Hi Eve

Yes, there are ... the veins tend to collapse when used over many years! Not a lot you can do except insist they use alternate arms to give the veins a little chance of recovery. Often they don't like to do this because 'the other arm may be difficult' but taking blood froma collapsed vein is dire, painful and often unsuccessful!

Don't think I've any decent veins left ... all caput

Lyn x

That's a good one Jane I wonder where she trained?! The body contains a constant amount of blood and continuously filters and replenishes it's supply through the bone marrow where the blood cells are made. Drinking water will aid the supply of plasma, one of the components of blood, but only if you have been previously dehydrated. It will not make the blood cells reproduce any faster! Drinking water does not produce more blood!

Also, taking the blood sample from the hands is not normally regarded as 'good practice' long term, occasionally it's okay when there is no alternative. The veins in the hands are much smaller and narrower than those in the arms and are more susceptible to collapse. Sometimes too much suction being used when pulling back against the plunger of the syringe to check that the needle is in the vein will pull the sides of the vein together and, especially if they are inflamed as they may be with RA, they may stick together causing the vein to block. Removing the needle too quickly after injecting can have a similar effect. Collapsed veins may never recover.

Sometimes the veins in the arms can be quite deep making them difficult to access easily. Pumping the arm or submerging in a basin of warm water will often make them more amenable.

Hope this helps.

Lyn x

Hi Eve

Having blood taken is my worst nightmare until recently.....

I have always had tiny little veins that always collapse, the amount of bruises on my arms over the years have been awful. I have had nurses, doctors prodding away with no luck making the whole blood collection procedure a complete ordeal and something I dread. But then 2 weeks ago I saw a new nurse at our surgery. She recommended using an orange needle that they use for children and voila the blood came out first time so I will be asking for an orange needle every time now, and also I didn't feel a thing because the needle is so fine. I can't believe it's taken 12 years for someone to work this out....

Best wishes
Rebecca

just like to add the clinic i get bloods done are wonderfull,i give up blood normally easy but i was ill a while back and i got a learner who tried about 4 times each arm,it was getting sore but they have to learn,i refused my hands as they were bad enough, then one of the usuall girls i get came to my aid and she got an orange needle magic got blood first time,i am now on the orange list if no blood on first try,so much better,dorothy.

I always do alternate arms, they don't seem to mind at the hospital.
They say it's good to drink plenty of water before hand as it pumps up the veins.
I always watch mine being taken now, it doesnt bother me anymore.
Mary