Blood draws Suck!!!

I had an 8:00 appointment this morning to get my blood drawn.  I hate getting my blood drawn because my veins suck.  They always have to poke me a few times, and I often end up with a bruise or something.  This morning was a new experience in awful.  First of all, why did the lab make an 8:00 appointment when they don't start drawing blood until 8:30?  I was so annoyed.  Then, my orders weren't in the system.  I need to back up to explain this.  About 5 weeks ago, I had the first draw on this order.  However, at that time, my clinic was moving, so I had the blood drawn in Maplewood at the clinic there.  When I asked about the next draw, they told me they'd enter the orders in the system, and it wouldn't be a problem.  However, of course the orders weren't in the system.  So they had to call my GI's office and get new orders.  Finally, about 45 minutes after my appointment, they called me back.  The first phlebotomist I saw was Nancy.  She can usually get me on the first or second stick.  Of course, not today.  After about 15 minutes, I started to get a bit nauseous.  So she gave me an apple juice (I hadn't eaten breakfast yet).  Two sips, and I had to run to the bathroom with diarrhea.  Then Bridget came in.  She also often can get me.  She poked me 3 times, and was finally able to get one vial (of the 2 needed).  It only took a hot pack and a tourniquet so tight it hurt.  Then they called someone else, and it took two people with a syringe to get the other vial.  My hands are so bruised and sore.

I am so glad I won't need another blood draw for probably a month!

3 AM

It is 3:00 and I can't sleep.  I fell asleep no problem around 9:30, and slept until around 12:15.  I woke up with heartburn and back pain.  I had taken a pain pill right before bed, and I guess it wore off.  If I take one now, I don't know that I'll be able to work later this morning, but if I don't, I don't know that I'll be able to fall asleep again.

The MRI showed multiple problems with my lower back.  Degenerative arthritis, ruptured and bulging disks as well as fibroids.  I'm so luck to be me!  Since I can't take stuff like Aleve or Ibuprofen due to my Crohn's, they put me on a 60 mg Predisone taper, so I had to stop my Budesonide to take the predisone.  I just hope that it helps, because it doesn't seem like there is anything else to do.

I just want to sleep.  Friday is always such a long day.  I work in the office instead of at home.  It is also Shabbat, so we'll be up later than normal for that.  I wish I didn't feel like it was an obligation instead of a joy, but every Friday seems longer and longer and I am more worn out.

MRI and other issues

I took a half day off work yesterday so I could get an MRI done of my lower back.  I've had pain in my lower back for over 4 months.  I did a course of physical therapy and it didn't help at all.  In fact, I think it made things worse.  So my doctor ordered an MRI and prescribed a valium for me so I could tolerate the machine.  My mom drove me to the clinic, I lie on the table, and as soon as they start sliding me in the tube, I had a panic attack.  I tried again, and was hyperventilating for over 10 minutes.  I just couldn't do it.  After the MRI of my small intestine, I swore I never would do one again.  But I thought the valium would help.  It didn't.  So tomorrow morning, Saturday, I am going for an open-sided MRI at 6:30AM.  Ick.  But I hope that I can get through it.  I just wish I didn't have to wake up so early.

I worked in the office today.  I felt horrible.  I had nasty gas all day and was so bloated and uncomfortable.  When I got home, I had diarrhea and more gas and something that looked like blood.  Now my "Crohn's spot" just hurts.  I took some Tramadol, and am hoping it helps, but I'm not too optimistic, based on past results.

I wish I had more energy so I could do more with my family.  I am always tired, and often in pain, so I miss out on so much.  I hate that.