Hi, I haven't been able to log on for the last week, have been DYING to access this thread to read your responses, so at last i CAN today.

The first midwives clinic visit was Monday this week, and YES they did want my blood! I was terribly nervous, got sent to the Venepuncture Clinic of the hospital and the excellent nurse got blood out of the back of my hand, FIRST TIME and it was fine!!!! \/

However, i will use all your suggestions for next time, i wasn't well hydrated and i will get some of that cream. I do announce my previous problems with blood tests, but have found over the years, i am playing russian roulette, whether i get a nurse who listens and understands or one who reacts with cold eyes of "you're just being an attention getter and a sook". I am embarrassed to NEED to ask for special attention. Before the encephalitis, i had excellent veins and could have blood taken no probs ever.

Thanks for your messages, i dearly wish i could have seen them before MOnday but oh well, life happens, and the main thing is, the nurse got my blood fine - i felt like KISSING her!!!! I was so relieved!!!!!

thanks again all you lovely people O