Difficult Drawing Blood

[xlillove]

I didn't know where to post my question, so came here!

Whenever I have to have a Blood Test/Blood Work, my blood takes a long time to come out, I have very thin tiny veins, that are difficult to find (sometimes) :-/
So, I would have to sit there waiting for quite sometime for the Nurse to draw my blood. & finally when my blood does make an appearance, it comes out very slowly, and only a small amount is in the tube!! :-(

Does anyone know what I can do to make it come out faster as it is supposed too?

I have some blood tests coming up soon.  I was told ages ago to drink plenty of water, but I did do that, and still do, but it still takes forever!

Plus when the nurse (s) have finished taking my blood, I get some really nasty bruises, which last for quite some time! Although I'm not too concerned about that, it's just a nightmare!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks :)

[mcdarcy]

you can soak your arm in warm water or apply a warm compress, that should help bring out the veins.

other things that will help: an alcohol swab to the area, a tourniquet. and yes drink water! down water like 5-10 minutes right before the blood is to be drawn

after the blood is drawn, compress the area. you can hold the area with your finger so the blood doesn't spread and bruise.