Butchered blood test - remedies?

[flutterworc]

Me and blood tests are a known mismatch. Today's took six attempts before success: two in arms (historically ineffective), two in each hand before final success, also in hand.

So now my hands are incredibly bruised and painful. I have iced them and pain relief is fine until I do anything mad like, you know, moving them.

Anyone got any magic remedies? I have no idea how I'm going to type and write tomorrow...

Anyone? Advice as to how to avoid a repeat when I have another one next week also gratefully received!

You've got my sympathy, after my csec I was so bloated they couldn't get blood for ages.

The only thing I know that might help for next time is to make sure you're really well hydrated. So from the day before make sure you drink plenty of water.

Did you let them know in advance that you can be tricky to get blood from? Sometimes there's someone who is much better at it than the others and you can book your appointment with them.

Keep your arms and hands warm and wrapped up .Travel with a hot water bottle ?

And yes - let them know you're tricky to get blood from .

I don't give up blood easily and have had it taken from my hands
It's horrible, sympathies OP
Did you go to the GP surgery? That's the worst for me
I go to the hospital now. They take blood all day and can get it from me without too much damage

I feel your pain OP
I agree with sunnyhills, a hot water bottle is a great call. I tried and failed to give samples last week (4 sites including my hands, butterfly needles, paeds GP had a go too but no more than a thimble-full came out) due to my ridiculously fine veins and my very low blood pressure. Went back today after drinking 2 pints of water and sat in the waiting room holding a hot water bottle on my arm. The blood poured out and didn't want to stop.
Hope your next bloods goes better.

Have to have another next week and one the week after - next week's is 8.30am, so will be clutching a hot water bottle and a barrel of water!

Thanks all a yesterday's was a breeze! Hot water bottle is genius! Thank you!

OP glad it went well. I didn't know about drinking water and using a hot water bottle for this. Great tips - many thanks to the previous posters for these

Great stuff, glad it worked out well for you