(no subject)

[felicula]

I Finally managed to fast the 12 hours I needed before going and getting the bloodwork done for the gyn. I was somewhat intimidated by the idea.

Firstly, I've never had "easy" veins. I've been through two operations on my ankle, one kidney stone, the birth of my son, and an emergency room visit earlier this year that each required bloodwork/IVs. I learned with the stuff on my ankle that I am prone to the annoying poke-and-wiggle that some less confident medical personel are apt to give. I've long been used to giving the schpiel about bypassing my arms entirely and going straight to my wrists or hands.

Secondly, where I've found that the phlebotomist at Lifetime Health, where my primary physician is, is skilled with what she does and more than willing to cut to the chase to nab the veins in my hand, this wasn't for my regular physician. This was for my gyn. They have their bloodwork done through ACM Medical Laboritories, which has multiple "collection centers" around the area. I had no clue what to expect.

I picked one that was across from Greece Ridge, not far from where I need to go for a pelvic ultrasound next Thursday. I know the area. I was more thinking aobout location more than anything. I pictured a big impersonal place. We get there and it is in a small building that was probably once a house. Upstairs in front is a group medical practice. Around the back and downstairs is where the collection center was. The waiting room was tiny, and the "receptionist" was friendly. Thing is, my nervous imagination pictured that since the place was more "mom and pop" that the phlebotomist would be more apt to be set in her ways, not necessarily taking into account my fears and past experience.

Well, it turned out that the receptionist wasn't. She was the phlebotomist. There was one room for bloodwork that was decorated in a homey style. There were lots of family pictures, kids and grandkids. There were dolls and tasteful art around, as well as greenery. (I wasn't too concerned whether that was fake or real at the time.) She hears me out, but suggests we start peeking higher up first anyway. She was nice about it though, so I said OK. She doesn't have the tournequet on even a minute when she says she has one spotted. She took the time to show me where it was. It wasn't in the hollow of my elbow like some, but off to the side a little. She said the trick is to hold your arm/hand straight and still. I was still concerned, but her confidence was reassuring enoug that I let her try it.

Wow. Yeah, there was the typical pinch, but wow... right on, no wiggling, no proding, no bruising, no undue ouchies. Four vials later and I was amazed at how quickly it went, and how skilled she was. I thanked her profusely. She was modest about that, but I don't doubt she's probably heard it all before. It turns out that she has the same thing happen with her veins. Little doubt that she'd get good at finding alternatives in that case! She even mentioned I could stop back there any time I needed bloodwork. If I need more through ACM, I certainly will. There is little better than finding a confident, skilled professional when you need one, especially when it comes to letting people snarf some of your blood. Yay for bloodwork swiftly, smoothly, and skillfully done!

Comments

[hbbtrbbtbcnbt.livejournal.com]

*huuuugggggs* Yay for good phlebotomist!!!

I have the same problem, ei spider veins, and if it's a doink doing the bloodwork, it's not at all unheard of for me to be stabbed 5 times. It's such a blessed relief to only need to be stuck one time. *more huuuuggggs*