@charlotte12 It's never a picnic to have a blood draw. Tips from my own experiences:
- Be sure to be hydrated. It makes your tissues more flexible and easier to deal with.
- Wear a sweater or jacket to keep your arms warm ahead of time.
- Your attitude can be a key. Practice relaxation techniques you know will work for you, and strive to consciously lower your blood pressure before the draw.
- Be friendly towards the lab person! Sometimes they are just as nervous as you, or they are having a stressful day. By relaxing as much as you can, they will also relax and calm down. It can make a difference!

I have two lab draws a month. One for oncology, at my cancer center, another for my dialysis. My right arm has a fistula placed, so technically I am not supposed to use that arm for blood draws or blood pressure. Of course, the best vein is on that arm! I did get permission to use that arm once a month for blood draw. Both arms have rolling veins, which I always tell the lab person. I try to not have two draws in the same day; it messes with my system! For me, the more relaxed I can be, the more interactive with the tech in a friendly and supportive manner, the better the experience. Do I get bruised up? Yes, sometimes.
Ginger