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!!
Veins in hiding: Do everyone's elses veins go into... - MPN Voice
Veins in hiding
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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!
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.
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!!
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.