Blood From A Stone

[EcclesCake]

Is there anything I can do to make it easier for nurses/phlebotomist to find a vein in me?

It has always been difficult to find a vein and I am tired of feeling like a human pin cushion even the 'expert vein hunter' had to admit that she found me a challenge recently!

[scooping]

Sadly this is quite common and I am not aware of any procedure that would be helpful.

[Sqad]

I agree with scooping^^

[Cloverjo]

My mum had the same trouble.
Warming your hands and arms might help.

[woofgang]

only the basics that you probably already do, keep the limb warm and make sure that you are well hydrated. Sometimes its easier to find them in feet than hands but may be more painful

[EcclesCake]

Hmm, thanks all.

I do the warm thing but even then it frequently becomes a stab in the dark approach :-(

I was hoping for a silver bullet......or preferably needle ;-)

[anneasquith]

have it taken from the back of your hand, a wee bit nippy. but worth it .

[237SJ]

I would be very surprised if the medical staff haven`t already tried getting blood from the back of the hand

[237SJ]

BTW - I don`t know in what circumstances you have your blood taken but in Chemo units they use electrically heated pillows that you wrap around your arm which heats it and causes the veins to expand and rise to the surface. Maybe you could ask for one of those.

[Clanad]

Used to have the same problem, until my Doctor (female) said to drink plenty of water before coming in to have blood drawn. Right, says I, since I really don't like water, but, since her track record is pretty good, I tried it. Blood to be drawn at 8:00AM I began gulping down those small liters of Alpine Spring Water and by the time of the 'drawing' the technician took one look at my inside elbow and said..."Great veins!" Last time I ever had a problem...

[237SJ]

Drinking water before blood being taken is par for the course Clanad. Happy Thanksgiving BTW.

[jamesnan]

My daughter sat waiting to have needle inserted, wearing gloves, and holding a hot water bottle. Definitely helped.

[EDDIE51]

My wife is the same, last time it took 14 attempts to get a blood sample.She looked like a junkie!