Veins in hiding

[Aime]

Do everyone's elses veins go into hiding with frequent usage for blood tests, venesections, dye for scans, etc? I used to have no bother at all when docs needed to find a vein but my veins seem to have a mind of their own now and either hide or go tough! Ouch!!

[beetle]

Yes. I fully sympathise with you there! I have always had "difficult" veins. Last year I went for blood transfusion and a nurse, two doctors and an anaesthetist with an ultrasound machine all failed to find a suitable vein to insert the canula. I came home with 14 holes in me and no extra blood. I had a cartoon image of myself taking a drink and it spurting out of all the holes - well you have to find something to smile about don't you! If I become transfusion dependant there is a portacath with my name on it waiting at the hospital! however I went to Glasgow recently and the phlebotomist took 21 tubes of blood from just one puncture! Go figure!

[light]

What I learnt that one needs to drink lots of water before blood test or venesection or any other times when veins need to be used.

[Aime]

Thanks for your prompt replies. I have tried the lots of water but it doesn't seem to be helping a lot. I wouldn't make a good junkie!!

[golfbridgenut]

I've also been told to drink plenty of water before blood tests. In general I've found the only time problems arise are when the test is being done by a doctor or nurse, but the trained phlebotomists don't seem to have a problem at all.