lupus & collapsed veins?

[Beau2016]

I’m on fortnightly blood tests and last couple months my veins seem to have given up.

The nurses just can’t get blood to come out, I sit there with the needle in my vein but nothing happens.

They keep telling me I’m dehydrated which I’m definitely not as I use an app to track fluid intake.

Sometimes a trickle will come out, other times little spurts but not enough for whole bottle.

The nurses keep telling me they’ve never seen this before or that my veins are collapsing.

Anyone experienced this?

What helped?

[Spanielmadlady]

Repeated blood tests In the same place causes damage making it more difficult.I'm on monthly bloods and a nightmare to get bloods out of so much so I go to path lab where they take it out of my hands using a finer needle. Even then not all the phlebotomists can get blood out of me.It seems to help if I have a drink before I go and to keep my hands warm. I'm also a nightmare to canulate 🙄 best wishes sml xx

[StriatedCaracara]

Often veins in my hands are eventually used. Veins collapsed being prepped for Gadolinium MRI. One radiographer then refusing to try again because of the risk.

I have been told when having outsourced blood tests that I must be dehydrated when I know I was not.

Here is post I did last year.

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

[Lizard28]

I have the worse veins around. I drink loads before giving blood, I carry a small hand warmer in my gloves to keep warm. I’ve seen them putting my arm in a basin of warm water for a while to plump up the veins which definitely helps, they only use the smallest needle as they will collapse if a bigger needle is used. I sigh relief when I see the blood coming out, I think the nurse does as well. Best wishes

[Duchess1088]

The same happened to me, always ask for a butterfly needle, it's a fine needle hope this helps

[Oshgosh]

I’m also difficult to get blood from. And it stops when it wants to.

I take a bottle of water with me,also wear gloves when en I go in. I hope things get better for you.

[catherine1712]

every time my stepdaughter (35) goes for a blood test, the phlebotomist tells her the same words.

[lupime]

I find keeping my core warm with a long sleeved thermal vest helps and drinking lots of water beforehand.

[Beau2016]

thank you all!

I’m glad this is a thing and not just me!

I’ve remembered years ago I had to have a cannula in my foot because my hands were so rubbish.

I will try the warming up, I generally feel hot most of the time but others tell me my hands are freezing.

Thanks again all I really am relieved this is a common thing with lupus.