I saw my PCP for a routine med check and she ordered some routine blood tests and a urine analysis since she only sees me once a year if I can help it. I like my doctor, I just prefer not to get sick!
I've written before -- quite some time ago -- about my donating blood experience. I understand the importance, but frankly, I'm using my blood and I'm not inclined to share it. I can remember exactly one time in my life when the needle went into a vein and blood came out on the the first try. Mostly, I completely demoralize the first phlebotomist who ends up calling for back up.
Last Monday the phlebotomist tried my right arm and raised a bruise but no blood. She tried my left arm to no avail and then called for help. Third time was the charm, which is the typical scenario. I don't look at the needle, but it really doesn't hurt that much.
The all time record was thirteen pokes -- two women poking into both arms. I was having surgery for a deviated septum. I was told not to eat or drink ANYTHING after midnight. Surgery was scheduled for 11:45 a.m. but I was not even prepped until 5 p.m. Being overly compliant and sitting in the dry hospital waiting area, I was good and dehydrated by that time. Those poor women were apologizing and complimenting my stoicism. I said that there was really nothing else I could do, but they said, "Oh, you'd be surprised what people can do in times like this."
But the worst time was a phlebotomist at my doctor's office who thought it was funny to be making vampire jokes. I was not being amused. In fact, I was feeling about to faint when she noticed my dead white face and stopped talking abruptly. I told my doctor I would go to the lab after that.
Thirteen pokes is torture. Don't blame you for being hesitant. When ever I get a good phlebotomist I compliment them repeatedly, even tend to gush. I hate when they poke you, then go fishing with the needle. So far around here they have all been rock stars.
ReplyDeleteI did compliment that woman who did it in one!
DeleteYikes, as someone who has never experienced multiple pokes, this sounds absolutely dreadful. I'm glad it only took two this time. Good luck with the results.
ReplyDeleteAll was normal, thanks!
DeleteGosh. 13 pokes. That is really difficult. I cannot donate blood, I just pass out!
ReplyDeleteI have a similar problem. Many blue wounds on both arms. The last time, she found success finally by poking the vein in my left hand.
ReplyDeleteomg I am so sorry!! With all the pokes I've had this year I am glad there is one vein only they can get something in and out of and that I just don't look anymore. But 13 pokes? Yikes I'm certain that would make me never to want to give blood, donate blood or another good reason not to have anymore chemo. 😁
ReplyDelete13 pokes?! Wow. I have never had more than one. Good veins, at least so far.
ReplyDeleteI tend to have good veins (thank goodness)... so only once did they have difficulty and that was because I was dehydrated. They tend to take blood a lot these days, so I'm pretty used to it and most of the time the person taking it is good at what they do. But I can easily understand your hesitance.
ReplyDeleteHoly smokes, I wrote a post about this very thing recently. I really sympathize. It happened to you too!!! But 13 pokes? Wow! I guess I shouldn't complain with my two. Granted it took 4 when they did my reclast infusion a couple of years ago. Ouch!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with small, rolling veins. I can usually do a regular blood test without too much trouble if I am forewarned and drink lots of liquid. However the fasting blood tests I have to take are pretty hard. I don't go to the blood testing company lab anymore. I'm sure their plebs are good but I'm like you when the third person is called in, I've already given up.
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