I am having major surgery in a month and my surgeon wants me to self-donate. I tried yesterday but the blood flow was very slow and then clotted. I have to try again 2 more times, a week apart. Is there anything besides hydrating the day before (which I did) to help my tiny veins get bigger?
Thanks.

PM, did your surgeon or the phlebotomist not have any suggestions? As a "hard stick" I feel your pain! However, I don't know of anything that can help besides the hydration, which definitely makes a difference but obviously wasn't enough for you.

Best of luck!

Janet