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miladycarol Feb. 9th, 2006 02:34 pm)
miladycarol Feb. 9th, 2006 02:34 pm)I had an early morning blood test, today. We drove to the clinic and I explained to the phlebotomist, as I always do before a blood-letting, that I have rolling veins. It's completely beyond my control. The veins are great, they give wonderfully, but the trouble is in catching them. Just when one thinks they have it nailed, no blood. I'm sneaky that way. Actually, I'd prefer not to be difficult about these things. There are so many other creative outlets for me to be stubborn and hard to handle. I wouldn't actively choose to give people with long, sharp needles a hard time.
Anyhow, I warned the nurse and she found a good prospect, prepped the site, inserted the needle and ...nothing. So, get this, she drew the needle out a few millimetres, then she jabbed it back in. Hard. I have a high pain threshold, but hey! That hurt. I calmly told her, "Ow." Still no joy in the red-river-of-life department. Then she starts waggling the needle back and forth in my arm. I about flew off the chair. I found it very difficult to maintain decorum at this point, but I restrained myself to an insistent, "Hey. HEY! That's really painful! Please withdraw the needle and try again in the other arm! Now!"
Of course, when she pulled the needle, then the vein bleeds. She tried to cover with, "See. It was just about to give." I countered with, "Actually, I think the vein rolled just as you were inserting the needle and in that last little maneuver, you probably nicked the side of it." She drew flawlessly from the other arm and apologized profusely. When she saw the dime-sized hematoma that resulted from her little adventure on my right side, she also commented how grateful she was that I reacted so reasonably. Most patients would have made more of a fuss.
No kidding.
I'm sure the bruising will fade soon. Meantime, I really feel virtually no discomfort from the injury. It's just that every time I look at it (remember, it's summer here and I'm wearing a tank top, so I see it every time I look down at my arm), I relive the pain of my inner elbow being stirred like cake batter by a needle. *shudder*
Afterward, we had a lovely lunch with G's parents. Then G had an appointment with a doctor to catch up on his inoculations. The doctor turned to me and asked how updated I was and determined I needed to update my meningitis shot. So, I've had one self-inflicted needle from this morning's Lucrin, two needles from the blood draw and one for the inoculation. That's pretty much a banner day for me. I'm feeling a bit like a voo-doo doll. Anyone else want to prick me with sharp implements? Bring it!
Anyhow, I warned the nurse and she found a good prospect, prepped the site, inserted the needle and ...nothing. So, get this, she drew the needle out a few millimetres, then she jabbed it back in. Hard. I have a high pain threshold, but hey! That hurt. I calmly told her, "Ow." Still no joy in the red-river-of-life department. Then she starts waggling the needle back and forth in my arm. I about flew off the chair. I found it very difficult to maintain decorum at this point, but I restrained myself to an insistent, "Hey. HEY! That's really painful! Please withdraw the needle and try again in the other arm! Now!"
Of course, when she pulled the needle, then the vein bleeds. She tried to cover with, "See. It was just about to give." I countered with, "Actually, I think the vein rolled just as you were inserting the needle and in that last little maneuver, you probably nicked the side of it." She drew flawlessly from the other arm and apologized profusely. When she saw the dime-sized hematoma that resulted from her little adventure on my right side, she also commented how grateful she was that I reacted so reasonably. Most patients would have made more of a fuss.
No kidding.
I'm sure the bruising will fade soon. Meantime, I really feel virtually no discomfort from the injury. It's just that every time I look at it (remember, it's summer here and I'm wearing a tank top, so I see it every time I look down at my arm), I relive the pain of my inner elbow being stirred like cake batter by a needle. *shudder*
Afterward, we had a lovely lunch with G's parents. Then G had an appointment with a doctor to catch up on his inoculations. The doctor turned to me and asked how updated I was and determined I needed to update my meningitis shot. So, I've had one self-inflicted needle from this morning's Lucrin, two needles from the blood draw and one for the inoculation. That's pretty much a banner day for me. I'm feeling a bit like a voo-doo doll. Anyone else want to prick me with sharp implements? Bring it!
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hate the needle
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Reminds me -- I have to go shoot myself... that's only three for me.
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Not to poke...but to make you a lovely pair of...
Um...
*looks at creation*
how about a potholder.
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Usually phleb's are respectful when I look at them with big GREEN eyes, tears already welling, and tell them I've got no blood so they shouldn't try :)
I can usually get a butterfly in my hand and give, but only ONCE in my arm. It takes longer, but in the end there's less pain, less wiggling under the skin *GAH*
I feel for you!
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It's hard being the living dead :(
I can only seem to bleed when I bruise or get a papercut. Sadly, the phleb won't accept either.
*grin*