Going To The Lab

My lab visit was crazy/hectic yesteday. I have been going to the same lab since 2001 and I have my favorite phlebotomist, Della. She can almost always get me on one stick, in the hand. I have small, spindly veins that go into hiding when a needle punctures my skin. However, over the years, we've figured out you have to rub and smack my hand a little to get the veins nice and juicy.

Anyway, I haven't seen Della for a while. I go every 12 weeks and I don't always get her, so we were excited to catch up. She drew my first 2 or 3 tubes (I wasn't paying much attention, could have been more or less) with no problem and then I was about to walk out. I remembered that "Urinalysis" was on the list. "Della, don't have to do a urine sample also?" She double checked, "Yep, sorry kiddo, I though it was crossed off." So, I headed off for my urine sample.

When I came out Della said, "Kristin, you won't believe us, but we need one more tube." I just laughed. So, I had to wait for the frightened kid in the chair to get his blood taken then I was back on the hot seat. I told her, "I guess I shouldn't distract you so much when you are entering my lab work information." She said, "Hey, it's been awhile and we had to catch up. At least, between the two of us, we got it all together!"

So, she went for the second stick and nothing. Damn, she rarely misses. She immediately called in back up. Good ol' Jackie came in and found in a few found a good one. One more tube done and I was finally released.

Walking down the never ending hallway I thought I was going to pass out. I poked my head in where my Mom works and she was very busy. I told her boss to tell her I had been there and I was too tired to stick around. By then I was sweaty and shaky. I had my cane, but felt unsteady on my feet. I headed to the elevators and out I went.

See you all in another 12 weeks...