I agree. As a nurse, I would never stick someone more than twice before getting another person to do it. We have the "Veinlite" to help illuminate hidden veins. I have also found warm packs help a lot. Our PICC nurses would never have time to do routine blood draws, but there are always more experienced phlebotomists. You just have to demand it.

i thought i was the only one! i've also been told i have bad veins and have been the victim of an over-confident man who told me "don't worry sweetheart, i do this all day i think i can manage" ... mmhmm!!

i asked one of the gals if it was because i was overweight and she said no. i always do back of the hand w/ the tiny needle and warm my hands up either with hand wamers or hot water. i go in and tell them not to even try and i've never had anyone insist - other then the cocky surgeon who left me bruised for about 6 weeks.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I held one of the warm-packs on the back of my hand, so I was pretty surprised she couldn't get that one. I've had a few problems with people getting my blood, but never that bad. I was so shocked.

I did request another phlebotomist though (politely), and she said since it was 5pm, I'd have to come back another day or wait at least an hour til someone could come down. So I was pretty PO-ed about that.

I didn't know I was going to get blood drawn that day til after my appointment, but in the future I'm going to try to come in earlier in the day. Plus it was like -10* F outside, and I was totally not hydrated enough... only had one bottle of water between 12 and 5 since my other water bottle froze in the car. >=(

Oh well. I'm glad that you guys reassured me though. I was worried because it seemed so weird and my phlebotomist was not too eager with giving any explanations, she kind of seemed rushed to leave. So I guess that explains it!

Good news is, bruise is finally gone on my elbow... lol. yay!