When you go for a blood test...

[July]

I always look. I want to make sure they don't screw up. I use to do it for a living years ago so I am picky.

 

[Feralpeg]

I always watch. It doesn't bother me a bit. Of course, they never get it the first time. My veins are shot. It always takes several trys to draw blood. It is even worse when they need to start an IV. Once they finally manage to get it started, it only lasts for a few hours and then the vein collapses and they have to try again. The last time I had surgery, my arm was a mass of bruises from the back of my hand clear up my arm. I've even had to have them take blood from my ankle. Now, that's not fun!

 

[Talking Hands]

usually look.
Yes they find it hard to get a vein on me. I have spaghetti veins and they have to use a butterfly needle.

 

[Chattyaholic]

I am on Coumadin so have to have monthly blood draws
I never look but they always tell me when the poke is coming so I can be prepared. There is one phlebotomist at the hospital lab that always gets me on the first try, I love her!! But then there are those who can't get anything out of me, like this last time. The guy blew both veins then they got someone else and she couldn't get me either. I came back the next day when Tracy was working. Took her two tries too, but she finally got it. I will be so glad when September gets here and I get off the Coumadin!!!

When I had blood clots in my lungs and was hospitalized four days, they were drawing every 6 hours. I was a mass of bruises. They even had to go into my fingers to get blood!!

I HATE HAVING BLOOD DRAWN!!!!!!!

 

[ilovepcot]

Oh, it's a big, big deal to have my blood drawn. My veins are tiny and VERRRY deep. They rotate the needle and use hot compresses to no avail. They always take a look at my feet and I absolutely refuse that! They end up doing what I suggest they do from the beginning.......calling someone from anesthesia. Even anesthesia has a difficult time.

Last time I went in for surgery, the anesthesiologist couldn't get the IV started in the O.R. He kept rotating the needle and I could see he was becoming frustrated. I flung my hairnet off and attempted getting off the table. I was going home!!!! I'd been poked one time too many and my nerves were SHOT! Next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery. Turns out they administered an injection that knocked me out.....then they went back to work rotating those darn needles!!!

 

[eeyore74]

I can't look at the needle.

I had blood drawn this morning and usually my arm veins are prominent, but I guess they hadn't woken up with the rest of me today, so he drew blood from my hand. Icky feeling, but I've had IVs there before. He did a great job - no bruise and a very tiny mark.

 

[WhenUwishUponAstar]

it doesn't bother me anymore because I have it done so often at least once every three months. I watch and even show them which veins are good and which ones are naughty (they can squirt em) lol

I tell em be nice to me and I'll make my blood behave! lol

I do have a "one" try policy .......I give em once chance if they don't get the vein, I request someone else.

 

[cart-mom]

I am a regular blood donor - The Red Cross calls me when they need blood for pediatric surgery(B-Neg). Obviously you can't see that needle go in but when I have to have blood work done I don't look when they put the needle in - I look AFTER it's in. It's very interesting to see them change the tubes without a single drop. The only time they had trouble finding my veins was when I was pregnant and being induced. Great time not to find a vein!

I highly recommend donating blood - especially during the summer months when supplies are short and emergencies are on the rise. One pint of blood can do so much for so many and your body will replace it in 24 hours. Just think of the tiny stick and a moments pain compared to the person that is in need of the bood for whatever reason. There's no comparison - find a local blood drive and DONATE. Please. I'm going again on Tuesday.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I have blood drawn frequently and get very anxious about it because my veins have a tendency to collapse. I avert my eyes since I don't like to see the blood filling the tube.

I ALWAYS request that they poke my arm about four inches below my wrist (in the forearm) since NO ONE, including those nurses that think they are great at drawing blood, has ever been able to get blood from the normal places on my arm or in my hand.

I've been poked up to six times during one try by nurses that tell me that have to check certain places before they can honor my request to put the needle in the vein on my forearm. The forearm doesn't hurt me and they are guaranteed to find blood the very first time.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

i used to have to get blood drawn once a week for awhile while getting regulated to synthroid--i hated it and would only let a certain nurse do it....now, they only can get a vein in my hand using a butterfly needle--im a hard stick

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

Whose next with their experiences!!!

 

[dcentity2000]

Had one two days ago. First off, I did look - I can't stand the uncertainty. Second, my veins were easy to locate - I was there due to dramatic weight loss

It hurts when it goes in and comes out - the bit in between is mainly a time for telling the nurse your entire repetoire of bad jokes.

In fact, I think I'll start a thread of them...



Rich::

 

[goofygirl]

As someone who has been on "both sides of the needle", I draw blood, and I have had my share of sticking difficult veins. I am a "hard stick" myself (deep veins that are hard to see and feel) , so I take a butterfly (23 guage) needle in the hand where I have good veins. I donate my blood for research. I can't draw myself, I wish I could!

 

[bumcat]

No I never look especially now since my 18 yr old daughter is the drs. asst. and she gives me my shots.

 

[4nana]

My veins are one thing on me that is still perky...LOL and therefore an easy find. I'm one of those who must look! Also feel that rubber cuff thingie hurts more than the needle!

Now IV's are another story...
why haven't they invented one less painful!?!?

~ Sandie

 

[aesalsa]

I've had my blood drawn quite a bit, and I always look away.

I had a couple of problems with I.V.s in the past, but it was because I was very sick and dehydrated, so my veins weren't showing as much as they normally would.

I remember my pediatric nephrology nurse telling me, "You're lucky you're so vascular!" I actually took it as a compliment !

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I watch.

 

[Gramto6inPa]

I don't look.And they have always found a vein easily.

 

[Geezer]

I watch. It does't bother me at all, and they never have any trouble finding the vein.