@rosemarya, My husband has done a great deal of phlebotomy and occasionally talks about it. You can make your draws more pleasant. Here are a few things I have learned after 40+ years of frequent blood draws. Change your attitude. Stop dreading and prepare yourself for the draw. If you are a hard draw, make sure to keep yourself hydrated -- maybe even drink a little more than usual a few days before your draw. Dehydrated veins are more difficult to get into and the dehydration may make the blood flow more sluggish. Sometimes what appears to be a very good vein will 'roll' so that when the attempt is made to enter the vein with the needle it cannot be done. Each draw actually has two "sticks" of which most people unaware. First the needle must be introduced below the skin, and secondly the needle must be introduced into the vein. Sometimes the needle tip is rejected by the vein because there is a valve at that point. Thus it appears the needle is "digging around" under the skin. Each vein has a series of valves that prevent backflow and move the blood to and from the heart and lungs. Sometimes the vein is so fragile that with normal pressure the needle enters and pushes completely through the vein when attempting to enter the vein. This will probably cause a bruise. I always watch the needle so that I can mentally prepare and calm myself to make the draw both easier and less painful. I make sure to place my finger on the gauze and apply pressure after the needle is removed and before the bandage is placed over the area. This will encourage clotting, discourage leakage and reduce bruising. Make sure to leave the dressing on at least 15 minutes (longer if you know you tend to clot slowly). Try not to use the blood draw arm heavily for the rest of the day, such as carrying a child, a heavy purse, lifting heavy pans in/out of the oven, etc. This will encourage clotting and discourage leaking. I have one super-duper, railroad-tunnel, x-marks-the-spot, treasured vein that I almost always suggest; particularly if I am under the weather. That baby just sits up and takes it. (lol)