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!
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