Monthly fun and games

Dizzy

Just got back from my first monthly blood test on methotrexate. I think I managed to give them 1/4 of a teaspoon.

Am I the only one that blood takers run away from?

LignumVitae

I'm the opposite, a typical red haired bleeder and my cupth often runneth over...you can have some of mine if you want!

dibdab

Ouch sympathy coming your way.

Did they try both arms? My left arm yields nothing, my right arm is fine.......maybe it's worth trying the other arm?

Deb x

stickywicket

No, you're not alone, dizzy. I think most of us who have been having regular bloods for years possess veins which have learnt how to dodge the needles. I've had butterfly needles, children's needles and a doc who threatened to come at me with an axe next time. Oddly enough, I have a good relationship with my regular phlebos, probably because we have so much time to chat

theresak

Doesn`t matter who takes mine - they always struggle. Sometimes they get the GP to come and do it. As no-one can get it from my arm it always has to come from my wrist. It`s infuriating to be honest, as occasionally they have given up and asked me to come back a few days later. It`s just not, & never has been, straightforward.

My GP has suggested tattooing `The Spot,` and has also be known to suggest the words ` Precious Blood` on the label. I kid you not.

Dizzy

The other arm is even worse and my hands are useless.

Had to get an anaesthetist to do it one time in hospital.

I kind of delight in being difficult, in a strange way.

dreamdaisy

I know that many have this trouble - I can't empathise because I have not had this problem but I can sympathise because it is another un-necessary level of difficulty, yes? I happily inject myself but always refuse to look at what the phlebos are doing. Do you watch or not? DD

Dizzy

I always watch...seems to hurt less that way.

dreamdaisy

It doesn't usually hurt apart from the initial insertion - and sometimes, if you have a really good phlebo, that doesn't hurt either. I can remember a few which were uncomfortable but having had hundreds over the years I reckon that's pretty good. I have mine done at the hospital, it has a walk-in pathology lab and all the phlebos there are pretty good because it's all they do. As mine have to take three vials (or are they phials?) that's another reason for not watching as they juggle! DD

bubbadog

I hate going to the vampires because my arms are terrible for trying to find a vein! I think the nurse must see my name and think 'oh heck!!' Some your definitely not alone.