Bad experience with blood test

[catlover1987]

My day 21 blood test came back inconclusive last month so had to get them done again today. Was a bloody disaster.

Nurse couldn't find a vein. Tried both arms. Eventually found veins but couldn't get any blood out. Had to get it out my hand in the end which really hurt.

I'm scared of needles at the best of times but this has just made it worse. I accept there may be far worse medical procedures ahead but really dreading having to get this done again. Just a moan really. Anyone else have any tips to make this easier? Thanks.

Try making sure you're warm and very hydrated before going - it can make it easier. You can also warn that your veins are tricky so they might defer to someone with more experience. Sorry you had a stressful time OP.

I soooo feel your pain cat lover!! I was passed to three - yes three!! Different phlebtomists for my fsh. Had a bruise and tenderness for a good 10 days afterwards too!! If only there was a simpler way!!!

Thanks for the tips karma!!

Thank you karmapolice (love the name!) that's what the nurse said too. She's very experienced and has taken my blood successfully before. Really don't know what happened this time. Hopefully results will come back definitive one way or the other this time.

I'm needle phobic and absolutely terrified of blood tests , cause quite a few panic attacks which honestly makes it worse so I really feel for you
A few things that I find really helpful..

1. Ask for the numbing cream , I always feel a bit silly asking but it works for me and makes me feel a little bit more comfortable even if it is more mind over matter.
2. Music , have headphones in and listen to the relaxing / sleep music (I always thought this idea was pathetic until I tried it) ask for a minute to settle into the music and breathe although it won't make you feel like you're in a spa it will relax you just a little (practise before hand)
3. Lying down flat or almost flat (I'm likely to pass out from fear so this helps me massively)

4.I know this ones is easier said than done but I always have 2 people with me when this is happening my DP and MIL who are really supportive I have one stand between me and the nurse so that I can not physically see what is happening and I have my partner squeeze my hand and quite firmly tap somewhere on my body as this is a great distraction technique.

Really long reply and might seem a bit unnecessary but as someone who is truly terrified I really hope to offer at least a little bit of help!
Good luck!!

Thank you so much Chloe. They are great ideas! I think I will def take DH with me next time. I do wonder if the nerves make my veins collapse!

Ask for a butterfly needle and say you have trouble getting a vein. It should be easier next time. Don't worry, but unfortunately you'll need a lot of bloods when you're pregnant, I was unfortunately only pregnant 10 weeks and I think I lost count of how many bloods I needed 😐

Thanks MouseLove. I think I've conquered my fear in that, if it all went fine, I could cope with it. It's just the not knowing if the nurse is going to be able to find a vein and how many needles I'm going to end up having stuck in me! I know it's something I'll have to learn to just deal with.

I'm exactly the same and having a blood test always becomes such am unnecessary ordeal! Ive had to go for a few too many blood tests over the last 3 months & have found the nurse using a butterfly needle (a tiny 1 used for babies!) And ofcourse some nurses just have the nack, im lucky to have found a very experienced lady! It really has helped & I'm actually slowly getting over my fear which I never thought was possible!