I’m starting to think one of the true hallmarks of a really good disease (if there is such a thing) is measured by the number of tubes needed to complete your blood tests.
This year I’ve been to the lab half-a-dozen times for blood draws and urine samples. Perhaps one of the best things to come from it is learning that my wife wasn’t trying to poison me with Arsenic.
Vitamin levels (an entire alphabet of them) , albumin, creatinine, plasma, hemoglobin, cortisol levels and heavy metals (not the rock band kind), round out just a few of my exciting labs. The biggest finding of them all was that I could benefit from B-12 gummy bears. And BOY do I love those bears.
When it comes to getting my labs drawn, I’m not bothered by the poke. I’m not squeamish at the sight of blood. In fact, I’m fascinated that someone can take something as small as a needle, find an unseen vein, and gather 16 vials of blood. That’s a skill that should be applauded. And I would if my arm wasn’t wrapped so tightly with that big blue rubber band.
But not everyone is so brave or oblivious. I’m curious about your own experience. How do you do with the labs? Are they a helpful part of the medical journey or the scariest part of your health care experience?
Leave a comment below and let’s start the conversation.
Hate blood draws. Cannot look, don’t want the play by play and I do everything I can to distract myself during it as my stomach dips and sways. And since I’m now in my fifties, blood draws are becoming a not-so-favorite part of my all-too-regular doctor visits —— who by the way, I see more than most of my own family.
My favorite part is when they let me know I’m going to feel a small stick. Yes. I know the drill. 🙂
I have had so many blood draws that the vein has scar tissue. I know the “sweet spot” and point it out. They are usually not sure and try in vain (pun intended) to see if another looks promising but trust I know and that spot always works. Lol!
This last week I received an infusion in the hand. They gave up on the arms! Just don’t touch my feet, I still hold out hope for a foot-modeling career!