Stick Me With Your Best Shot
24 July 2008As part of the whole IVF process you have to have regular blood draws to monitor your progress. I’ve had 2 this week so far, and am heading back in on Saturday. It’s not that big of a deal considering I’m giving myself shots every night anyway. However, for whatever reason (most likely dehydration) getting blood out of my arm in the morning is challenging. About half the time the first person gives up and passes the baton to someone else. My veins are just hard to find. I’m used to it, I warn them, we laugh. Whatever. It is what it is.
This morning was a little different. That first needle rooted around deep enough to hit something it shouldn’t and it hurt like a son of a bitch. I had a hard time waiting for her to pull it back out and I was holding my breath - that’s how much it hurt. When it came time to try again with the next nurse I tried to convince her to do my other arm, but there were no veins to be found there either. It was back to the first arm, and barely a centimeter from the first hole. Between that and the road rash where I ripped the bandage off my arm was sore for a few hours. I’m expecting a pretty bruise.
It has to be said that I love the staff at UCSF. All of them. Everyone goes above and beyond to make sure you know what your plan is, where you’re supposed to go and what you’re supposed to do. They’re a warm, fun group of people who are professional and on the ball. They’ve built up enough credit with me that I can absolutely forgive a bad poke. I may not forget though - it hurt!
on July 25th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
It sounds like they stuck you in a nerve. The standard I was taught in school is that if it still hurts once the needle is in you need to pull it out so as not to damage the nerve. Especially if it is a tingly or shooting pain. Don’t be too stoic next time. The phlebotomist can’t tell from feeling if they are hitting a nerve. Everyone’s anatomy and nerve layout is a little different. They have to rely on patient feedback.
on July 25th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I definitely told her it hurt. : ) She removed, it and then I had the rest of my exam, before coming back and having someone else give it a try.
on July 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I’m sorry to hear about the difficult blood lettings. I know exactly how you feel; I have the same problem. It probably won’t help, but I heard that keeping really well hydrated may make it a bit easier to draw blood. Hope it goes better next time. ~
on July 28th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Thanks - I think I’m just going to do push-ups before I go in next time. : )