Discussion Topic
Yesterday...
Posted on 06/06/08, 04:21 pm
So yesterday at the lab, I got this phlebotomist that I dread whenever I get stuck with her. She always pokes wrong and bruises my arm for days. As it is, I only have one good vein left after years of shooting up that made them all collapse and/or be thick with scars. Anyway...this time after she was done, the gauze was immediately saturated with blood. After soaking 3 gauze pads, the flow finally slowed down. Of course, I felt weak and tired after that and had to go take a nap before I went back to work.
So...next time I have to give blood, if that lady starts to call me back, I think I should say politely but firmly, "go ahead and take the next patient" and ask the front desk person if I can have another person draw my blood today. If they say "sorry, she's the only one here right now." then I will ask "when will there be someone else here?" and come back later.
Do you guys agree? Don't I have the right to choose who pokes my arm? With my WBC and platelets low from the meds, I have enough problems with not clotting, easily bruising, etc. I sure don't need someone putting TWO holes in my arm with one needle, which turned out to be what she did, once I was able to take off the bandage and see the actual damage!
So...next time I have to give blood, if that lady starts to call me back, I think I should say politely but firmly, "go ahead and take the next patient" and ask the front desk person if I can have another person draw my blood today. If they say "sorry, she's the only one here right now." then I will ask "when will there be someone else here?" and come back later.
Do you guys agree? Don't I have the right to choose who pokes my arm? With my WBC and platelets low from the meds, I have enough problems with not clotting, easily bruising, etc. I sure don't need someone putting TWO holes in my arm with one needle, which turned out to be what she did, once I was able to take off the bandage and see the actual damage!
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Reply #1 06/07/08 7:19am
You definately have the right to get someone else to draw your blood. That is the worst feeling ever when u get a goof drawing your blood. They only have to complete like 3 to 6 months of scool to get certified. There were times I wanted to say" Give me that needle!! I will do it myself!!" -
Reply #2 06/07/08 10:07am
absolutley! do what you need to do! -
Reply #3 06/07/08 10:18am
I always waiting on ONE special guy to draw my blood..the phelbotomists don't care..do what is best for YOU -
Reply #4 06/08/08 7:00pm
I am still bruised and sore 4 days later. She took 2 vials of blood. This is ridiculous! -
Reply #5 06/10/08 8:58am
BE MORE ASSERTIVE..DEMAND A DIFFERNT VAMPIRE..that's what I called my lab guys :) -
Reply #6 06/11/08 8:18am
I had problems at the lab as well. Not so much with hitting a vein but bruising and excessive bleeding. They are rough at the quest labs. My biggest problem with them was how they manage to loss so many of my tests!! I cant get over that. My GI said they do it continually. That created big problems with my medical care. Its a catch 22 situation thats for sure!!! -
Reply #7 06/11/08 12:50pm
Oh for sure...more assertive. I am not accepting that vampire again!!! -
Reply #8 06/12/08 10:08am
OH THOSE NASTY PHLEBOTOMIST ! THEY SUCK, I REMEMBER DURING MY SECOND AND 3RD TREATMENTS, I HAD MATILDA THE TON !! DO MY BLOOD DRAIN!!!!!! OOHHH FUCK THAT SISTER!! NEVER AGAIN.. ASK FOR SOMEONE BETTER SIS -
Reply #9 06/13/08 2:15am
You could probably do better than they , but gotta let someone else do the draw . Frustrating for sure . Some are very good , you'll find them . Just don't let that person touch you again dear . You're right .
Welcome
