I have small veins...?

Question

Whenever I get a blood test nurses either take forever to find a vein or take multiple stabs and my arm.

I had to get a blood test today and the nurse took at least 5 minutes to find a vein. She then stuck in the needle in and said she kept losing it and was jiggling the needle around in my arm, which really hurt.

When I got my appendix removed, it took the nurse 8 times to find a vein.

It's quite annoying because I get sick quite often so I have to have blood tests quite regularly. Is there anything I can do to make my veins bigger and easier to find?

Answer 1

Wabby you might have small veins but you have a big, warm heart and we all love you anyway. Now! I am reliably informed by a nurse friend of mine that finding veins is best done with the eyes shut. Exerienced nurses feel the skin with their eyes shut and say it is much easier. I had a blood test once where I reckon the nurse used that methodology when inserting the syringe as well.

Answer 2

You say you've been to many doctors, but have you seen a dermatologist? If not, I think you should try. You're really dealing with a skin issue after all; I don't think it's a reproductive-system problem at all. It really *really* sounds like a fungal infection, but you say you've tried many creams and pills, those were probably antifungals. Another idea is it could be allergic dermatitis or irritant dermatitis. I'll tell you a personal experience, briefly: I had athlete's foot that did not respond to over the counter stuff. It got bad - peeling between the toes, with the skin cracking open and raw, weeping fluid, etc. It was nasty and it hurt like a SOB. So I went to the doctor and got prescription powder. It got better, then got bad again. I went through probably 6 different powders and creams with my skin getting worse the whole time. Eventually we figured out that what happened was the very first powder had killed the fungus, but had also caused an irritant dermatitis reaction that looked about the same as the fungal infection. All those other antifungals were just making it worse. I stopped using those and started a corticosteroid cream to calm down the inflammation, and that solved the dermatitis. The moral of the story is that skin disorders can be difficult to diagnose. If I'd been at an experienced dermatologist instead of my well-meaning family doctor, I might have saved a lot of trouble.

Answer 3

I used to always faint when I had needles as a young girl.It wasn't any better when blood tests were required. A little trick I learned to at least make it easier is the following.When the technician swabs your arm with the alcohol take a deep breath , then just when (s)he is going to put the needle in , slowly breath out.It is virtually impossible to tense your body when you breathe out.Another good rule of thumb is to never look.These tips may not make the veins grow larger but they should make the experience less difficult for you. Sometimes if the vein is prominent,the technician will try to gentle pull the skin back a bit to try keep the vein from moving around.At least that's how it feels to me.Take care

Answer 4

Hi Wabby, I am sorry to hear you get sick a lot. I hope it isn't something serious? Has the nurse ever told you to pump your arm up while flexing and hold your hand with your finger down tight on your hand. Try this next time and your veins will be easier to find. Trust me on this.
A Friend,
poppy1

Answer 5

I don't think there is a way to make veins bigger. Finding veins comes with experience. Also, a few people have there veins well below their skin making it difficult to find them easily.

There are two ways to solve your problem:

1. Try not to fall sick that often
2. Pray, you get an experienced and expert nurse each time

Good luck next time.

Answer 6

I have the same problem Wabby, and I have the nurse tighten up the band a little more. Clenching and unclenching a fist helps a little.
Feeling hot can also help but in this weather that is nearly impossible.