I was moments away from a routine screening colonoscopy when it happened again. The warm and professional pre-procedure nurse began preparing for intravenous insertion. She tied the tourniquet loosely around my arm, took a quick glance, and untied it within seconds. “I can’t find a vein. You must be dehydrated,” she said, moving immediately to the back of my hand.

I paused. I didn’t feel dehydrated. Yes, I had followed the bowel prep instructions, consuming only liquids the day before, but I had no signs of dehydration. I knew my body. I knew my veins.

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