Self blood letting, can't get a full pint

**SEOINAGE** · 07-08-2013, 10:23 AM

I don't get it the last two times I have done it I fill up to about the top of the paper label, but not that last little bit of the bottle, it just slows to a crawl. This normal, or what can I do to keep it flowing? I guess it's acceptable, I just don't want to have to do it more often, and get the most out of it.

**Beethoven** · 07-08-2013, 10:27 AM

You do your own dump??? Why can't you donate or get a script for a therapeutic draw?

**austinite** · 07-08-2013, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by SEOINAGE

I don't get it the last two times I have done it I fill up to about the top of the paper label, but not that last little bit of the bottle, it just slows to a crawl. This normal, or what can I do to keep it flowing? I guess it's acceptable, I just don't want to have to do it more often, and get the most out of it.

This happened to me recently. Blood was trickling out. Are you using a tourniquet? You might also want to pull the needle out a bit in case you're near a valve or too close to the wall.

**Beethoven** · 07-08-2013, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by austinite

This happened to me recently. Blood was trickling out. Are you using a tourniquet? You might also want to pull the needle out a bit in case you're near a valve or too close to the wall.

Is that a norm with a lot of people? Where can you purchase the products? Also how do you dispose of the blood?

**Times Roman** · 07-08-2013, 10:55 AM

there is a reason why the blood center uses a 16ga needle...............

**austinite** · 07-08-2013, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Beethoven

Is that a norm with a lot of people? Where can you purchase the products? Also how do you dispose of the blood?

I wouldn't say it's the norm, but certainly not uncommon. You can get whatever you need online. I just fill up a 12 ounce bottle, that's just under a pint. Dump it down the toilet.

**Trific** · 07-08-2013, 11:50 AM

Aren't there some who use an auto brake bleeder vacumn gun to help grab some especially when it's thick? Interesting......

**SEOINAGE** · 07-08-2013, 12:48 PM

18 gauge needle, already huge looking as is. Dump it down the toilet. I was using a blood pressure cuff as a tourniquet, but the thing is too small so the spiky part of the velcro attaches to spiky part barely. I tried adjusting tightness and moving needle. Dunno it went pretty good until the end just went super slow.

Nearest blood donation place is two hours away, and don't get much opportunity to head out there. Also the first time I did it I couldn't get my heart rate down into the required range, tried three times to donate, so you can imagine my frustration traveling two hours in order to not be able to donate. You can pick up needles from the pharmacy and then match it with the proper outer diameter tube. I had to order mine online since no hardware store had the right size. It will slip right in the back of the needle tight. Water bottle with some holes drilled in the lid. Look up Bass' video on it if you can find it.

**bass** · 07-08-2013, 01:47 PM

get a manual blood pressure monitor, much easier to work with. blood slowing at the end is normal and like TR noted that's why they use 16 gauge!

here is the video if it helps, Self Bleeding! - YouTube

**SEOINAGE** · 07-08-2013, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by bass

get a manual blood pressure monitor, much easier to work with. blood slowing at the end is normal and like TR noted that's why they use 16 gauge!

here is the video if it helps, Self Bleeding! - YouTube

Yeah, i'm using one where you hand pump it and can twist the thing to let air out to get right, but I need the super XL version or something. Ok, maybe that is all I will get with the 18 gauge for now, good to know.

**austinite** · 07-08-2013, 06:18 PM

Well, I just went in to get a phlebotomy because of my recent episode mentioned above, not being able to bleed fast enough. Halfway through, blood started trickling again. she had to replace the needle because she said it got "clogged" from the sludginess of the blood. Sure enough, instantly started shooting out again. That's a first. Maybe that is the problem, SEOINAGE.

Sure is a lot bubblier than when I do it...

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**Beethoven** · 07-08-2013, 06:29 PM

Wow, I keep learning here. I just started self inj. Luckily for me I have a donation center 15 mins away. I still need a script though. How can you test other than regular BW to find out how your RBC is?

**austinite** · 07-08-2013, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Beethoven

Wow, I keep learning here. I just started self inj. Luckily for me I have a donation center 15 mins away. I still need a script though. How can you test other than regular BW to find out how your RBC is?

You don't need a prescription if your blood isn't too thick. They perform a quick CBC panel and tell you if you're eligible. If not, you'll need a script. You can't test without blood work.

**Beethoven** · 07-08-2013, 07:13 PM

Bass thanks for posting the video. Very educational.

**SEOINAGE** · 07-09-2013, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by austinite

Well, I just went in to get a phlebotomy because of my recent episode mentioned above, not being able to bleed fast enough. Halfway through, blood started trickling again. she had to replace the needle because she said it got "clogged" from the sludginess of the blood. Sure enough, instantly started shooting out again. That's a first. Maybe that is the problem, SEOINAGE.

Sure is a lot bubblier than when I do it...

hmm, that looks kind of crazy. But needle getting plugged is possibly my problem too, dunno if I would want to reinsert another one haha.