I am an ex drug user, clean for 6 yrs, have trouble giving blood tests due to collapse veins, what can be done?!

Get a better phlebotomist. Being a drug user should not be a reason why a phleb can't get blood from you. Especially after 6 years of leaving your veins alone. There may be other factors. You haven't had enough fluids before your blood draw. Even if you are fasting you can drink water, and plenty of it. Maybe the phleb isn't taking the time to hunt down a better vein, or she is using too big a needle. Have they tried a BLUE BUTTERFLY.? Maybe the phleb is trying to obtain more blood than she needs. You really don't need that much for most tests, except a PT. Have you pointed out your best vein to her.? I know most of us get annoyed by an IV drug user pointing out the vein to use(cuz it's telling us how to do our job), but when I have one, and can't find a vein, I ask them, because they know. Maybe they could try two tourniquets, a warm pack, hanging your arm down for a few minutes, or all of the above. A syringe draw might help so the phleb can control the suction, rather than rely on the tubes vacuum which could be too strong, and cause the vein to collapse. There are plenty of tricks than can be tried, but if all else fails, you may need to be drawn from your legs or scalp.
In the meantime, my only suggestion for you is, to be sure to be good and hydrated when going for a blood draw. The rest is dependent on the experience and skill of your phleb.Health Question & Answer

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Unfortunately, once that damage is done, there is not much of a chance of fixing that. Adequate hydration will help. (drink lots of fluids)

Congratulations on your 6 yr sobriety!!Health Question & Answer

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