Tuesday, April 14, 2015

My trip to the doctor

I haven't been to the dr in quite awhile. (probably a year) and I knew I needed to get checked for my diabetes. I quit taking my meds around October. I signed up for a free diabetic foot clinic last week, and they put me in touch with a general physician who specializes in diabetes treatment. I went yesterday.

He seems like a very nice man. They told me he will probably retire in a couple of years, but he has been recommended by a few people I know, so I thought I would give it a whirl. He kept calling me "kiddo" which I adored since I'm anything but, but I'll take it!

I have a terrible fear of needles. I always have. I passed out in the 5th grade from a tb test, which they told me wasn't a needle, but they used a gun like thing on my arm and down I went. So, yesterday, he orders a tetanus shot (since it's probably been 20 years since I had one), plus I had to pee in a cup and then go get blood drawn for some tests he wanted ran. The last dr. I saw also wanted these same tests, but I had no insurance at the time, and had to go to a lab in a different town. Fortunately (or rather UNfortunately) this office is right down the hall to the lab, so I went. I let them know I don't do needles well, and my veins run and hide when one gets close. I tried to donate blood to get over my fear of needles, but it backfired and now my veins seem to have formed some sort of emergency escape plan. On to the lab....

The phlebotomist was a very nice young lady. She got me all ready to go, I told her my problem with needles, and she said she would try to make it as painless as possible. In she goes into my left arm (I feel dumb, I don't know what it's called right now, but it's in the inside of my elbow...) She starts getting some blood, and it decides to stop. Dead. She starts wiggling the needle around, and around, and around and can't get it to start again. So, she takes it out and tries for the right inner elbow. She taps and taps around to get the vein to stand out, and in she goes. Nothing. Not even a drop of blood. She goes for reinforcements.

The next girl is a little older, and just as pleasant as the first one. They are both hovering over me. Did I mention I don't like needles? So, she starts going in on the back of my right hand. She says I have crappy veins like she does. I say "Thank you" trying to keep the mood light. I just want to get out of there. So, she starts digging around on the back of my hand, and digging, and digging, and digging..... I start feeling real queasy, and look towards the wall as it starts to get fuzzy.... I told her I think I'm getting ready to pass out. I started having all these conversations in my head. It seemed real, but I wasn't there. Makes about as much sense writing it out as it did to me yesterday when I was feeling it. Anyway, I try to open my eyes and it feels like there are weights holding my eyelids down. I finally hear my name being said over and over, and finally get my eyes to open and there are 4 women hovering around me patting me on the arm, and the back trying to get me awake. Yep, I passed out in the lab. I had to sit there for awhile before I would even try to stand. The original girl brought me a glass of water and I just took my time. They sure didn't need to try to pick me up off the floor. I was at the dr. and the lab for almost 2 hours. I drove straight to Wendy's, got me something to eat, and went straight home. So much for getting groceries and gas. Here is the first puncture they made yesterday:

Yeah, it's not pretty. My son thought I was just being a baby till he saw this. I told them next time it might be easier if they can just cut my fingertip off. They are so over-rated anyway. :) (I have to laugh, they did the best they could, it's just these Ninja veins of mine wasn't having any of it!)


The dr's office just called. My numbers were all good (A1C was 6.3, and I've been a very bad girl these last few months. (Easter candy, what can I say?) But he said just to watch my diet and exercise, and come back to see him in 4 months. He mentioned pap smears and mammograms yesterday. Yippee! So much to look forward to! (ummm, sarcasm.)

Well, stay safe, God Bless, and take care of your health. You are the only you God made. There is no other.