Originally published on 15th June 2016 Last updated on 12th July 2024
For as long as I can remember, it’s never been easy to draw my blood for tests. It can take as many as ten attempts, where I’m left very sore and bruised afterwards!
What Does This Look Like?
My veins always seem to hide away and I’ve been told I have ‘tiny veins’ and ‘veins that collapse easy’. As a result, nurses always use a butterfly needle. I’ve had blood taken from the back of my hand when they couldn’t get a drop from my arm.
It has not been uncommon for me to leave a blood test with a plaster (band aid) on both arms and a lot of bruising.
Sometimes the nurse fetches another nurse to have because the struggle to obtain my blood has been so tricky.
I’ve been told that the nurse shouldn’t persist past three attempts, but as it’s not unusual to take five attempts before we get a little dribble of blood, I put up with it so I can at least have the blood drawn. I’ve also been told that once the needle is in, it shouldn’t be moved around, but this happens too. Blood tests aren’t usually quick for me!
Is There a Thyroid Link?
I have wondered if there’s a link between thyroid problems and poor circulation possibly causing these issues, and I asked in my Facebook group whether others have the same problem. There was a resounding ‘yes’ from many people, so I did some researching online, but nothing obvious is known yet.
What Helps With Blood Draws?
- Always drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to your blood test.
- Go for a walk on your way to the test to get your blood pumping and body warmed up.
- Hold a ball in your hand that you can squeeze.
- Ask for a small or ‘butterfly’ needle.
Some have said that it depends entirely on the nurse and how good they are at finding my veins, however, it has gotten a lot better over the last year to get my blood and I now can’t remember the last time the nurse struggled to draw any. I’ve gone from it taking five attempts to them getting it on the first try every time now. And that’s hugely appreciated!
You may also consider finger prick blood tests, which I use fairly often myself.
For the UK: Medichecks
Medichecks is a very popular finger prick blood test option in the UK.
You can order a full thyroid function test and complete it at home with a simple finger prick sample.
Results are then securely emailed to you with commentary from their in-house doctors.
My followers can also use the discount code INVISIBLE10 for 10% off Medichecks tests.
US: LetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked is a very popular finger prick blood test option in the US.
You can order thyroid testing and complete it at home with a simple finger prick sample.
LetsGetChecked offer a one-on-one test results review with their dedicated team of doctors and nurses which are available 24/7 and will call you to explain your results.
My followers can also use the discount code 25INVISIBLE for 25% off their tests.
A longer list of places (sorted by country) to order your own tests online can be seen here.
