It never seems to fail that when I need {*filter*} drawn I pass out, I
understand this is a mental thing, but I really need to find a way to
get around it. Sometimes I'm fine, others I'm out cold. I'm looking at
getting 12 viles done this week and was wondering if anyone had some
advice. My LLMD prescribed something to help relax me, can't remember
what. . but I'm not sure if it will really help. I just want to get
these tests over with.

Anyone have any advice?

I have always hated needles and have fainted with a finger stick!  But
this was long ago.  My veins are not accessible and they have a
terrible time getting {*filter*}.  And I have to have regular {*filter*} tests,
now that I have lyme. Have had 2 butterflies in my hands in one {*filter*}
draw session.  No fun.  I find if I don't watch, it is better.  Also,
if someone can talk to you to distract you while this is happening, it
seems to help.

 It can really help to drink a lot of water before you have {*filter*} drawn, and
also to put a warm, wet washcloth or paper towels on the site to bring your
veins out.

But, when you have no warning that you need it drawn, drinking enough water may
not be possible, though the warm compress usually is. Insist on it.

I have found that a surprising number of technicians and nurses have no trouble
with my veins at all, while others claim they are difficult. Hmmmmmm.

If the lab is well-staffed, I would insist on having someone else try it if the
first attempt is traumatic. NOT the doctor, though! ;-) They're usually the
least experienced in this task.

Best of luck,
Carla S.  

I have also had the same problem, and again not consistently. The first
really bad one was having {*filter*} drawn for our marriage license years ago.
My wife never misses the opportunity to remind me of that wonderful
experience  8^). That particular day I had skipped breakfast, and I
suspect my sugar was low. I have never had a problem if I ask to be lying
down during the procedure and have eaten sufficiently, so I'm becoming
less convinced that it is a mental issue. I think there might be a
mini-shock that one can go into which draws {*filter*} away from the brain. I
suspect that lying down helps retain decent {*filter*} pressure. Hope this
helps...

--
Alan W. Stone
Group 48
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Lexington, MA

This happens with me, too, but it is NOT mental.  For me, if I sit there for a
couple minutes after the draw and suck on a sugar candy then I am fine.
I made the mistake last month of trying to cross the room to get my candy
instead of having it in my pocket ready-to-go as usual and BAM, ended up in a
full body fall & faint, lucky I wasn't hurt, passed out cold.  It happens after
with me, if I exert myself before getting some sugar.  So it can't hurt for you
to try it!!! Just wait a minute and suck on a butterscotch or peppermint!!

It may help to pump your hand before the drawing for a few minutes.
It helps.  My veins are so bad one phlebotomist (?sp) suggested getting a
port for {*filter*} drawings!
best,
lea