I had to have blood work done today. I usually go in for my blood appointments at the earliest time, around 7am. They told me I couldn't have a 7am appointment (at first I thought she didn't know what she was talking about, but it turns out they won't do day 3 b/w until after 8). It usually takes me 13 minutes to get to my RE from my work, and then MAYBE 10 minutes total waiting to be called and getting my blood drawn. Since I couldn't go in before school, I made my appointment for 9:30. I didn't teach 2nd period, so I figured if I left right after 1st period, I'd get there a little early, and since it's sign in first-come-first-served for b/w they might take me early. I figured I'd have plenty of time to get back for 3rd period and I was even hoping I might be able to stop for coffee.
13 minutes turned into 25. Apparently, all the old ladies are on the town roads at 9am. Then I get stopped for a train on the way there. I finally got there, right at 9:30 and had a few minutes wait. Then I get the stupidest phlebotomist in the whole place. (Okay. She wasn't stupid. Just old and slow and I think not a regular in that office.) It took her fifteen minutes just to get the paperwork set up, as she had lots of questions for the other phlebotomist and had to keep checking some chart. At that point, it was 13 minutes until my class started, so clearly I wasn't going to make it back. I asked to use her phone (to call my team mates and let them know so that someone could tell my kids what to start on (and make sure they weren't killing each other). She gave me a funny look but said yes.
It turns out, part of the reason it was taking so long and apparently the reason they wouldn't let me come in early, is that she had to take fifteen vials of blood. Definitely a record for me. (Nine was my top before.) As I'm about to jump out of my skin afterwards, because my class is starting in just three minutes, she had to write my name on every vial.
I got in my car at the exact time the bell was ringing for my period 3 to start. The old ladies were still on the road, but I would guess I did some speeding because I made it back in about 14.5 minutes.
Moral of the story: I should just take a sick day when I have appointments. I have close to 100 of them, and it would certainly be less stressful. Oh, and I'm going to have to buy my team members some nice Christmas presents this year.
13 minutes turned into 25. Apparently, all the old ladies are on the town roads at 9am. Then I get stopped for a train on the way there. I finally got there, right at 9:30 and had a few minutes wait. Then I get the stupidest phlebotomist in the whole place. (Okay. She wasn't stupid. Just old and slow and I think not a regular in that office.) It took her fifteen minutes just to get the paperwork set up, as she had lots of questions for the other phlebotomist and had to keep checking some chart. At that point, it was 13 minutes until my class started, so clearly I wasn't going to make it back. I asked to use her phone (to call my team mates and let them know so that someone could tell my kids what to start on (and make sure they weren't killing each other). She gave me a funny look but said yes.
It turns out, part of the reason it was taking so long and apparently the reason they wouldn't let me come in early, is that she had to take fifteen vials of blood. Definitely a record for me. (Nine was my top before.) As I'm about to jump out of my skin afterwards, because my class is starting in just three minutes, she had to write my name on every vial.
I got in my car at the exact time the bell was ringing for my period 3 to start. The old ladies were still on the road, but I would guess I did some speeding because I made it back in about 14.5 minutes.
Moral of the story: I should just take a sick day when I have appointments. I have close to 100 of them, and it would certainly be less stressful. Oh, and I'm going to have to buy my team members some nice Christmas presents this year.
7 comments:
Holy moly - what in the WORLD did they need 15 vials for?? Even if they only tested one thing with each vial, what 15 things could they be testing?? I'd ask you nurse for a rundown of every single test.
I've also never heard the 8am number, how arbitrary. What if you're the kind of person who gets up at 5am? I think I'd also question that timing -- if it's a bloodsugar or hormone level issue, as long as you're willing to get out of bed xx number of hours before the test, you should be able to go in at 7am.
My head would have exploded at that phlebotomist writing my name on every vial. I hope you have enough blood left over to make it through the day!
wow 15 huh? I had 12 once, it was fun....but they had preprinted labels thank god :)
how stressful, glad it is over!
I had a similar experience. Not sure my number, but know she couldn't carry them all at once. Then again, I also had a million things being tested.
As for the day 3 b/w, why not before 8 a.m.?? I'm curious to hear about that one. Does it effect the level? Weird.
Oh, and I usually always take off from school when I have appointments. Or at least a half day. You never know how things can go. One day you're in and out ... and then next, not so much! lol
Wow what a day! I'm like you in that I can't stand to be late and like to plan things so everything works out just perfectly. So frustrating when you're starting at the clock knowing you're gonna be late. You should take all 100 sick days! ;)
15 vials of blood is crazy! I hope you took some time for a cookie and some juice afterward!
Take a sick day. Save your sanity. 15 vials of blood is OBSCENE! I hope you had a snake afterwards!
Hey there -- if you have regained consciousness after the monster blood draw, I passed on an award. I hope you are feeling better!
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