Victory is not even needing the backup pee!

[susandennis]

Once a year my Doctor likes to get fasting labs - blood draw and pee. Both are kind of stressful for me. I have the world's tiniest veins that roll around whenever anything comes near them. Getting blood out of me is no small deal. It's not painful even though they generally have to stick the needle in 2 or 3 times on each arm. The stress is the poor blood person. Getting all the blood you need on the first stick is a point of pride for them. I'm never that point.

However, I will say that today's vampire was one of the best I've ever had. His name is Rex and I told him I wanted him ever time. He got it on the first shot. Not a gusher but he got enough so that he didn't have to stick me again. Then he gave me the cup to pee in. He told me that yesterday, he had an elderly gentleman who, when he told him to pee in the cup, whipped out his johnson right there and started to follow instructions. Apparently it was the excitement of the day in the lab. I told him I was going to the restroom, thankyouverymuch. He was grateful.

I can never pee enough for a sample and it's always annoying so a few years ago, I started packing. I have a little jar that used to house pimentos. I boil it up and then fill it up before I leave the house. I've always had to use it and it's worked fine but this morning, I was able to fill up that damn cup without my using my backup pee!! Point of pride victory for me!!

Between the sticking issues and the pee issues, getting labwork done is never quick. I went right after my swim and figured that by the time I got it all taken care of, it would be 9 and the pharmacy would be open and I could get a couple of prescriptions I need refills for all taken care of.

Except, Rex was so good and I was so good that I was all done by 8:20!! So I got coffee and a muffin and entertained myself until the pharmacy opened and I could get my drugs. Way funner, by the way to get refills and pay $10.35 instead of my usual $400 +.

Now I'm home and all is good. Today's baseball starts at noon:30. I have a handful of little things on my todo list - laundry, recharge swimming ipod, reorg my fabric (I got a great tip on Reddit yesterday).

Comments

[soon_lee]

That elderly gentlamen? Guess he was taking instruction literally & promptly.

[susandennis]

Exactly! He was just doing what he was asked.

[earthmother45.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip about the extra pee jar. I never thought of such a great idea! I have to give blood and pee every six months and I am rarely ever able to pee there. I usually have to take the jar home and bring it back in an hour or so. I'll be saving that little pimento jar for the next visit.

[susandennis]

You are so welcome. Do keep it on the QT, tho. I hide it in my purse. I actually heard a lab tech once tell a guy that bringing your pee in your own jar is not viable for testing. What.ev.er. :)

[restoman.livejournal.com]

I have to get blood work done several times a year. I can relate to your stress over having blood drawn. The vampires always have a hard time finding a good vein on me. Two years ago one poor phlebotomist was reduced to tears after spending 20 minutes poking me without success. I tried to make her feel better about it saying this was typical for me, but she eventually gave up and had someone else in the office give it a try.
Last year a nurse suggested that I drink plenty of water before having blood drawn, it makes the veins less rubbery. Of course it would also help with getting urine specimens.

[susandennis]

I have heard that water trick and remembered it yesterday just in time to down one tiny cup of water before they called me in.

NOTE TO ME.... DRINK up before you get there!

I was not sure it really worked but your comment reminds me that if it doesn't work for veins, it sure would for pee!