Weird NSV - Blood Test

So I absolutely HATE getting blood taken - it has been a major phobia of mine for as long as I can remember.  I usually get extremely light headed, cry up a storm, and generally make a complete fool of myself in the lab!  One of the reasons for my phobia is that it always took them several tries to find a vein... they'd poke around everywhere trying to find one, which made it 1000 times worse.

Today I had to go for some follow up blood work that my NUT had asked me to get (Vitamin A mainly as it was low during my 3 month labs).  I asked if I could lie down as usual, and practiced my newly learned yoga breathing techniques to try to calm myself down.  I was pleasantly surprised when she quickly found a good vein with minimal effort, and then was quickly able to get the samples with only 1 ***** of the needle!  I didn't have any light headedness or tears. 

I'm thinking that the 100+ lb weight loss has made the veins in my arms easier to find!  An odd NSV, but I'll certainly take it!  I think this will help me be more relaxed for blood tests in the future.  I may not even need to lie down anymore! 

i used to be difficult to take blood from (no anxiety for me, i'm just like that) but not anymore!!! its a pleasant surprise! I'm hoping to be able to give blood again!

It's definitely a pleasant surprise - will make going for all of these blood tests much easier in the future!

I'd love to give blood at some point - I've always been too scared to do it, but so many people in my life have needed donated blood that I really feel I ought to donate.   Is there a time post-surgery when we're allowed to donate blood?  Does it depend on iron levels/other vitamin levels?

there is likely information on the giving blood website (braincramp, can't think of the name of it) that will give you guidelines. Or ask, next time you're in for an appointment for follow up.

Thanks, Monica!  I will ask at my 6 month follow-up.

I use to donate, but I have low iron so I am unable to.  I believe you have to wait six months after a hospital stay before you are eligible to donate again.  I was told that originally if you were on iron supplements that you can't donate at all, but they have changed the guidelines and now after three months if your iron levels are up, you can donate well on supplements.  They test your blood at your appointment.  http://www.blood.ca/

Thanks for the info - greatly appreciated!

Weight loss, and running combined helps with veins. So the last lady who took my blood said. I'm very veiny...especially after working out. For awhile I couldn't figure out what a bump on my arm was from...it's a vein.

Congrats on the fun NSV!!

LOL, I'd take that as a compliment!  It's great to have veins showing instead of hidden and impossible to find!  Good to know that running helps, too!

Oh...I wanted to say that when I was in labour with Nicholas, I was obese, and had preeclampsia, which spiked my blood pressure to 187/115. I was on hospital bed rest and woke up blind in my left eye...so they said it was time for him to come out. My arms were so puffy, it took four people to try to find a vein. The one who got it was the head anesthesiologist at Women's College hospital....he had to freeze my hand, and dig around before he could get it!!

I always think of that when i'm getting my iron infusions...they just slip it right on in!!