Saw my GP the other day. He took blood, well succeeded on the third try, despite the fact that I must have drunk about two gallons of water (slight exaggeration!). And boy, did it hurt!!! I ended up in tears - no apology from the doc! Lovely nurse phoned me yesterday, following up on antidepressants. I told her the GP wanted me to drop from 12 to 10, and then to 8 after a couple of weeks, but I was going to keep to 11 for a while at least. Lovely nurse said she rather favours a much slower reduction, at least six weeks, and only one mg drop at a time, if that. I can imagine the arguments in their clinical meetings!! She told me that they have NO access to rheumatologists in this area, but would see what she could find out. GP is supposed to phone me today with results of the blood test, but haven't heard so far. Nurse told me that my inflammatory level was slightly high at 6. Supposed to be below 5. Just an update for you.
Blood test: Saw my GP the other day. He took blood... - PMRGCAuk
Blood test
I like the nurse better! Hopefully you can stick with her.Doctor sounds like he needs a brush up with tricky veins!
Poor you
Yes, stick with the nurse but do have a look at 'Tapering' in the Topics section on right of this page. Extra care is needed when you reach 10mg. i.e. smaller reductions and longer in between.
At least you have a sensible nurse!!!
That happened to my husband in hospital once - the needle obviously caught a nearby nerve and he just about went through the roof. I don't know if a second failed to but the hospital doc said he'd have another go - and my husband gave him what for and told him to go and get the boss! He was consultant grade at the hospital which helped I suppose!! I might allow 2 goes - they'd need to be very apologetic to get a third go!
In my experience doctors are always the worst - apparently because they don’t get enough practice! Makes me cringe.
I always opt for nurses whenever possible, not just because of more practice but less psychopathic tendencies (see previous post)!
And they tend to be in a hurry - never a good mix with patients with poor veins! Mind you - have seen some pathetic attempts from nurses in the last few months ...
I have poor veins - and only one arm for the use of…… I’ve had blood taken from the ankle in desperation - hate the back of the hand where no flesh - can be soooo painful. Anyway just had my flu jab and having covid booster next Saturday.
Hope you’re reading this DL as said I would let you know.
Yes, OH's bad experience was back of the hand - and he's had foot veins used in deperation. However - the wonderful nurses in the phlebotomy clinic here always get it first time. Which does say something,..
Because they do it all the time. Practice makes perfect.!!
So true - it’s what doctors don’t do though but can understand why.
Though I sez it wot shouldn't - I was pretty good in my day 
I am "one of those" and hold the record at my Surgery for being the person most sent away without getting any blood. They have to use my hand and a lot of Nurses don't like doing that because the veins move. I was told I need an Anaesthetist to take my blood because they can get blood out of a corpse!!!!! I often look as though I have been self harming, black and blue.
Surely they meant a forensic pathologist - they take blood from corpses . But I'm not sure I want an anaesthetist who's honed their skills on dead patients ...
When I had my kidney scan 2 weeks ago they couldn't get the cannula in to put the dye through so sent for a Consultant. He gave up and said I would have to make another appointment but I begged him for one more try and he succeeded. If there is a next time they want a Vascular Nurse present. In the 'old days' my GP used to keep a wooden spoon in his drawer and wacked my arm with it - not allowed to do that any more!
They seem keen enough on smacking the vein with their hands - I hate that and it doesn't really help, just upsets the patient. Lots to drink beforehand and warmth ...
And for goodness sake - don't take the obvious vein and then gently does it, don't stab the poor patient to death!
🤣
Why was the GP taking blood?
checking various levels, including inflammation, and kidney function.
Apologies, my question was ambiguous. I didn't intend to ask that rather personal question.
I meant to ask why it was the GP taking the blood rather than a nurse or whatever it is they call the people who are specialists in taking blood! It was a reaction to your description of the painfulness of the experience.
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