Today, I needed to get blood drawn. Apparently, my veins are too thin and no blood would flow into the tube. I'm afraid of needles, and was just poked with some unsuccessfully, and I have to go back next week to try again. FML
Collection
Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
Today, I went to get my blood drawn to see how far along I am pregnant. The lady stuck both my arms twice and then busted a vein in my right arm. She told me to come back tomorrow to try again. FML
Today, I had to get bloodwork done. I'm deathly afraid of needles. The whole lobby heard me scream as soon as the nurse said 'hello'. FML
Today, I decided to give blood for the second time. I felt excrutiating pain when she stuck the needle in my arm. Another nurse came running over in a panic. Apparently my inexperienced nurse had put it in my tendon instead of my vein. FML
Today, I had to go to the hospital to get blood taken. The nurse mentioned how pronounced and easy to see my veins are. I guess that explains why she missed five times in a row. I'm surprised my arm doesn't look like a heroin addict's right now. FML
Today, I went for bloodwork. It's routine for me, so I was ready for the nurse to put in the needle and take my blood. It went in fine, but right after, she slowly pulled the needle out, then wondered why the blood stopped. She then moved it back and forth in my arm while I panicked silently. FML
Today, I went to the blood bank to donate plasma. All went well until the machine went to return my red blood cells. It turns out the nurse sliced my vein and the blood built up in my tissues. I now have a massive swollen arm and bruising, and look like a junkie. FML
Today, I tried to get over my childhood phobia of syringes by donating blood. The phlebotomist hadn't even touched the needle before I started sobbing hysterically. They made me leave. FML
Today, as a nursing student, I needed to take a blood sample from someone and the veins on his arms weren't really easy to draw blood from. I asked him, "Can I please look at your legs?" It turns out he was amputated. FML
Today, I finally went to have blood taken for an allergy test I really need. Afterwards, I had an allergic reaction to the bandaid they used on my arm. FML
Today, I got my annual blood test. The nurse was inexperienced and it took her several tries to insert the needle properly. When I get back home, my fiancé starts yelling at me and storms out. The reason? I am a recovering drug addict and my arm appeared as if I had been shooting up. FML
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Top comments
Jackey 29
It sucks to be a difficult draw. There are some things you can do to help: steadily drink water the morning of the blood draw, and wear a sweater for 20 minutes before. The extra fluid helps the veins expand, and the heat helps bring your veins towards the surface.
RichardPencil 32
Your fear of needles is not irrational seeing how you just had to deal with a bunch of pricks.
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Comments (12)
RichardPencil 32
Your fear of needles is not irrational seeing how you just had to deal with a bunch of pricks.
jbuckets_404 39
But we don't know the gender of the phlebotomist(s), now do we?
RichardPencil 32
I was talking about the needle sticks. It’s probably only one prick who is asking the OP to come back for more torture.
Jackey 29
It sucks to be a difficult draw. There are some things you can do to help: steadily drink water the morning of the blood draw, and wear a sweater for 20 minutes before. The extra fluid helps the veins expand, and the heat helps bring your veins towards the surface.
BigSissy 14
I would say drink enough water throughout the week but not a lot on the morning of your draw. You can, in a way, dilute your blood if you do that and they may make you come back again. Good luck!
alycion 39
Also drip drop, Gatorade, or something along those lines the day before. Just water in the am doesn’t always work. I have to get a butterfly needle in the hand. I tell them that before I even sit down. I hate needles and have to get almost monthly blood draws. Being a tough stick makes it worse. I also rub my hands under warm water before I leave for the lab.
daddycaitlin 13
Drink a BUNCH of water, it helps plump up your veins a bit.
misswilwarin96 11
I feel like this should be obvious, but did they try using a butterfly needle? Also, I'm sorry that happened. Being poked with a needle can suck even when you're not afraid of them.
LostSoul 20
Butterfly needle does not help me.
SaucierGirl 20
Talk to them about using a butterfly needle with a syringe. My veins collapse sometimes and they have to use those. It’s a much thinner needle, and much more gentle.
LostSoul 20
I have terrible veins. Red Cross told me to never donate again. Took 3 people 3 hours to get the blood drawn. I was in the ER one time, and 7 IVs infiltrated before I was admitted, 3 after. Ended up with an IV in my armpit.