Help. I can get myself to bleed for this test

[fluffypinkslipper]

I'm trying to take a home thyroid testing kit. My doctor has decided no one ever needs to see them again until this corona virus has all blown over. Getting an appointment with them is like breaking into a bank. I can get a telephone call but is lots of ummm ahhhs.

I gave up and ordered myself a home thyroid test. I have managed to prick two fingers and both literally drop out a couple of drops of blood.

This is after warming my finger up, endlessly massaging it, standing up and finger down.

Anyone got any ideas? I forgot this might be an issue for me. I have had blood tests done in the arm where I've had to come back another day as they can't get anything out of me. I'm so annoyed. I tick every thyroid symptom but have recently also started to lost the ends of my eyebrows which is really depressing. I'd just like reassurance as to if somethings wrong and if so what I need to do next.

Thanks for all of this invaluable advice. I'll await my delivery anxiously at the weekend.

Thanks @PDof I will keep that in mind and thank for the advice too.

[quote Otocinclus]@PDof I used the tiny ones for a blood sugar test, the ones where you put a needle in a device, but you only need a drop (trained to use it for work)

Not sure how big the single use ones that I used to get a proper blood sample were, but from a Google it was a 1.5mm wide by 2mm blade, not a needle. Glad I didn't know at the time![/quote]
Do you like my shiny new username? Told you I was a bloody muppet 😊

The type of device you mention is the one I cant use - because I'm a bloody muppet who is also as blind as a Bat! not a good combination.

I hadn't realised that the 3.1mm lancet meant that the needle is 3.1mm long so I'm bloody stupid as well as being a muppet and a bat!

I’ve done these lots of times and my GP said they will be 10x harder to do if you’re even a bit dehydrated. Maybe have a hot water bottle you can hold for a while before you do it.
The side of the finger near the tip is better than the pad bit

I've struggled with these before but it was massively easier doing it once I'd been for a run. Can you do some brisk exercise for 30 mins or so and then try?

It's arrived! Not sure excited is the correct word to use here but at least hopefully I can return this blimmin sample tomorrow.

Gosh @Violetroselily I'm so pleased I come across as someone that may even be capable of putting the effort in to exercise before this test ... that is a good plan though. I may even treat my dusty treadmill to some action prior to some finger stabbing shenanigans.

You can use a toe if the finger is too tough. Sometimes fingers have more leathery skin and the toes are more delicate. They also hurt less as they have fewer nerve endings. Another option is to use the fleshy pad bit under the base of your thumb, again a few less nerve endings there

I've given up. I just can't seem to bleed. I exercised this morning, I swung my arms more than an orangutan 🦧
I held a warm bottle, massaged my fingers and after 4 more attempts cried !

I get about one tiny drop of blood and then nothing. I massaged the wrist hand and fingers and nothing. I've drank more water than ever and I just don't see how I can get what I need to out of me. I've contacted the company now to see if I have to give up now

Did you try your toe?

Does it have to be a finger? Can't you try a toe?

Sorry, just realised that's already been suggested!

I tried my big toe. It hardly even bled, I haven't needed any plasters at all since I started on any of this etc the blood comes out in a speck then instantly stops.
On the middle finger I was able to really squeeze and squeeze just to get a few drops out but again it stopped soon after and the tube has a very thin layer of blood at the bottom that doesn't even cover the bottom of it but is expected to be filled and I'm despairing at how this will possibly happen.

I hope this company doesn't expect me to keep on going until I fill this tube because it will take days.
Thanks for the advice.

Is there an option of getting a nurse to do it? I know Medichecks offered it but it is more expensive and may not be happening due to Covid

You have my sympathies OP. I managed to fill the vial after about an hour of squeezing drop by drop from my finger and then got an email saying it had coagulated so I had to do it again

I and DS weres ordered to drink lots of water before blood taking otherwise it stops after a few drops.

@Violetroselily thanks for this advice. I'm not using that company but I didn't even realise you can pay for someone to come out to you.

This company said I should try to get the tube half filled but I can't even cover its base so I've gone back to them again and will see where to go from there. If I get money back on this test I am definitely going to get a nurse here if I can because I am clearly not much of a success story on home finger pricking and just want these results back so I can sort my health issues out ASAP.