blood tests why is it my fault they cant get it

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jilly
jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
edited 14. Jan 2011, 10:55 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone just got back from the doctors, went to have blood tests they could not get any blood so having to go back in 2 days. Why do they blame us for not being able to get it . I have had the problem for all my life. I have very small veins but i did'nt ask for them .
The trouble is i have had that many blood test over the last 12 months my veins seem to have gone away for a rest . Well i am hoping that the one taking it in 2 days can sort it , it gets so painful keep sticking the needle in and moving it around . ....jilly
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Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    That must be so uncomfortable for you, I am so sorry. Do they persist in trying the crook of the arm and back of the hand? I wonder why they don't try elsewhere? Anhyoo, I hope you are not too sore and that someone can succeed on Thursday. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • janie68
    janie68 Non-active member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Jilly

    Did they try using a butterfly needle instead? We use these on the ward due to our type of patients. Also try to warm your self up before you go, this may help.

    Janie
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    thanks DD
    It is the way they tut at you as if i was doing is deliberatly . The trouble is i wont want to go on thurday now . I know it is a small thing but when you hurt all over it just finishes you off . Had a brew now so feeling better , thanks for your nice post ....jilly
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I know what you mean: I have veins like Madonna, big, ugly blue things, but occasionally even they go AWOL and yes, the tutting is annoying! I gently point out to said phlebotomist that if they cannot rise to a challenge in their profession, perhaps they are in the wrong profession. That shuts 'em up! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Janie , I keep my arm warm for them but this morning i had very cold hands ,They didnt mention a butterfly needle so next time i will. i have underactive thyroid which doesnt help . I just wish they didnt move the needle around so much when they miss, they seem to get mad that they cant get it , i have been the same all my life . When i had my hip and knee replaced the anethatists (cant spell) struggled , he got upset to ,thanks for advise . .....jilly
  • julie47
    julie47 Non-active member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    awe jilly my reply to you has blooming gone awol.
    so not gonna write it all again :x
    just wanted to say yes i have that trouble too :sad:
    good luck with the next time
    juliepf x
  • tillytop
    tillytop Non-active member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oh Jilly that's all you need isn't it? Really hope things are better for you on Thursday.

    Love Tilly xxx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,425
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    My reply went awol too :evil

    I have the same issue too....

    here in the safety and comfort of my own home i have lOVELY veins, but you get a needle anywhere near me and they vanish....pooofff!..... gone :wink:

    Not your fault :evil

    Love

    Toni xx
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    frogmorton wrote:
    My reply went awol too :evil

    I have the same issue too....

    here in the safety and comfort of my own home i have lOVELY veins, but you get a needle anywhere near me and they vanish....pooofff!..... gone :wink:

    Not your fault :evil

    Love

    Toni xx

    Toni you made me laugh , first one of the day . I need you every day at the moment ........thanks jilly
  • Starburst
    Starburst Non-active member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    My top tips are; make sure you're warm and make sure you'll well hydrated. Ask for the butterfly needle, it's a much better procedure. I once had a bad time getting blood and the nurse used a butterfly needle, she told me it cost £1,000 which is why they don't like to use it!
  • nanarose
    nanarose Non-active member Posts: 117
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Occasionally the nurses have a problem with taking my blood too- but they know me now, and just accept with good humour that I'm awkward! :oops:

    I used to find that giving up blood was pretty painless, but I've noticed lately that it's quite painful, although it's the same two nurses who do it every time......maybe I'm just becoming more of a wimp nowadays, when it comes to the blood-drawing.

    I really can't see why they would be tutting though...after all they surely have been taught how to get their sample from those who are less than willing to give it up.

    Being well-hydrated is a good idea, but never heard the one about being warm....mind you with all my sweats I doubt I've been cold!

    x
  • skezier
    skezier Non-active member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Jilly,

    Cus they blame us to look better cus they have failed! I am sure of it having been hard to get blood from all my life... and insulted... eve told I move my veins... now come on!

    I have an infusion every 4 months and its always horrible cus they can't get a line in.....

    I also got the ultra small veins and arteries and well occasionally you find a good nurse who can do it and not play multiple stabbings while blaming you.

    Well worth keeping those nurses :wink:

    When you go back make sure you have drunk a lot of water and keep the arms warm so they have a better chance and don't let them blame you or give yo grief. Cris x
  • cythna
    cythna Non-active member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Starburst wrote:
    My top tips are; make sure you're warm and make sure you'll well hydrated. Ask for the butterfly needle, it's a much better procedure. I once had a bad time getting blood and the nurse used a butterfly needle, she told me it cost £1,000 which is why they don't like to use it!


    £1,000! I rather doubt that, for a fine needle, a piece of plastic, and a small plasic tube? I have butterfly needles about 50% of the time, and there is never an issue about using them. My veins are small, and my arms don't straighten, but the phebotomists are so expert they get blood most of the time on first or second go. It's doctors you have to watch out for. After half a dozen goes, poking hands and feet, they say, "Would you mind if I used your groin?"! Yes actually! Just get me someone who can do the job!


    Actually I've just looked on Google, and butterfly needles are available at around £45 for 100. That nurse was pulling your leg!
    Susan
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks for all your help ,some great tips. It seems i have really tiny veins , since i started with underactive thyroid it has got worse dont know why . I am also having trouble with sweating all the time which i am trying to find out why. Its not my age that happened a while ago .
    I am in agreement about the doctors they are really bad , i have had a few ops and dread doctors wanting to have a go.

    I am going to ask about the butterfly needle sound good . i bet my health centre wont go with it , they are really stuffy nurses .
    thanks again for good advise .............jilly
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Ah, the sweating. It's not so great, is it? I do it regularly, it's a side effect of the oral steroids and the tramadol pain relief: in my case it's mostly the steroids as I only resort to the trammies in extremis. I did the menopause sweats for a couple of years, they eased and I thought 'Hooray!' then more took their place and I discovered why. Grrrrrrrrr. I think sweating is a common side-effect for quite a few meds, check your leaflets and see if it is mentioned anywhere. I go everywhere with a small hand towel now - my local pub and curry house are quite used to the sight of DD mopping down, tho I do get odd looks on shops. I care not. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,425
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Jilly

    I like the sound of those needles and I REALLYb liked what Skezier said - they say it's our fault as they dont want to look bad so WE get the blame for their incompetence...

    HAH!!!!

    Glad I made you laugh....

    now watch out here I come s050.gif

    Love

    Toni xx
  • spacey
    spacey Non-active member Posts: 126
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    hi Jilly, I too have little veins and alot of scarring due to very many blood tests and cannulas. When I go for blood the phlebotomists generally use a fine needle, one they use for children, and when on the wards they also use finer cannulas so not grey or pink.
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    spacey wrote:
    hi Jilly, I too have little veins and alot of scarring due to very many blood tests and cannulas. When I go for blood the phlebotomists generally use a fine needle, one they use for children, and when on the wards they also use finer cannulas so not grey or pink.

    Thanks stacey, When i ask them to use a small needle at my surgery i have been told 'i dont use small needles it takes to long to draw blood' i am going again tomorrow for them to have another go . I hope she gets it this time it puts me off going ...........jilly :sad:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    jilly, it's her JOB to draw blood. Did Michaelangelo say 'Oh dammit, I'll use emulsion for the roof of the Sistine Chapel' ? NO. It was his job to paint it, and yes he did it PROPERLY. She should also so her job correctly. Don't let these people get away with it! Do you want me to come and yell at her? I am in the mood! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    It's about 2.40pm - I hope the dread deed is done and that you are OK. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    frogmorton wrote:
    Hi Jilly

    I like the sound of those needles and I REALLYb liked what Skezier said - they say it's our fault as they dont want to look bad so WE get the blame for their incompetence...

    HAH!!!!

    Glad I made you laugh....

    now watch out here I come s050.gif

    Love

    Toni xx
    Ha Tony only just seen you chasing me with that needle , you should be on given on prescripton , cheered me up no end . .jilly :evil
  • jilly
    jilly Non-active member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Just to update my post , i have been back to have my blood done , this time a different nurse and got it , not easy but not like the other day.she had a go in both arms,got the second so thats it for a month.
    I mentioned the butterfly needle, she just looked at me and carried on trying on the next arm , so not got to have a go with the butterfly needle this time. She was just as grumpy as the last but did manage it ...............jilly
  • jassie
    jassie Non-active member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    When I had my first blood test at my current GPs, between them 3 nurses tried 6 times to find a vein and couldn't get any blood out of me at all. Good thing I wasn't squeamish. They sent me to the local outpatients where a very robust nurse went in as though she were bayoneting an enemy. Got the blood, though I had an enormous bruise for days. When I went for my most recent test at the GP, I mentioned going to the hospital, but they said ask for an appointment with X, she's really good at finding veins. I did and lo and behold she found a vein and quietly drew the blood without any fuss or mess.

    It seems as if most people have easily accessible veins but with some of us there is perhaps a degree of special skill involved. It's not out fault and as with any skill some nurses deal with it better at it than others and perhaps find it easier on some days than others. Just relax and let them do their best. Perhaps that's easier said than done in some cases. As I've said, I'm not at all squeamish about blood tests but I often feel for anyone for whom it's a miserable process.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I am glad it's done, jilly, now you can enjoy the next few weeks. I think some phlebs are gifted, most are OK and a few should really be weilding a mechanical digger for a living. I hope you find a gifted one next time. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Bookseverywhere
    Bookseverywhere Non-active member Posts: 196
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Jilly, I have the same problem. Once a fortnight, the GP takes blood from me, and of course from time to time there are other injections. No matter who is sticking needles in me, doctor or nurse, they normally have problems finding a vein. The worst times are when the only vein they can find is on the back of my hand.

    Best wishes,
    Kevin.

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