01/11/23

those of you who have been reading my blog may remember that I have a blood disorder and recently went to the hematologist where they drew twenty (20!!) tubes of blood. today was my follow-up appointment.

last time I went, I knew I was going to have to give blood. this time, I was under the impression we’d only be discussing lab results, so imagine my SHOCK and HORROR when the nurse said she was going to check my vitals and get some blood! I literally asked, “wait, we’re drawing blood today?” to which she explained the doctor always likes to get blood drawn the day of the appointment to check levels as they are that day. so I’m already sweating, and last time I got my blood drawn there I was in a private room laying down. this time, I was in the nurse/phlebotomist area, so there were multiple nurses and multiple patients around me. I did not want to look as she drew my blood, so I looked around which was a mistake. like I mentioned, this is an oncology center, so everyone there has cancer or seems incredibly ill. all the other patients in the room were getting their port-a-caths/PICC lines cleaned/removed/new fluids inserted (????) and I was getting so light-headed. so then I looked back towards my nurse and saw my vials of blood and got even more light-headed, so I had to just close my eyes.

anyway, then I go to a room and meet with the doctor, and he tells me some of my previous tests were inconclusive so he wanted MORE tests run! meaning now my OTHER arm was going to get poked and prodded! today I gave ten (10) tubes of blood, but got poked in both arms, whereas last time I gave twenty (20) tubes of blood, but only got poked once. not sure which one was worse if I’m being honest.

things I am grateful for: modern medicine; kind doctors; not having to wait in the waiting room for very long.