i had a blood test done a few weeks ago and the nurse couldn't find my vains.( i have moveable vains) so, he had to take the needle deeper  into my arm to get blood out of my artery. it hurt so bad that i cried, and my arm hurt for days after. my dr wants me to get another blood test but i am to afraid to get one cause i can't stand the pain when they move the needle around to find my vains.  what can i do to to take the fears away of getting another blood test?
217171
Here's a few comments/answers:\na) as mentioned, for routine blood work it is not necessary to get arterial blood.  There are many trick to getting a venous puncture on difficult patients but I have yet to see the need to resort for an arterial sample.  There are however some test that require arterial blood (common ones already mentioned in another answer)\nb) Properly done venous phlebotomy is minimally painful (similar to fly bit) and you shouldn't be too afraid.  Its a walk in the park when compared to arterial punctures.\nc) To make things easier: the best trick has been mentionned, hydrate very well (even over hydrate).  Easiest way to do this is drinking ALOT of water before going (a few hours head of time).  As a gross measure of your hydration status you can use the color of your urine.  A well hydrated person will have clear urine.  The exception to this is if you're taking diuretics (ex: caffeine, Alcohol, cranberry juice, prescription).  If you're a healthy individual (no other conditions such as Hypertension, diabetes, renal insufficiency, CHF to mention a few) another effective way to hydrate is to take Oral Re-hydration Formula (see WHO for home recipe).\n\nLong answer, but I hope it helps.
388601
If you are afraid of doing so, don't do it.\nYour history is not a bad history,  you are just afraid.\nBad history is one in which you fainted after you donate blood.\nI donated blood for 6 times now, but I still dare not look at the needle.\nWhen they come to take my blood, my close my eyes.\nIt does not hurt much when I close my eyes. \nThe one important thing is the technician or doctor who take out the blood must be very skillful, if not so,it's very painful.\nIn one time, they pierce me with that big needle for 4 times! But I'm happy that my blood can save one life. It only hurts for a day and it's over.\nMy advice is:\nif u are afraid to donate, DON'T .\nif you are only afraid of needle, CLOSE YOUR EYES & RELAX.\nAs for the interval for blood donation,it's best to donate once in 4 months.\nIf not your haemoglobin is not enough and your blood is practically has no effect for the patient.
360460
So sorry you have been feeling unwell.  Based on your primary symptoms, it may be something like:\n\nGallstones \nPancreatitis \nCholecystitis \n\nBut you really need to follow up with a specialist to be sure.\nMy guess as a nurse would be more likely leaning towards Pancreatitis.\n\nRead about it here:\nhttp://www.mamashealth.com/pancreatitis.asp\n\nIf pain is getting worse or you have any signs of hypovolemia (loss of blood - bleeding, racing pulse, thirst, etc.)  PLEASE don't wait for your appointment to come, go to the Emergency Department of your local hospital.
596760
I hate to get shots to. When I found out that I was going to have my 6th grade shots, I freaked out. When I have to get any kind of shots, I think about different things. I don't think about the needle or the shot. So, just don't think about it. It will be over with before you know it.
580102
I would say get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor's answer. You could always get a mammogram on your own if you are really worried. The rule of thumb with random pains (so my doctor says) is that if it comes once or twice, don't be too worried, but if the same pains keep returning frequently get it checked out. The numbness and pain could be coming from a nerve impingment or muscle problem. Try not to freak out too much! Hope everything works out!!
162222
When my son was delivered, I had lost a lot of blood and my blood pressure was very low, and kept dropping. I could hardly breathe and felt as if I were going to pass out. The doctor ordered blood for me. This was back in '89 when aids was often not found in blood until after it was given. I was terrified of receiving someone else's blood that may be tainted with disease. So, I begged the doctor not to give it to me. He smiled and said, "I tell you what, if your blood pressure rises by the time they get here with the blood, I won't give it to you." He looked at me as if he were just trying to humor me, but I said "ok," and began to pray. I was so terrified and was shaking in fear and from being cold. I was crying and so upset. But, after I finished praying, I felt better. The blood arrived, and the doctor instructed the nurse to check my blood pressure. It was fine, that quick. The doctor said, "Well, I don't know how you managed to do that, but your blood pressure is fine now." I told him I prayed, and he just looked at me funny. The nurse asked him what she should do, and he told her nothing that I was fine. \n\nAnother time, I came down with pain from head to toe and could hardly move for a couple of months. The doctor told me that it was a form of arthritis from a virus, and that when it left, I would be left with arthritis somewhere in my body. A neighbor asked if she could pray for me. I agreed, and felt something strange, immediately. I was not healed that day, but a couple of days later, I was 100% better and felt better than I had in a long time. I was not left with arthritis anywhere. That was back in 1990.\n\nI would like to add that God does not always give us what we want. He is not a genie in a bottle that grants wishes. He acts on what is best for Him and us. He knows what works will help us and others, so sometimes our prayers SEEM unanswered, but you must remember that God is always in control, and wants only the BEST for us.
255072
Usually, seeing your veins through your skin is nothing to worry about, just a case of either big veins that are lying very close to the skin or very translucent skin ( that is usually hereditary ).  But, if this is a new condition that you just noticed, did it go away after the massive study session or is it still the same ?  Sometimes, your veins will react to a largish dose of adrenaline ( fight or flight response ) by dilating ( getting wider ).  The adrenaline would be released probably because you're panicking about the final.  Relax.  Try Bach's Flower Rescue Remedy.  Try catnip tea.  Try sleep.  If the veins don't calm down soon, I would think about seeing a vascular specialist.  P.S.  They could look dark blue, blue/green/ purple or even black.  Really cool, huh  !
507346
That is blood pooling under the skin from the needle puncturing your vein...this too shall pass...your body will re-absorb the blood.
88382
1) Breathe\n2) Try listening to your fav music with headphones\n3) Remember there is a LOT of blood in your body, which will be replaced immediately when a tiny amount of it is taken out for testing.\n4) Watch programs like Nip Tuck before going to give blood. It is all made up artificially & is hysterically funny. If it bothers you watching the false stuff, just think that at least you aren't going through that & giving a bit of blood is not so hard after all.\n5) Promise yourself a treat afterwards, like your fav choc bar.\nYou basically have a phobia. We all have them but it must not run your life.\nI have given blood for years. I think of all the people it is helping. Giving blood + injections have never bothered me. It is just something we have to face. Think of what you want to achieve - ie: the cross cuntry - and think of this as a hurdle that you have to jump over.
463358
First of all don't believe what that first doc said. My grandma had pain and it ended up being cancer. I am not trying to worry you, but keep up on having that checked out. Second of all i get pains as well. however its usually because its when my period comes. One more thing. If you ever get more lumps, Always have them checked out. My mom had a lump in her neck. Docs told her not to worry. 10 years later the thing grows so big that they think that she had cancer. Thank God it was not, but they had to remove it and had to do a nerve graft. She was unable to move her right arm. ALWAYS get a second opinion. Wish you well.
600968
My mom used to have a blood test machine that talked to tell her what to do when, and what the results were. It was kind of big, but it worked great for her since she couldn't see well. Ask your doctor about it.
546618
Something like a rubber band is tied around the upper arm.  You pump your fist to bring the vein closer to the surface.  The area is cleansed.  A needle is put in which you will barely feel and which lasts all of 1 second.  After that you should feel nothing at all.  In fact - the rubber band is more uncomfortable than the needle stick.  There is honestly nothing to be afraid of - I do not like having my blood drawn but it does not hurt - other than a needle stick which hurts about as much or less than an insect bite.  Good luck.
231190
Nothing to worry about, you're just one of those types that faint at the sight of blood.  Just kidding, you were probably holding your breath the whole time you were sticking yourself.  Next time breath regularly and not too shallow.  By the way, I cowered out, my teacher had to stab my finger.  That was an adrenalin rush!
216180
I had a kidney biopsy done a couple years ago, and I was terrified going in. But it turned out to be a breeze. Tell your doctor in advance that you are afraid, and also talk ahead of time to the lab that will be taking the sample. When I had mine done, they gave me two different IV drugs (Versed was one, can't remember the other) to put me into a twilight-sleep, and I didn't feel anything at all. So ask the doctor and the lab if you can have something that will help calm you down, and so that you won't be fully awake during the actual procedure. \n\nMost important of all (for me, anyway), was to have my husband there with me during the procedure. It's comforting to have a loved one right there with you, to hold your hand, to ask questions you might not think of asking, and it also helps to have that extra pair of ears there to hear everything you are told - believe me, when it's happening to you, everything they say tends to go in one ear and right out the other. Ask if you can bring someone with you - your spouse/significant other, parent, best friend, whoever's presence would make you feel better.\n\n(For my kidney biopsy, they inserted a long needle-like tube in through my back, using ultrasound to guide them to position it properly, then the biopsy needle was inserted through that to retrieve the samples. I don't know if a liver biopsy procedure would be the same, but I imagine it would be close....)\n\nGood luck! You'll be fine, and lots of people will be pulling for you. {{{hugs}}}
7145
Especially if you are male, you need to see a doctor right away. My uncle, who felt just fine, suddenly had blood &, as he described it - "ickies & other matter", in his urine which quickly resulted in him not being able to go at all. Turned out he had advanced renal (kidney) cancer & was totally unaware of it. Please don't put off seeing the doctor, even if you find out it isn't something quite as horrible because I'd hate to think of anyone having to go through the mess he's just been through. And, before you think, "No, that couldn't be it;" stop to think of the fact that you aren't supposed to get blood & stones in your urine. Call for an appointment today, even if you have to visit a free clinic.\n\nGood luck!
545940
it sounds like the lab tech who took your blood was a little rough or in a hurry and gave you quite a bruise.  a little soreness and slight bruising is normal, but I'm not sure about yours.  you might call your dr.'s office and see if they think it needs to be seen about.\nwhen in doubt, have it checked out.
614423
First thing you really need to do is talk to your Doctor. If your Doctor isn't someone you feel comfortabe talking to, you need to get a new Doctor.  You may have just had a cyst and the doctor just wants to make sure it isn't something more serious. But he/she shouldn't have sent you in for further test without discussing with you why. Women should always be very alert about her own health don't let doctors have complete control over you. Your doctor needs to alway let you know what's going on with you!