So, in this Lenten season, it seems appropriate to announce that yesterday I received the stigmata. Okay, so this particular stigmata is more a sign of my infertility (imagine a scarlet I, if you will) than of my religious devotion, but still. Mel Gibson's got nothing on me.
I'll explain....Like Monica, I'm a tough stick and when I showed up for my appointment at the clinic on Friday, the phlebotomist took one look at my arms and....well, ignored the fact that she couldn't see or feel any veins and dove right in. She poked around my elbow region for awhile while I clenched my teeth and attempted to assure her that I was not about to pass out.
Having been unsuccessful in the attempt, she turned to the veins in my forearms, which are generally a good bet, although my right forearm had been tapped earlier in the week and the resulting bruise was so ghastly it scared her away. This left one option: the back of the hand. Because nothing is easy, of course, she missed on the right hand and blew the vein so we had to use the left.
I left the office with both hands bandaged rather noticably. So many indignities, so little time!
Don't you just love the chicks with needles? Satan's Spawn, I say...
Posted by: Milenka | March 07, 2004 at 07:49 AM
Ouch!! It amazes me sometimes that they seem to not realize that their screwups HURT like HELL! Sorry you had to deal with that. (btw, found you through Leery Polyp)
Posted by: Carrie | March 07, 2004 at 07:51 AM
I used to have good veins, until my 4th IVF cycle. Then they started playing hide and seek. I like to think it keeps the phlebotomist on their toes.
Posted by: Jodi | March 07, 2004 at 05:55 PM
Oh, how I wish I couldn't relate so well. I am afraid I will end up with lock jaw from the constant clenching. Just wanted to let you know I'm sorry you're going though it too.
Posted by: Monica | March 07, 2004 at 06:39 PM
I don't know whether they have these at an infertility clinic (it wouldn't make much sense if they did), but I learned a year ago to request a pediatric needle and since then have had such trouble-free blood draws that I have to check and see whether they are actually drawing blood. Because they only poked me once! Impossible.
Posted by: Kymm | July 01, 2004 at 05:49 PM