A Newbie
Woman in the Middle | February 13, 2017I had to have blood drawn and went to get that done this morning. Two different doctors decided they wanted to see something my blood could tell them, and so off I went.
I figured out a long time ago that I am not the easiest person to get blood from. Not the hardest, but not the easiest. I told the young man whipping out the tubes and needles to use my left arm, as there was no point in trying my right. Believe me, after 55 years I have this figured out. Unfortunately, he tried on the left side and had no success. This was when I knew I had a newbie, and things would continue to go down hill from there.
Sure enough, next he decided to try the right side. Sigh. Believe me, if you are unsuccessful on my left arm, you sure as heck won’t have any success on my right. But, what the heck, it is only needles, right? Well, no surprise, no success on the right. At that point, the more experienced person stepped in and was able to successfully fill three vials with the red stuff. Whew!
At that point I made a beeline for the nearest Starbucks where I treated myself to a protein bistro box and a grande hot chai tea latte. The trauma of three pokes has not left me yet but I survived. Next time I am not going to let them go to my right arm. That is just a waste of time and needles.
I have terrible veins and both arms are not that great, they often have to use a butterfly needle which is a very small needle and I hate it when I get a newbie trying to get blood out of me
They have had to do that to me on occasion. So annoying!
I always ask for the butterfly. It may take longer to fill the tube but the insertion is easier. They must do my right arm because I had a lymph node biopsy under left armpit. If someone has trouble on the first stick and they are looking too tentative, I always ask if someone who has more experience with difficult veins is available. I try to make it sound like it’s my fault so I don’t ruin their confidence. I was in the hospital for surgery once and the nurse couldn’t get it in for an IV. That was a production until I complained. They got their supervisor who did it in one smooth stroke. It’s all about the experience. I also don’t let them do anything in my hand. That really hurts.
Those hand ones do hurt! I have had that once or twice. I am going to speak up in the future. If they can’t get it done on the left, then get someone else. No need for me to deal with a needle poke I know if going to be unsuccessful!
Uuuuuugghhhhh!!!!!! That sounds awwwwfffffuuuullll!!!!
Well, not something I want to happen every day, but maybe not as bad as it sounds. Those needles are small and sharp and don’t hurt as much as, say, a flu shot.
Oh, well, flu shots don’t hurt that much, so I guess it’s not as bad as it sounds.