[PsychNitrous]

I have a few different medical conditions, which means I have to have blood tests done nearly every time I visit the doctor. It's always an ordeal, my veins don't like to be poked and I have a pretty serious needle phobia. For example, today I went to the lab. It took 3 techs and 4 pokes to get the blood they needed. I used to think my problem was not being hydrated enough, since I usually have to be fasting so I go early. But today was still terrible, and I drank 50+ ounces of water in the hour before I got there. Does anyone know anything I can do that will make blood draws easier? Are there any tips or tricks to it?

[Aviza]

I have tough draws too. Eat high protein the day before and plenty of water 2 days before. I also ask for the most experienced lab tech. I say I'm a tough draw. They get someone who can handle it. And now I get stuck once or twice instead of 3 or more times.

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by Aviza

I have tough draws too. Eat high protein the day before and plenty of water 2 days before. I also ask for the most experienced lab tech. I say I'm a tough draw. They get someone who can handle it. And now I get stuck once or twice instead of 3 or more times.

Eating high protein is something I haven't heard before, thanks!!

[Calypso2632]

Do they use a butterfly needle? It's smaller and takes longer but hurts less and can be more effective. They used to have a hard time on me always going at my left arm. Come to find out I have a pipeline in my right. Now they take from the right side or not at all...

I have been told that it isn't enough to just drink water to get yourself hydrated.. you have to change the electrolyte make up. Which means salt and sugar.

Important Functions of Sugar in the Body

"1. Absorption of water and other nutrients – Glucose, also known as dextrose, is the most common form of sugar and what is used in the body for energy. Glucose enhances sodium and water transport across the upper intestinal wall and into the bloodstream (a process more commonly known as osmosis). In other words, a solution of water + glucose + salt hydrates better than water alone."

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by Calypso2632

Do they use a butterfly needle? It's smaller and takes longer but hurts less and can be more effective. They used to have a hard time on me always going at my left arm. Come to find out I have a pipeline in my right. Now they take from the right side or not at all...

I think they use a butterfly needle. Part of my phobia is that I can't have blood drawn from my arms, so they usually go through my hands.

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by Emily Fox Seaton

I have been told that it isn't enough to just drink water to get yourself hydrated.. you have to change the electrolyte make up. Which means salt and sugar.


Important Functions of Sugar in the Body


"1. Absorption of water and other nutrients – Glucose, also known as dextrose, is the most common form of sugar and what is used in the body for energy. Glucose enhances sodium and water transport across the upper intestinal wall and into the bloodstream (a process more commonly known as osmosis). In other words, a solution of water + glucose + salt hydrates better than water alone."

That should be really helpful, thanks!

[LucyD]

Originally Posted by PsychNitrous

I have a few different medical conditions, which means I have to have blood tests done nearly every time I visit the doctor. It's always an ordeal, my veins don't like to be poked and I have a pretty serious needle phobia. For example, today I went to the lab. It took 3 techs and 4 pokes to get the blood they needed. I used to think my problem was not being hydrated enough, since I usually have to be fasting so I go early. But today was still terrible, and I drank 50+ ounces of water in the hour before I got there. Does anyone know anything I can do that will make blood draws easier? Are there any tips or tricks to it?

They can't get blood out of my arms any longer after 35+ years of having blood tests and very often for most of that time. So now I tell them right away to use my hands. They get it right away with using my hands. I used to hate getting labs because they had a hard time finding my veins and it hurt!