Trouble giving bloods

[Brownbear84]

Had my booking in appt today and she had trouble getting bloods,tried both arms,I'm black and blue! Got to go to the hospital next week now to have it done. Don't remember it been trouble before. Anyone else had this problem?xx

Hiya

Yeah I'm like that now after being stabbed repeatedly over the last 5yra.

You need to be hydrated well and clench your hands a lot to get a good vein to pop out - nurse also has to be good and patient.

Ask them to try a Butterfly or baby IV cannula as they work easier than a standard needle.

Unfortunately just tell them if it's a test needing done then they just have to get on with it and stop pushing it back.

I had the same problem at my booking-in and they ended up using a vein the back of my hand. Worth suggesting.

During my last pregnancy I was having tests about 3 times a week because of preeclampsia. My veins gave up. They tried my hands, my wrists, etc, etc. The problem is they have to get that blood. The worst occasion was a med student who didn't want to go back to whomever he was reporting to. He would not give up! I had huge bruises on both arms. In the end the midwife shooed him away and called in the "vampire" midwife who pulled the strap ridiculously tight and used a very fine needle.
My best advice is to warn them you're tricky. They'll probably find their best blood taker and the process should be a little easier.

DH's doctor used to get him to lift a small dumbell! Take a really heavy handbag and do some reps??

Hopefully next week with a phlebotomist who does bloods all the time i should be ok,arms are in bits tonight! Will make sure I drink plenty xx

What is a butterfly?

I'm like you OP and I always warn them I have crap veins. Phlebotomists are fab and can get a begin first time.

Yes. I only ever go to the hospital for my bloods now (luckily I work there) as nobody gets the vein first time. They are loads better at hospital as they do it Day in day out!

I used to be a phleb.

Yy to the butterfly and drinking plenty of water.

Keep your arm straight when they are finished and apply pressure with the cotton wool/ gauze swab will reduce likely good of bruising.

I have a 3 strikes policy. Then I refuse treatment unless they get someone else to do it.

Good luck at the hospital.

Yes my midwife was useless! Had to send me to the hospital blood centre. Majorly inconvenient as it’s nowhere near work or home and I had to take 2 hours off work. Not the best when you are trying to convince your bosses that pregnancy won’t damage your role.

They got it out no problem in the hospital.

I'm the same with these blood things. Only really confident drs succeed. Anyone a bit scared just bruises me and spills blood everywhere

Drink plenty of water and avoid tea/coffee as it will dehydrate you.

Thanks everyone xxx

Was it any better this week?

Also keep the puncture site as warm as possible beforehand, I always do this now before giving blood as I had a failed donation when I was too cold.

Defo make Sure you are nice and warm. And hydrated. Yes to fist pumping and clenching before needle goes in. Fucking hate getting bloods done.

Been back this afty! Arms so sore and black and blue but they got what they needed! Dreading two weeks time for my Nuchal. I made sure I was full up and hydrated too xx

I normally have a decent vein in one arm but at booking in the midwife couldn't find it so used a butterfly on the back of my hand. Have to say I actually preferred it, and I am in no way scared of needles.