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When I have to get blood work done, I always have to let the technician know they should either use a baby needle or a butterfly needle.
The problem is when their pride gets in the way…
…I have good veins, but they are small.
When the technician decides to forego my suggestion (and often my pleads), and use a regular needle as they would use on “normal” people, they have a stronger vacuum and they run the risk of collapsing my vien as it sucks the blood too quickly and in a larger volume.
When they actually use the baby needle or a butterfly needle, they have a weaker vacuum and they’re able to get blood on the first try, usually.
When a regular needle is used, my veins collapse, I bleed all over the floor and it’s painful to keep trying to dig for a new vein…In fact, I’ve had numerous nurses called in when there’s a problem who could each try a few times.
NOT GOOD!
The problem is, many technicians feel they know better than you, that they’re extremely talented taking blood and that you couldn’t know what you’re talking about. So, they dare to try it for themselves.
Isn’t it your body? Wouldn’t you now it the best?
If you often have problems like this when giving blood, don’t be afraid to tell them you have had problems in the past and they should use a smaller needle to ensure their success and your comfort.
Prevent this from happening to you!
***
I hope you find this Preventative Medicine post on Your Health Today! Until next time…
Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Up for Your Veins,
Kimberly Edwards 
P.S. Be sure to get your fill of Your Health Today Updates!
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Kimberly… just returned from the ER after my first ambulance ride, after having an attack with my kidney stone…. i’ve had since feb. The lab tech actually listened to me this time, about my fear of blood or having blood drawn, and used a butterfly needle. It worked so well…. i DID have to have a big needle for the Toradol, but it helped the pain so much. My stone is so close to the bladder now that i hope it will pass soon. It was really good to come here and read your posts. Thank you!
Hi Traci,
I’m so glad they listened to you - I was told this was the thing to say if you are someone with this kind of problem or fear.
Yes, I remember getting Toradol for the pain and yes, it worked relatively quickly! Thank GOD!!!
I certainly hope your stone passes soon - I vividly remember how much pain they cause…I am trying my very best to stick to my kidney stone diet outlined by my doctor for my kind of kidney stone: http://BlogNButter.com/health/2009/01/26/how-to-prevent-calcium-oxalate-kidney-stones
I am so glad these posts helped you! Also, thank you for such a thoughtful comment! Come on back anytime,
Kimberly