Visit to the Doc
This morning was my long awaited visit to the doctor. Well, maybe “awaited” isn’t the right word.
Though I have been to the doctor a few times over the years, usually to make sure a cough wasn’t (or already was) bronchitis, I haven’t been for a complete physical since college. Back in April, though, I started having some issues that prompted me to make an appointment. As I tweeted/Facebooked at the time: “Still waking up in middle of the night, over 2 wks now…add to it that I’ve been very thirsty throughout the day…might be time to see dr.” Several people commented on this, saying those could be symptoms of diabetes. I knew I wasn’t taking care of my self and was in a very stressful situation at the time, so I wasn’t overly concerned, but eventually I got fed up and tired of not sleeping well and being so dehydrated that I made an appt.
Around this time, I also had a discussion with my brother and dad in which they mentioned they had low HDL levels. When they found out I had never had any blood work done, they suggested I should, as a baseline if nothing else. So I asked for blood work to be done in additional to the physical.
Fast forward to today, almost six weeks later. The physical went fine (one nurse even asked if I was an athlete since my pulse was so great). But then came the blood draw and one of the those moments in life I hope I don’t have to experience again.
Prior to today, I’ve only had my blood drawn once, and that was when I was at my previous job. It was a non-fasting draw that was going to be used to calibrate some medical equipment. They bribed my with donuts…covered in sprinkles. I didn’t have any trouble with that experience, other than being a little uncomfortable with the pressure around the site of the stick.
Today, though, was different. First, I was fasting. Second, the morning hadn’t been so good. So as I sat outside the lab area, I watched as the lady in front of me was having a difficult time of it. The nurses kept telling her to talk to them, gave her a cold, wet towel for the forehead and brought her a glass of OJ. I tried not to pay attention, getting in the mindset that I was going to be okay, that it wouldn’t happen to me.
My turn came and the nurses started drawing blood as we made small talk. I didn’t look at the draw, not wanting to provoke a reaction, though I typically don’t have any problems with blood. The draw seems to take forever. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, they finished…with the first tube. One more to go. I began to get anxious and lightheaded, so I tried to focus on breathing deeply, but that didn’t work. As they finished drawing the second tube, I started to lose it. The nurses could tell. I started losing focus, got sweaty and lightheaded. The nurses kept insisting I talk to them, but I couldn’t get my brain and mouth to connect. They asked some questions – “Do you have any kids?” “Where do you work?” – and I’m really not sure if or how I answered. I think I tried to mumble something, but most of the time I was struggling with the problem that I just couldn’t focus or get words to come out. The next few minutes are a blur. I vaguely remember them waving something in front of my face (found out later it was smelly salts) then I found myself being laid on the floor with my legs elevated. Once I came around, I remember looking up at the face of someone who hadn’t previously been in the room, which turned out to be a doctor they had called to help out. That bad, huh…? They left me there, holding up the other patients for 5 minutes or so, then eventually moved me to another room. I laid there for another 10-15 minutes and scored some OJ, coffee cake and egg casserole from the very nice and friendly nurses before I was sent on my way. Afterward, one of the nurses said she knew I was going to bite it given the look on my face as I watched the lady in front of me.
Quite an experience, one which I hope I don’t have to repeat again. I’m thankful there hasn’t been need for blood work up until now. I hope the results come back okay. We’ll know in a few days.
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I’ll refrain from picking on you too much. However, if you need practice I can always bring a few needles over and stick you a few times
Seriously, though…did the nurse catch you or did you just flop down to the floor?
Thanks, but no thanks on practicing
The nurse and the doctor lowered me to the floor. The chair had an armrest across the front of it, so I probably wouldn’t have fallen out of the chair anyway.
Wow, that’s an experience for the books and I’ll also refrain from picking on you at this time.
Reminds me of when L2 and I went to get shots for overseas missions Junior year. It was a bit scary when they game L2 shots. She too scored some OJ.
I wish you the best with your test results. I just had mine done last week as well. I am hoping for some great improvement.
Good luck finding out whats happening with your body.