pre-op blood work - difficulties?

hi it's me again.. is anyone out there a really difficult draw for having blood taken? i'm worried about the blood test, knowing that they need 20+ vials, and I have a super hard time just giving 1 or 2.. :o( if anyone went through this and has any suggestions on what i can do, or to tell the phlebotomist.. i'd really appreciate it. thanks, kristen

Hi Kristen, I just had my blood test drawn last monday at RIH I wanted to let you know that when they tell you no food or drink after midnight, that doesn't mean water. I didn't know that, I was so thirsty, and they wanted me to pee when I first got there. I couldn't...(I can't pee on demand) LOL. She told me then tha****er doesn't have anything in it...and it helps to get the blood flowing so there isn't a problem when trying to get all those vials of blood out...they took 28 vials from me. I hope this helps. Teri

I have very small veins and I was in shock when they told me they were taking 28 vials. Do drink some water it will help. They were very patient with me, but it did take four different people. I surely don't want to do that again. You will do just fine.

help? i think it just made my night hearing this. i had always thought i couldn't have *anything* to drink.. i'll definitely load up a bit more than usual in the am. a friend of mine told me that being hydrated can really help while drawing blood. i'm still in shock at how many vials they need. wow. wish me luck tomorrow. lol kristen

Hi Kristen You can ask them to use a smaller gage needle that will help..