Blood test. Probably a stupid question

[LonelyLong]

Please be nice. I'm terrified of needles but can breathe my way through a blood test as long as I sit & stare the other way & don't interact with the nurse...

Every now & then I get eczema flare ups in my elbow creases especially, which is where they normally take the blood from.

I've got a blood test booked for Friday.

My question.
It will be alright, with the eczema, won't it? It won't make things harder, will it?
I'm in a panic that they won't be able to do it/it will make things more difficult/or it will hurt more than usual.

It will be absolutely fine. The nurses are extremely experienced and know what they're doing. ☺️

I don't think the eczema will make any difference at all-think it should be absolutely fine.

I give blood regularly and I don't like seeing the needle-I do relaxing breathing and tend to look away.

Just let the nurse know you struggle and will be looking the other way-I'm sure you are not the only one-they will be used to it.

You will be fine. Can you get some steroid cream for the flares though?

I wouldn't do that just before a blood test

They don't have to take it from the creases.

My DH needs regular blood tests and his veins often 'blow', so they end up sometimes taking it from the back of his hand or wherever they can manage.

Thank you all. It's kind of you to try & reassure me. Do I mention it first? (Obviously, I know that they will see it)

I did wonder if they can take the blood from somewhere else this time.

I just put up with the eczema really, try not to scratch, it's stress related I think, then after a month or so, it goes away again (although this time I'm struggling with it, I think I scratched it in my sleep)

Yeah I would mention it first OP as I'm sure if they can take it from elsewhere they'd be happy to.

Good luck.

Don't just put up with it though OP.

There are plenty of things the Dr or Pharmacist can recommend.

If they take it from your hand they may try a butterfly needle which is much smaller and less jarring, you can always ask.

Thank you both. I'm feeling a little less panicked about it now.

Im a phlebotomist and it will be absolutely fine, it wont make any difference. We usually go for the crease of the arm but can take it from the hand although if your veins are ok in the creases, that would be preferable. The area is cleaned with an alcohol swab before the test but they will check you’re happy with that. Hope that helps 🙂

Definitely worth using a steroid to blitz it. Then an emollient to prevent it. (V long term eczema sufferer and very regular blood tester too!!)

Thank you Wolfiefan. I went through a time of needing loads of needles & I was hoping that might make things easier but it didn't. I'm now straight back to putting them off for as long as possible until the surgery phones me & makes me book it (which is what happened this time)

I am very dry skinned in general but I put moisturiser on my hands & face & leave everywhere else (the other place I suffer from these flare ups is my back)

Thank you ByDenimShaker That does help. I'm just going to mention it, then leave them to get on with it tbh.