Ok, I've tried to give blood a few times, but the viens in my arms are kind of deep, and the walls are really thick...I found that out when they tried to get blood from the top of my hand and had a hard time getting the needle in a vien that was right on the service, and when they feel for a vien they can never find one. I know there's one there bececause this one guy nailed it the first time. What foods or drinks can I eat in order to make my viens puff up and become more noticable?! I really like giving blood and this has always been a problem. I know lots of water will help, but is there anything else?!
Chrys2007-02-16T19:33:07Z
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No lots of water will not help...you are born with the veins you have all your life. Thick walled, rolling, whatever...so if it's difficult to give blood, stop. Otherwise people will poke you and make you hurt..
Drink water. It helps hydrate you before you give blood. For the girl above me, there is no such thing as a "rolling vein". I work in a lab drawing blood from people all day...and the reason why a person might tell you that is because they missed your vein and didn't want to take the blame for themselves. And you are not born with the veins you have now. As you age, they harden and become smaller.
I don't know what else to tell you other than drinking tons of water. But, I can tell you some things to stay away from. Don't eat fatty foods (hamburger, fries, etc), I'm not sure what it does to your veins, but I know they contract. Also, don't drink alcohol, it has the same effect. My veins can be hard to hit too, but mine are little and when I get nervous (like around a needle) they totally shrink up. Bravo to you for continuing to roll up that sleeve and give blood-- even if its hard and it hurts.
Your veins will "puff up" more if you carry a weight on the way to the Red Cross or hospital and you keep pumping. Keep straining, and by the time you get there, the veins will be large enough for the needle.
start lifting weights. it will improve circulation to your arms and over time the veins will get big and juicy so those phlebotomists can stick the needles right in there.