Friday

My veins hate me. Today I busted* two IVs, both which were replaced with much pain and irritation. I now have an authentic set of hip-hop druggie arms. Yea.

Find yourself needing an IV or a blood draw? Here are some tips.

• Drink lots of fluid beforehand. It dosn't matter what kind, water, tea, soda- anything. This makes your veins plump and juicy, making it much easier to find.
• Request the best. Most teaching hospitals will let interns do blood draws. Not good unless you enjoy being treated like a pincushion.
• Don't Scream. The evil people with the needles are people too. Be nice.

*This happens when the tiny little plastic bit slips out of the vein and into surrounding muscle tissue.