BloodWork

(there will be no pictures in this post.. you will thank me later)

I needed to get some blood work done on Tuesday at my doctors office. I was nervous.

Let me start from the beginning (ish). I have always had a weakish stomach. When I started pulling my teeth, I would pass out. It wouldnt be the blood, it was more, my tongue would find the whole in my mouth and I would just pass out.

Before I could go to college, I had to get a TON of shots.. as a senior in high school, most students could go to the doctor on their own. Not me. My mom had to be my designated driver, because once I got a shot.. I was done. For the day. I am not kidding.

When I got pregnant with Jackson, I was just sure I would have major issues. But thankfully, I really didnt. The first time I had to get bloodwork done in Hot Springs, they put me in a "no stress room" where I sat in a recliner.. it was awesome. I did really well. When we moved back to Oklahoma, I told the blood takers how I normally react, and they acted like they didnt lay people down, and they told me I would be fine. And I was. I started thinking, if I had time to think about what was happening and prepare myself, I would be fine. Because when they just popped it on me that I needed my flu shot (while pg with Jackson), I not only laid down for a while in the room.. I almost passed out while paying. They ran to get me water and sat me in the receptionists chair. A conversation followed: receptionist "did you just give blood".. me "no, i just got a flu shot". Seriously a weak stomach.

I was worried about the IV and the epidural in labor.. but both were a breeze.

So when I found out that I was going to be giving more blood, I started getting nervous. But I told myself.. you have had a baby. You are strong. But for some reason I was really really anxious about it.

On the way to the doctor, I stopped at Sonic and got me a HUGE water.. because that normally helps while I am giving blood. It makes me feel better.

Here is another thing.. my veins arent super easy to find. In fact, they are hard to find.

So I tell this girl that I was kind of nervous, and I sometimes dont do well.. she didnt offer to lay me down. I was being really strong. But she was having a really hard time finding my veins. She said she found one... so I look away and start sipping my water and saying out loud.. "ive had a baby.. ive had a baby" Well she takes a LONG time. So I finally say to her "are you almost done?" to which she replied " yes, but DONT look over here.. i may have bruised you"

Ok. I am fully aware that when you give blood, bruising is an option. Do NOT tell me about it.

So, I start getting really queasy. The conversation and situation goes as follows:

Me: I am really not feeling well
Blood Taker: Are you getting hot?
Me: Yes.. i am really not feeling well.
BT: If you get sick, I have a trash can
Me:I'm really not feeling well.
BT: (starts fanning me with a folder)
Me: You might want to get that trash can
BT: (screams) Stacy! Get some ice packs.. she's going down!!!
Me: (trying my hardest to not pass out or throw up)
Stacy and another nurse arrive with ice packs and wet washcloths that they start putting all over my face
S and BT: (screaming) KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!!!
Me: Trying my hardest to keep my eyes open
S and BT: (screaming) KEEP THEM OPEN!!!
S- girl, next time you need to tell us to lay you down
Me- (thinking.. I had asked before and I wasnt allowed to!)


Eventually (approximately 20 minutes later), I was feeling well enough to get up and leave. I was EXHAUSTED. It was the strangest thing. Anytime I have needed to pass out, I have passed out. This time, they didnt let me. I felt like I had been traumatized.

AND when I took off my cotton from my arm, she had poked me THREE times. No wonder it took so long.

So. Having a baby does NOT make your stomach stronger.