here on the net.
Thank goodness my blood seems to flow freely when they want it. I do make sure to stay hydrated before I go to get blood tests; it makes all the difference in the world.
This post reminded me of a long-ago incident in a Los Angeles clinic, when a "volunteer" attempted to draw my blood. She had to try half a dozen times before finally locating a vein. I almost passed out.
Anyway, good luck with your blood tests (I can truly feel your pain...) Big Hugs.
thanks for all your kind words of support. i survived today. next week i have an infusion that will last half an hour or so. we'll see if they can find my veins for it.
So sorry you had to go through this, Taryterre. I hope it all went well yesterday. Thinking of you and sending comforting thoughts.
~Sheri
I DO know exactly how you feel because every time I go for a blood test, I end up with a black and blue mark a day or so later. It never happens to my husband, so I suspect either ineptitude in finding the right vein, or that my veins are as difficult as your own. Glad that your blood draw was successful in the end.
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