I relaxes the veins to help lower the blood pressure, but it also makes it harder to get a useable vein.

Also...this was prep for a C T scan, so nothing by mouth for 4 hours beforehand.
So I couldn't hydrate to try and 'plump up' the veins.
Plus the facility is at about 65 degrees so it's all working against you.
And they don't much care.
Just have a job to do.
meh

But the cold definitely causes them to hide and I'm not on any meds. Glad you're not afraid of needles because I am and would have been climbing the walls.

Increase fluids for several days prior really helps veins from going flat.

Warm compresses to vein site helps perk up veins as well

They would do that for my mom. Made all the difference in the world.

But thanks.

Sometimes it helps to let my hands dangle for a few minutes before a stick. And, for some weird reason, the problem is far less frequent when they use a pediatric needle. There have been times, though, when repeated attempts have failed; that's when they've called in the EMTs who always manage to get the job done. On one occasion, a member of the medical chopper crew answered the call. Keeps things interesting, yeah?


.

they have to do with me. I always warn them to use what is called a butterfly on me. It is a much finer needle usually used with children or older folks with small or bad veins.

When going in for a colonoscopy. They complain your veins have all collapsed and they have trouble starting your IV.

Gee, ya think it's because you were made to rid your body of every last drop of fluid for the previous 12 hours?

Phlebotomists call mine "rolling veins."

There are two gals "vampires" in my doc's office - when I walk in, they've look at each and one has said, "you're better, she's yours." I must have famous veins.
And I've had more than my share of black and blue arms from people who didn't know how to draw blood from me.

Finding a phlebotomist with expertise is key to not having to be stuck and dug into many times. Seriously.
Good luck!

ps. I look at my arm and cannot see any veins but the gal grabs my arms and starts pressing, sometimes hard, and sometimes slapping me until she finds a good one. "Ah, there it is." She's never has to dig into me as others do.

as soon as you hear they are going to draw blood, or when you show up for an appointment knowing they are going to draw blood, ask for a hot pack. You know where they usually hit pay dirt, drop that arm and keep the pack on at least 15 minutes. If you can, walk around. If you haven't had a glass of water in the last hour - drink one. Peds needles usually do work best in these cases. Ask for one before the first stab.

I knew about drinking water, but 'nothing by mouth' from midnight on.
It's a Catch 22.

I have always had a terrible time getting blood from the normal place, the crook of the arm. So, one time I asked them to place it down lower, and it worked a charm. Most peoples' veins are pretty prominent around the hand. I also use a butterfly needle too. The phlebotomist told me that most people don't like it there, as it's more painful, but I've found it to be the opposite. Worth a try...

Talk to them, build up their self-confidence, say things like, "It's okay, you can come out now."

Really, all they need is a little encouragement.

Actually, you have my sympathy. I happen to have great veins and it's always easy to get blood from them. Even then, it's no fun to get stuck with a needle.