Wednesday 7 October 2015

I don't usually swear... but.......

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1988. Since then I have once a year blood test to check my thyroxin dose. I went yesterday. Over the years my veins have become difficult, evidently they collapse when touched? Anyway it doesn't really bother me,  it is an unpleasant prink,  but I no longer look and I take deep breaths to relax. 
 
But this time, the phlebotomist inserted the needle, hissed that the vein was difficult and then started to wiggle the needle in my arm, the pain was horrendous and my reaction was immediate, I yelled 'Ow,' and said, 'Bloody hell that hurt.' I looked at the bruise expanding on my arm, she gave a weak' sorry,' She tried in another place, no joy, stuck two plasters on my puncture wounds and called to the senior phlebotomist to take over. Anyone would have thought it was my fault she failed to get the blood in the tube!! The senior phlebotomist got it straight away from the back of my hand, which is black this morning.  DH said they could hear me in the waiting room!! I am not having that woman again... EVER!!!  Thank goodness it's done for a while. (I  was a nurse when I  young and did loads of injections and no one ever screamed!)
XX

12 comments:

Vickie said...

Oh Chris! I sympathize. I have had that type of experience also. No fun at all. I did not know you were a nurse. Our oldest son is in his third year of University. He is studying to be a nurse.

Vickie said...

Oh Chris! I am sorry. I have had that same sort of thing happen as well. No fun!
I did not know you were a nurse. Our oldest son is in his third year of University. He is studying to be a nurse.

Julie said...

Poor you, not a pleasant experience. Perhaps you should report it to some one, she obviously could do with do some updated training!
(Hugs) x

Amy at love made my home said...

My goodness you poor thing! I hope that it never happens to you again. xx

Katya said...

My sympathies to you, and I second Julie: let someone at the facility know! At the very least, your action may spare someone else a painful experience.
I had a similar experience when my stitches had to be removed... The nurse cut the "thread", grabbed it and tried to yank it out of my hand - and drew blood.Ouch...
Feel better!

Joanne Noragon said...

I so sympathize with you. I need to have blood drawn frequently. There are phlebotomists I like and those I loathe. When I think I have figured out the work schedles of all the poor drawers, one changes up with another. And, I have lovely veins to work with; there is no excuse for a bruise or a bleed.

Leslie: said...

That happened to my daughter once and she made sure she NEVER had that nurse again! I'm getting better at IVs, which I hate, and there's no problem with simply blood tests. BUT, I once had a test for carbon monoxide poisoning and they told me it would hurt, so I was prepared. Well, I went into shock - they have to go to the artery just at your wrist! Second try, I managed by doing Lamaze breathing! That was awful. So sorry you had to experience this and hope the bruise disappears quickly.

mamasmercantile said...

Such a shame, when there is unpleasantness about something that should be a simple task. Hope the bruises heal quickly and the experience is quickly forgotten.

Annette-California said...

So sorry you went thru that! I only have my blood drawn from the back of my hand... one time (I was young) took 16 pokes till they got a needle in. Ever since then - back of hand only.
Hope you got spoiled afterwards! love Annette

Pull the other thread said...

Poor you, that sounds particularly unpleasant. I hope the bruise clear up quickly and that they aren't too painful.

Mii Stitch said...

Oh dear!! Sorry to read you had to go through that.
Some people seem to know how to do these things better than others...
I love your choice of cartoon though :)

D1-D2 said...

I feel your pain. I have Hypothyroidism as well and after years of avoiding doctors so I wouldn't have to do blood test, I can't avoid them anymore. Some nurses are very insensitive.