Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

Many of you might already know this, so my apologies, but I was given some advice this morning by my nurse which I had never heard before.

Today was INR blood test day which means trekking off down to the Doctors surgery (pre-arranged appointment) and having a needle stuck in my arm and precious red stuff drawn off.

Usually it is a quick in and out job, 5 minutes tops.

However, today, went to stick the needle in my left arm, and there was hardly a dribble. Tries in another vein, same problem.

Went into my right arm, first attempt nothing and then second attempt, bingo, the red stuff started to flow.

Apparently, difficulty in finding a vein or getting a good flow is often down to being dehydrated.

And so, I was told, if I have a glass of water or just a drink, the vein becomes easier to find and the claret flows easier.

Never knew that. So in 3 months time I will follow that advice, although in fairness it is not usually a problem I have really had before.

But had I known that, my arms would not be currently looking like a pin cushion and going a lovely shade of blue and purple

Never too old to learn something new though

I wonder why that advice isn't more widely known?

I found out the hard way that blood pressure drops (and veins collapse) if we aren’t properly hydrated.
Fwiw if you stand up and get a “head rush” you may well need fluid to help bolster your blood pressure.