Today was my 6-month blood test for my urologist and 3-month blood test for my oncologist. Instead of two blood draws in two days, at two clinics, I arranged to get blood for both doctors in one “draw.”
The nurse lowered the flip armrest in front of me as I settled into her “blood drawing” chair. Imagine an adult size high chair with padded armrests including a big one that closes across the front like a drawbridge.
I told her that because of my uncooperative veins, I usually end up with the butterfly needle right here (I pointed to the back of my right hand).
“I do this all day – every day,” she said. “You see those vials?” she asked as she nodded toward a pile of 5 or 6 tube containers, “I need to fill all of those.”
That’s a lot I said. Do whatever you need to do.
“You’re going to feel a sting” she warned as she poked the needle into my arm. I jumped as if I’d received an electric jolt. “That wasn’t too bad.” I determined out loud.
She began giggling quietly. I told her I hadn’t noticed the seat belt when I first sat in the chair, but maybe I should have buckled up. She started laughing out loud as she nimbly swapped each full vial for another empty.
“I’m sorry,” she said, “I’m not laughing at you. I’m really sorry.” I told her I believed her because I could hear the sincerity in her laughter. She began laughing so hard she sat down the vials and was leaning against the counter, bracing herself with both hands.
Laughter is good medicine. That was the most fun I’ve had giving blood.
I, too, always require a butterfly and even then it’s usually a challenging operation! Those phlebotomists don’t like to be “advised” whether it would speed the process and save pain or not!
I didn’t know if anyone would get a notice about this post since I back dated it.
I had blood drawn today and it goes like this every time when it’s the first time for anyone drawing my blood: “Where do you usually get it drawn?” They ask. Here in the hand I say. Then I remember they only ask to be polite because they are looking at and tapping my arms – “I think I’ll try here.” I’ve had successful blood draws not from my hand, but the vast majority are. So, they try, and they get a little blood. Then they push and realign the needle and push some more. One nurse stuck my arm, waited and waited readjusting the needle, if she could have accessed a hand pump I think she would have used it to get enough blood instead of admitting I was right. I just don’t want to be the guy who tells a professional how to do their job. Maybe I can tattoo a square outline on the back of my hand with the label: PRIMARY BLOOD DRAW AREA.
How are you?
Yes, the tattoo sounds like a great idea! That probing around they do is the least fun…I always hesitate to direct them but it would save a lot of time and aggravation if they would listen. I was advised they don’t like to use the butterfly because it costs more. 🤔 Things pretty much unchanged here…I’m seriously considering selling the house, and probably would have already, but can’t find a place to go.
Where to go is the question. Selling is tempting considering the wonderful price a house will bring, but the new destination will likely have a similar price. I have a long time friend in the business if you’re interested in help with that.
HELLO sounds like you had an interesting DRs apontment. lets hope things go good for ya on all of that. Well as for us were trying to stay off of all of the intrestates here in the Portland area. FOR Portland has deicded to repave I-5 at different times. So as for us going south for a wile that will be history until after Aug. Other then that were doing good. OK keep me posted on what happens. and I still keep you in my prayers. Thanks .
Don, if you can find a clear route to Salem on July 14th, I’m pretty sure Jason and I (and a few others) will be at the newly carpeted RC Plus. Hey, thank you for the prayers.