Blood draws, however, are another matter entirely. I have small veins, my arms don't extend very far, and I don't drink enough water. If I drink a lot of water I go to the bathroom. Running me back and forth to the toilet tires my caregivers.
When I was younger my doctor only ordered a blood test every two years. I am older now so that bi-annual blood test won't cut it anymore. My doctor wants my labs updated every year.
It was time for my 2024 physical. I fasted and drank water I was ready for that blood to draw. "I've got this," I told myself.
The first part of my physical went great. It was time for my blood test. I went to the waiting room. A few minutes passed before the tech called my name. The tech examined my tiny veins. (My veins are so small a butterfly needle is used. The same type of needle is used to draw blood from infants.) The first stick was in my hand. Nothing. The next stick was in the crook of my arm. Nothing again. Until the tech removed the needle from my arm. I was bleeding but it was too late. First two tries. I hope you are keeping track.
I went to a lab to have my blood drawn. I'd had success with this lab in the past. I was confident the techs there would get the job done. I was wrong. Three of the lab's best techs each tried two times to draw my blood. Each one of them failed. I was dehydrated the three of them said. I learned that I have to drink a lot of water several days before my blood is drawn. A tech will come to the house next month for my blood draw. I will drink a ton of water beforehand.
It freaks me out when several techs examine my veins and decide who is the best to do the task. Eight attempts in a week. I thanked them for trying.
When you have a disability there are times when tests that should be a breeze are not. We take nothing for granted.
