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Giving blood

Liquid
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How many people do it?

The most important thing for me is....

Has anyone got any tips on how to get my veins to show better?

Today I had to abandon a blood letting, the vampiress stuck me 5 times before getting a trickle which proceeded to dry out pretty quickly:(

I've been 43 times so far and I've been stuck at least twice each session.

Now I've got a low body fat percentage, I'm fit and I eat and drink well.

Any help?
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Anonymous
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Saw the thread title and assumed you were going to say you'd just signed a new contract for an iphone slight_smile

 

It's possible that you've got scarring after so many jabs - it's also possible that the nurse was less than talented (diplomatic or what ;)).

 

There's no sure and certain way to get your veins to pop but there are a couple of things that will usually help (other than spending a few hours in the gym before hand).   Drink loads of water a couple of hours before, keep your whole body warm - not just your arm - try to keep your arm hanging down before hand - even when sitting waiting and maybe park the car a mile away and walk briskly to the centre or van to get the blood flowing.

 

Regardless - sometimes it just won't happen no matter what (try telling the nurse that it's not her and it's never happened to you before etc etc - same excuses you give the wife ;)).

 

I give blood and haven't had a problem yet.   My ex had DVTs which meant seeing a phlebotomist every month and the warfarin she used meant that she'd bleed if she even looked at a needle but even she occasionally had a dry-run (except that they couldn't give up trying in her case and would poke around until they hit paydirt).

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Toby
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I hang my arm down towards the ground and make hand clenches.

Works every time. slight_smile
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MI5
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A couple of glasses of red wine before hand works well wink
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jonsie
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I used to have no problems giving blood, very prominent veins! Alas I am now rejected as a blood donor due to various ailments, apparently I need it more than anyone else.Smiley Very Happy

 

A heartfelt thanks to all donors, it's a wonderful thing to do.

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Anonymous
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How weird, been today to give blood. The technician as they are called decided that it would be nice to route around in my arm with the needle. 

My arm is doing a nice impression of Mikhail Gorbachev.

 

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Liquid
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Haha I know that feeling:(

Pretty sure she was trying to connect the tunnels she made in my arm:(

If the bruises spread any further ill have to change my ethnicity grin
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong. So Ive been told wink
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Anonymous
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I have regrettably not been for a long time but my sisters partner was in a pretty bad accident yesterday and lost a fair bit of blood so felt the need too. 

Really should go more often especially as I live 5 minutes walk form the hospital.

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Liquid
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Sorry to hear that:( hope he's doing better
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong. So Ive been told wink
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Anonymous
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His fault I am afraid, he came of his motorbike. Has a triple fracture of the left femur, broken collar bone. He was due to be operated on yesterday but they wanted to make sure he was stable first. 

Just waiting for him to come out of surgery as I type.

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