Getting my blood drawn this week seemed to be a fruitless effort. The Phlebotomist (sp?) tried several times on two different days but no blood would really come out (just "spitting" but not even a trickle) . She suggested that my body is likely dehydrated.
I drink plenty of water everyday but loaded up for a couple of days and went back to try again. It was the same thing though.
My hands look like they are 90, all wrinkly and shriveled, when I'm only in my forties. I think I read somewhere that is an indication of dehydration?
Anyone have any thoughts on this? What might cause it and how to defeat it?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- First, I would not assume it's dehydration. Blood not wanting to come out for blood tests can have various causes.
The vessels can spasm and not want to give up their supply. LOW MAGNESIUM &/or low taurine can cause this.
As for wrinkled fingers, also best to not assume it's dehydration. It could be loss of collagen in the tissue (common with lyme), loss of minerals, loss of muscle mass, etc.
Still, if drinking "plenty of water" and you are actually dehydrated, start with Google. You will find plenty there to explore.
Staring with, perhaps, getting too much water . . . too much caffiene . . . diuretic action of Rx, certain supplements or foods . . . toxic infection . . . etc.
Getting enough SEA SALT (and none of the other kind that has the additives) . . . avoiding food additives that can dehydrate?
Do you have NMH or POTS? Blood volume issues are common with lyme. -
Posted by VV (Member # 38828) on :
For the basics you need a mixture of electrolytes and sugar in water.
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
Low blood volume due to POTS causes me to need more water than the normal person. I am always, always thirsty.
However, I never had difficulty having blood drawn.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Next time, after your initial "greeting" have the lab tech decide the best place to draw.
Flap your arms around some to get some circulation going.
Then run that hand under very warm water. Wet a paper towel with warm water and place one on the inside of the arm that's been selected. If not sure, do both inner arms and hands. Keep them warm. This will help to minimize spasms.
When standing at the sink, warming hands in warm water, pump your legs a little bit to keep circulation going, too, especially if you have NMH or POTS. -
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
If it is dehydration, it could be that you are low in ADH (anti-diuretic hormone). Many of us are low in ADH due to issues with mold (which many of us have unbeknownst to us).
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ah, hah! Tammy, what a good reminder. Forgot about ADH and mine was so off the charts. Can't believe that piece of the puzzle just fell off my radar.
ADH issues are very common with lyme, too, and with some toxicity issues.
In that case, adrenal support may help as it can help the kidneys. CORDYCEPS comes to mind.
Also be sure to avoid ibuprofen as that can cause blood vessels to constrict and that futher stresses kidney function. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ibuprofen constricts blood flow. This can pose problems for the kidneys.