Does anyone have problems getting an uncuffed blood test done? I've had them ok at the hospital but at the gp they made a real fuss. She cuffed it to get the needle in, then released it and changed the bottle but it wasn't flowing so she was pushing along the vein to get a tiny amount out, complaining that it was ridiculous all the time. It was a very uncomfortable exlerience!
Any advice for next time?
Vicky
Vicky be sure you are well hydrated, drink plenty of fluids before test, I also have found lifting weights help my veins pop. 3-5 pounds and do bicep curls, even right at the office if necessary. Also hitting the area with small slaps will aid the veins in standing up.
Thanks I'll try that x
Hi Vicky_b, I have always had problems with blood tests, I've been told that my veins are very tricky to find on both arms, so I have been through the same thing as you, with a nurse digging around, when I get to the hospital now I know which phlebotomist is better at finding the vein and getting the blood out, and if I get the one that digs around I always end up with a massive bruise for a week. Maz
Hi Vicky, every sympathy - it was third time lucky for me last Friday. If there had no luck on third attempt, nurse wouldn’t tell me where she was going with her needle next. I had drank a lot prior to the appointment and in the days before but no luck. Think blood was so thick, it wasn’t even crawling.
Like Maz, I’m bruised and look like a junkie! Kindest regards Aime xx😺😺
I feel so lucky, my veins are highly visible. No problem getting blood, how lucky am I?
Yes I certainly do - I never have GP bloods as they can never do it so they always send me to hospital now if GP wants bloods! The dept at our hospital know me now with my regular tests and like Maz I know all the ones that can find my veins and the ones that cant and all seems down to experience of the one taking the blood! Other than that keep your hands warm going gloves on if cold weather and good hydration I start on more water for 24hrs before and it definitely makes the difference. I guess odd veins are another MPN thing!
Thanks I'll give all that a try x
I have my bloods done at the path lab.
I find that the surgery results are more problematic and the tests come back ??? Scuied. Resulting from the test being repeated. Since attending the path lab they are fine.
I too feel and know your pain. They do the initial blood test from my hand (using a child size ultra fine butterfly needle), so as to leave my arms free for venesection. My arms are getting progressively worse - my veins are tiny, fragile and they bend and twist (kinky veins) When a big venesection needle comes at them they get out of the way or blow within minutes. The only thing that works for me is a 3 way cannula in the vein on top of my wrist. Unfortunately that didn't work that well last time and they had to suck 100 mls out with a massive syringe! :/ I got home and cried from the horror of it all.
I feel for you. I’ve always had problems with my veins to the extent that at one hospital I attended one phlebotomist used to hide in the cupboard when she saw me coming!! I recently suffered 17 attempts to insert a cannula and they still couldn’t do it even using ultrasound to find the vein! And that was in a big London hospital with “ cannulation team” attempting! I have seen my veins using a vein finder and in my hand they look like crazy paving and are not that clear even in my arm. Fortunately I now have a portacath as I am transfusion dependent which makes life easier for everyone! If for some reason they cannot use my portacath my local doctors surgery seem to be excellent at finding my veins although they do sometimes admit to going in and hoping for the best😳!
Ironically when I started on my MPN journey I had 'motorways' on my arms and could have samples taken in the dark! Unfortunately things didn't last and my veins 'gave in' -(in my 'bad' period 6 months before SCT I had a sample taken on average 4 times per day for 3 months) - after my SCT, I needed regular uncuffed blood tests. The nurse used an anesthetic patch on my arm which made it more comfortable for me and consequently easier for her to go 'fishing' to find the vein. Perhaps a patch could help you?
On the positive side, uncuffed tests meant I couldn't leave my post-SCT check-ups until the results were confirmed (I was often 1st in last out at the checkups) which meant my treatment adjustment was 'immediate'.
Thankfully my veins are pretty much back to normal now.
Take care
Gary
Thanks Gary. What is an SCT? All this is new as I'm still waiting to have my suspected PV confirmed
Vicky
They always have trouble finding my veins, apparently I keep them well hidden, and when they do finally get one it usually collapses before they've got much out. They usually try and get it out of my hands, often they have 3 or 4 attempts before getting any. I usually tell whoever is going to attempt to get some blood from me that my hands are the best bet, but one nurse said no-ones arms had ever beaten her and insisted on trying - after 3 goes in each arm she gave in and used my hands!
Thankyou all. It's good to know it's not just me! I'm still waiting for confirmation of my suspected PV so its all new to me. Is the 'hiding vein' issue caused by our MPN?
I'll try to drink more in advance next time x
I used to be a blood donor. I had to stop about 12 years ago as my blood didnt flow quick enough & the last couple of times I went they had to throw it away as it took too long. Maybe now I know why!
My first venesection was traumatic. My hematocrit was 54 and 2 nurses making numerous attempts couldn’t manage to take the blood as it kept coagulating. The doctor didn’t want me to leave the hospital without giving blood and finally they had to take it from an artery. Since then I’ve managed to have it drawn from a vein but they usually have to use syringes to pull it out. Drinking at least a litre and a half of water beforehand does help somewhat and sometimes the nurses apply heated pads to my arm. Luckily I’m on Pegasys now so don’t have to rely only on venesections to keep blood counts down.
Sounds awful. Glad you dont have to go through that too often now. You would think there would be a better way to do it! X
Well at least they spare us the leeches!😏
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