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babyfaith
Onward and Upward!
Member since 2/08 3210 total posts
Name:
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My Poor Arms!!!!
Sorry but I have to vent....
I would love to know why these ladies that draw my blood butcher my arms every time. Is it that hard to draw blood cleanly and not leave behind a huge, painful, black and blue??? I mean they certainly have enough practice! 
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Posted 4/9/08 9:51 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
MrsMessina
Thankful for our miracles!
Member since 2/07 7254 total posts
Name:
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
I hear ya! Though in my lab ALL of the women are great, but both of the guys (only 2 work there) BUTCHER my arms- I get huge black and blues after I have them draw my blood.
Now when I sign in I specifically say to the person "Hey, I know you're great at drawing, would you mind drawing me today? I'm really sensitive to needles"... and every time they do.  Only time I can't get away w/ that is when one of the guys is at the desk- then I just have to wait it out and hope for the best--- I really have to learn to put my foot down, I just feel like I'm being mean by telling him (them) I don't want them drawing my blood.
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| Posted 4/9/08 9:58 AM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
A few things that have helped me. My veins are very deep and people always have trouble.
1. Squeeze the ball if they have one or pump your fist open and closed
2. Hold your arm with your elbow on the cushion and almost hyperextend it so you are lifting your vein up.
3. Drink water before you get your blood drawn, it pumps up your veins
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| Posted 4/9/08 10:43 AM |
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mom2mgn
Love my family
Member since 2/08 2267 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
I know what you mean. My first IVF cycle, the nurses couldn't find a vein in my arm (I have small veins and they like to move) so they kept drawing blood from my hands!!! By the time my retrieval came, all my hand veins were blown and the anestesiologist (sp?) was po'd because he couldn't find a vein for the IV!
This past cycle, Melrose and LI IVF is amazing. She gets the vein in my arm EVERY TIME!!! I keep telling her how amazing she is. She must think I'm crazy. But after years of bruises (one time the size of a grapefruit thanks to quest) I can really appreaciate a good blood taker!
To help myself, I make sure I drink plenty of water. I noticed that it really helps. And keep pressure on the spot after they withdraw the needle. It helps eliminate bruising.
Message edited 4/9/2008 11:11:54 AM.
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| Posted 4/9/08 11:10 AM |
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nicknmb
SISTERS!
Member since 1/06 5193 total posts
Name:
MaryBeth
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
I hear ya! You'd think they'd be able to do something as simple as taking blood and not leaving a mark!
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| Posted 4/9/08 11:22 AM |
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LaurenExp
Waiting patiently for baby sis
Member since 8/06 11613 total posts
Name:
L-Diddy EDD 11/11/11 :)
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
Posted by melijane
A few things that have helped me. My veins are very deep and people always have trouble.
1. Squeeze the ball if they have one or pump your fist open and closed
2. Hold your arm with your elbow on the cushion and almost hyperextend it so you are lifting your vein up.
3. Drink water before you get your blood drawn, it pumps up your veins
Deep veins here, too. All good suggestions.
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| Posted 4/9/08 12:58 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
I think the main reason bruising happens is because they are rushing to get all this blood drawn, so they don't give you enough time to put pressure on it (this is what happens to me, at least.) They slap on a piece of tape over the gauze and send you on your merry way. You bend your arm and that causes more bruising.
Recently I have been taking care to keep my arm straight with a good amount of pressure for a few minutes after I have my blood drawn, and I am not bruising anymore.
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| Posted 4/9/08 12:59 PM |
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katiebell
Hoping, wishing, waiting....
Member since 8/06 1418 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: My Poor Arms!!!!
They have so much trouble getting the veins in my arms that they have to use my hand!! The first time I went to the RE I told the nurse she might just want to start with my hand because Labcorp has never gotten a vein in my arm, well what would you know, the on the first try she got the vein in my arm!! I told her how awesome she was, and she told me that everyone complains about labcorp, and you would think that since all they do all day is draw blood they would be good at it!!
She did tell me drinking lots of water helps. And I didn't get a bruise
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| Posted 4/9/08 4:01 PM |
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