I think I amused my doctor.

[kiya]

I know I flustered the lab tech.

I went in to the doctor with a list of nine things to bring up (new pill prescription, going off the pill, STD scan, HPV vaccine knowledge, moving and thus likely changing doctors, am I sick or just dehydrated, marks on leg, lump on shoulder, range of motion issues in left shoulder). Bits of the conversation included a lot of random referencing of the list, and an exchange that went something like:

"I think I have a sebacious cyst on my shoulder."
"Could I have a look at it?"
"Sure."
"... yep, that looks like a sebacious cyst."

So I have a prescription, a referral for the appropriate minor surgery to remove the damn lump from my shoulder, a sheet of paper with shoulder exercises to see if I can get a little more range on the joint, and a little less blood than I started with. (suzimoses, you were right about the weirdness on the leg -- doc thinks they're stretch marks too.)

I flustered the tech by complimenting her on her technique, but really, I've had enough trouble with people trying to find my veins that I really appreciate someone who's skilled.

And that's what I've accomplished so far today.

Comments

[thomasyan.livejournal.com]

I flustered the tech by complimenting her on her technique

Interesting. I think pretty much every time I've complimented someone on their ability to draw blood with minimal pain they've been pleased but modestly waved it away, e.g. "Well, I get a lot of practice.".

I generally haven't been impressed by people sticking IVs in me. For my appendectomy back in 1980, they tried three times, and afterward, the scars lasted for decades. Hell, I think I still see one *today*.

[kiya]

My veins are sneaking run-away veins, so I'm used to expecting multiple pokes, a fair amount of time spent, and some aggravation; I had a run of times when I would nearly pass out because of the combination of poking and the band on the arm. So I'm very appreciative of that sort of thing.

Only had an IV once. I found the experience really disconcerting. (I was getting turbulence in the vein from it, and it was really, really ... yeah.)

vampires

[suzanne.livejournal.com]

I regularly compliment my lab techs, and let them know that I'm pleased with their work. I'm even sure to request my blood-work papers be to that specific lab instead of the one my endo prefers. I have to have 3 vials of blood drawn every 6 weeks, I want to know that I'm not going to come out with huge bruises and hurting every time. I even have a preferred vampire in my preferred lab. Her name is Joyce and she has never left a bruise or missed her target. She's GOOD.

I don't know why this confuses my vampires so much. Perhaps it is simply that people who are less bruisable, or who have better veins (that is to say everyone else) haven't had as many bad experiences.

Regarding the possible marks, most of mine have faded. *pained sigh* Cocunut butter helps.

Re: vampires

[kiya]

I'll keep the coconut butter in mind. Where do you get yours?

Arthur keeps trying to eat my bandage. I don't understand that cat.

Re: vampires

[meranthi.livejournal.com]

Oh, I so feel your pain. I don't have to get my blood taken that often (except when I was pregnant), but it usually takes several times, and often the have to resort to the back of my hand, which hurts like there's no tomorrow. *sigh* There is one person I like at my clinic, but I haven't had her in a while.

[boojum.livejournal.com]

The last time I had blood drawn, the tech told me to ask for butterfly/baby needles in the future because my veins were so small and wriggly. She might just have been trying to cover up for her complete failure to get the vein in my left arm, but it sounds like it's worth trying anyway.

[oldsma.livejournal.com]

Due to a strange set of coincidences, I once had to have blood drawn at the Children's Hospital.

Now usually, I am one of the poor, dizzy, bruised hard sticks (because I have wiggly veins and the ones that look good in my arms are actually the worst). I have learned to preemptively warn them off the siren veins, ask for butterflies, suggest my hand, etc.

The phlebo at Children's, however, looked at my arm and chirped with glee "Oh, that's the biggest target I've had all day! And you're not screaming!". Then she nailed the worst one bullseye on her first shot.

I keep that memory in my Happy Place.

MAO