How can I make my veins bigger in five days?

Question

I am going through some intensive testing and I recently had an injection.

The woman had an extremely hard time getting my veins to "pop" and she said I had small veins. I have a five hour glucose tolerance test scheduled for this Friday and I know I'll have a needle stuck in me the whole time.

Is there a way for me to get my veins to "pop" out more for the upcoming appointment I have?

I worked out daily and have a high intake of water... if that maters?
Any advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

Weight lifting does tend to make your veins pop out, but it takes awhile. Make sure you are well hydrated, and tell the phlebotomist (person who draws your blood) that you are difficult to stick. If you are beyond her expertise, she will at least know to get someone with more experience. Don't jerk your arm back when she sticks (hard to do, but this ruins more blood draws than anything else).

I've had a 5 hour GTT, and it sucks (I'm sorry)! You get poked every hour for five hours, and at the end of that test, you will be sore and annoyed, but it's worth it in the end. Sometimes it's the only way to diagnose certain medical conditions.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

I agree with another person who wrote you. Just because one person thought you had "bad veins" doesn't mean you really do. Some people really do have "bad veins" and there is really nothing you can do for it. Keeping hydrated will help.
I'm sorry you have to go through the process, but(easier said than done) keeping calm will help also. Breath normally.
One little trick I can suggest is putting a warm rag, or a glove filled with warm water on the area to be used can help "expand" your veins a little.
I am an MA, and we draw blood also. This little trick has worked for me on people with truly small veins. If the lab you are having the test at is a cold building - wear a sweater. Being cold will cause veins to shrink a little too.
Again, your veins may be ugly to one phlebotomist, but beautiful to another. I always work with another person in the lab. If you feel uncomfortable with the person drawing your blood - ask for someone else. There is no harm in that. It's your body, you have that right. Good luck!!

Answer 3

Physical exertion makes your veins expand as they try to pump more blood. Even going for a 15 min brisk walk prior to the appointment should make them larger.

Answer 4

Lift Weights

Answer 5

Reduce your sodium intake and hit the sauna. That should help get rid of excess water under your skin.

Answer 6

ewwwwwwwww whats up with all the sick questions.....