that's b+s...so far i've been really lucky with techs. if i had to though, i'd wait for the tech that doesn't hurt me...we have enough to deal with...

i've had to change arms for a while. for some reason they said not to use the same side as my lumpectomy was...and wouldn't you know that's the best side, sigh...thanks be i only have to go in every 3 months...

Even tho you had me smiling I really do feel for you, Dances. I think tho that I would wait for Raoul and if he wasn't available I would ask for Big Red and dispense the tape for her. I'm afraid Teri would have gotten two tries, that's it!

I like all the names! lol I'd do as Lynn suggested and wait for Raoul... no need to endure pain if you don't have to.

(GRIN) I think your Teri Hachet is my fisherman. I hate when they go back and forth fishing for the vein.

I am a difficult stick....it is almost impossible to get my veins or start my IV's. A couple of times, one place tried to get a vein for a couple of hours and once I had to go to 3 different labs before someone finally got my bloodwork. I have also had to have a few tests rebooked because of staff inability to find a vein for an IV. Fortunately I am a patient person when it comes to vampires.

And I am the opposite....the one the newbies get to practice on because mine are so easy to find....at least for the first week; then they decide to hide (LOL) I remember when I was in the Army hospital at Ft. Carson....I would wake up each morning with 5 to 8 (adorable) young medics watching or practicing on my veins. Also very lucky as needles don't bother me. So sorry for those that have difficulties. Wanna borrow mine???? Nanny

Dances; it's so great to see you posting again! I feel for you and your poor arm.

I have a two-poke rule. They stick me once; no blood? They get one more try and then I have to leave. It's all I can do to psych myself up for the one stick and manage to not pass out. I hate needles. (Except sewing and beading needles!)

I used to get so worked up before blood work or shots. Now? I can sleep through it.

Dances - Cipralex, baby!

Sounds a lot like the crew at the hospital where I get dialysis- 2 needles a day, three days a wqeek = 6 a week, = 312 a year, I've been on dialysis over 3 years so I must be up to one thousand. I don't have nicknames. The first week, the technician (I'll call him Mark, his real name). The first time he stuck a needle in my arm, it went through the vein and out the other side . Very painful, I screamed and had a bruise for weeks. After that, I only let nurses touch me, not any technicians. But there was one "tech" who helped me. His name was Stan, he was a very good looking, funny, black guy. He got the needles in without pain. Then another, paul, a big fat guy who was very friendly and we'd chat about our dogs, cooking, gardening, you name it. Paul became my favorite. If he was on the floor when i arrived for dialysis, I'd request him. But just a few weeks ago he got promoted and left. He now works in the operating room upstairs. I see him once in a while in the hallways or elevator and he always talks to me. My least favorite is a nurse named Diane. Once during dialysis, she grabbed my arm and squeezed, the needle popped out and blood ran all over. Another time, I was feeling very bad, I called out to her. She said I was becoming "cyanotic and toxic". I was blue and cold and thought I was going to die. She shut off the dialysis machine and warmed me up with hot water bottles. I think she saved my life. I did thank her. Takes all kinds.

I think I've met some of their friends. My veins roll. I always seem to get at least one person who thinks it ok to poke me in my hands or wrist where I told them not to. They are the same people who like to dig in the vein. Ouch!

I have stingy little veins, usually requires 2 or 3 sticks and a partial withdrawal/turn/stick, those are especially fun. I don't usually mind unless they don't give up and call on a helper. When one gets blood the first time, I feel like giving them a reward. :)

Love the names, I just call 'em all Painful Pam.

Veins do not have nerve endings, so they don't feel pain. Your skin, however, does. There are a few things to do to ensure a pain-free blood draw...

You know how they wipe the area with an alcohol swab and then make a feeble attempt to dry the area with the backside of the cotton ball? Well, the area that's going to get poked should be DRY because alcohol STINGS. They should use a new, completely dry, cotton ball or gauze pad to dry the area. If they don't, blow on it like you would on a hot cup of coffee or tea, because it will quickly dry.

Let's say the phlebotomist is right-handed, and the blood is going to be taken from the "inside bend" of your arm (this is the antecubital area). S/he should take your arm in his/her left hand, with his/her thumb a tiny bit below the spot that's going to get poked. Then, s/he should gently press and pull down the anticubital skin, so that it's slightly tight. (It's much easier and less painful to go through taut skin than it is to go through loose skin.)

Needles have a beveled edge. The needle should be held so that the bevel is facing UP.

The needle should be "poked" through the skin QUICKLY. If they go slowly, it will hurt.

I'm betting that Raoul does all of the above.

Lindsey -- who worked as a phlebotomist in a hospital for a few years, a long, long time ago.

DH and DD both are hard sticks and their veins roll. And they tell the person--no fishing and they mean it. Our medical center is pretty good guess it is because the deal with so many senior citizens and you know how vocal we can be. DD because of diabetes and cancer has a port, but it takes a special nurse to do that, so they usually use the hand. DD is very outspoken . Most of the time I am pretty good.

You can see every vein in my body too, but I know the exact spot on the one that apparently does not roll and after have the "stick and wiggle" experience a time or two, I'm not shy about pointing it out!
I feel for you because even knowing "the spot", I dread the moment of the draw. Hope your "frequent bleeder" program can end soon!

I can tell you, my mother or sister would have fainted LOLOL.

I usually make them use the right arm but this time it was just easier to go with my left. I wasn't in the mood to try and hold a cushion on my lap because I had slippery pants on and my arm was already sore from carrying Max outside to force him to go, because it has been cold and rainy.

What? Like you never wear slippery pants or have to carry a dog out and deposit him on the lawn so he will go pee. Sheesh ;).

I am wearing short sleeves today (the heat is not working properly and we are being baked in here each day) and I keep getting looks. There are two loverly bruises, streaking, and some bonus hives from the tape.

Dances.