Before our wedding day, Mr. Toadstool and I need to get a blood test done as a requisite for our marriage license. No big deal—you go, they pinch you in the arm, and you get the results a bit later. The problem is, I’m very bad at it. It’s not that I get nervous (which I do) or cry like a little kid scared of needles (which I also do), it’s that my arms don’t like needles.
Yep, I don’t like needles. / Image via Upbeat Dad
Every time I get a blood test I get a horrible, big, dark purple bruise that can last for days; sometimes I can’t even move my arm.
Now, I bet you can imagine how cute that huge purple bruise will look in my strapless dress, right?
Image via Nate’s Cartoons
What? Of course I’ve never taken a picture of my bruised arm.
My mom advised me a series of creams that should help with the bruising, but really, my best bet is to do it as early as we can. I called the register office and they told me they can use labs from up to 14 days prior to the wedding, not older.
Two weeks sounds like a fair amount of time, and I hope that if I use some bruising cream I’ll have normal arms for the big day.
Any advice? Did you have a similar issue?
Bruising is of course something that depends on your own body but it is often also caused or made worse by improper injection practices.
You can lessen your bruising by keeping firm (not painful) pressure on the site immediately after the needle is removed and by keeping it raised above your heart for 15 min. It may feel stupid to be holding your arm up for 15 min but it does improve things a lot!!!! I learned this from my mother who’s a nurse and personal experience.
I bruise easily but don’t have any bruising when I do this.
It also depends somewhat on the nurse who’s sticking you. Let’s hope they do a good job!
keep your arm up. That was the best advice my doctor gave me to keep bruising at bay.
I agree with PumeriaSplash! Pressure and elevation 
Ice ice ice! Applying ice immediately after will reduce the likelihood/size of the bruise.
There is also an over-the-counter bruise-be-gone cream that speeds up the process.. I’ve heard it works really well actually.. might be something to think about
I have the same problem… It is mostly because they have a really hard time getting a vein in my arm. I have founf going in asking them to use a butterfly (children’s needle) helps a lot. The smaller needle causes less bruising and it seems they have a better time getting into my tiny veins.
I love that cartoon. And apparently have also learned some great tips to prevent bruising. holy cow. did not realize you could prevent it from occurring…
I have no tips, I just wanted to say that the cartoon makes me giggle.
Can I ask why they take your blood? It just seems…. wrong and invasive. I don’t think NY does this anymore.
I would tell them you’re getting married and are an easy bruiser… That way hopefully they’ll give you the most experienced tech/nurse. Also definitely ask them to use a butterfly, and apply FIRM pressure for 15 minutes.
And this is why I moved my blood donation until after our wedding. I was too scared to risk the bruising. Good luck and here’s to no bruising!
I’m sorry, I have no advice for you. I can, however, totally sympathise with you about being a big baby when it comes to blood tests. I have been known to cry on occasion and I always need someone with me to hold my hand haha.
@PlumeriaSplash: I never heard of the “above your hearth” technique, but it sounds good. Thank you.
@sweetpeony: I don’t know if I have stubborn veins, but sometimes I can even feel a big hard lump under my skin, so the needle definetly damages all the way in.
@lealorali: I’m 99% positive they make an STD test. I’m in Mexico and as far as I know they still ask for it in the entire country (unless you have kids together), but they also ask for a “mental health” certificate telling them you’re not crazy.. so this is not even the weird requisite.
@PrincessConsuelaBananaHammock: Haha, poor Mr. Toadstool came with me once, before that he used to think I was making it up, until he had to hold me like a little kid to make sure I didn’t faint ..and I was trying to be brave that one time.
Hold pressure immediately after and for probably like 10 minutes at least. ice initially and warm compresses if you get that hard lump (hematoma). Good luck!
i bruise horribly- arnica cream helps hugely. dunno if you can get that in mexico, but if not, let me know and i will send you some!
@Mrs. Archer: Oh yeah, actually when I mentioned bruising cream I meant arnica specifically. My cousin who has cosmetic surgery a few months ago mentioned she took arnica capsules, so it was in her blood stream. But I don’t think that’ll be necessary.
I had the same problem, pressure is the key! Press that pad on your arm!
Can you ask them to stick your legs or something??
That seems so strange they make you have tests so soon before the wedding. Governments sure make crazy rules about getting married. I’m happy we weren’t forced to take tests like this!
Mrs. Toadstool, Obregon, Mexico Age and Occupation: 23, Research Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales Manager Engagement Date: October 1, 2011 Wedding Date: December 2012 Venue: Hacienda los Agaves About Me: I’m a born and bred Mexican girl with a severe coffee addiction, an obsession for books and an aversion for exercise. I like to plan things, so this wedding’s my dream project---I just need to remind myself from time to time that I’m the bride and not just the planner. I recently realized brown’s my favorite color as I was trying to incorporate it in every aspect of our wedding and I'm dreaming of an autumn vibe since we don’t have that around here. I’m marrying my best friend and partner in crime on the day of our nine-year anniversary! He’s an awesome, smart, fun guy who is patient, and crazy enough to spend the rest of his life with me. We’re planning our not-so-dreamy dream wedding in December in a non-traditional way and making it our own.
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