Inconvenient Annoyances

Thanks for the effort JFKimberley, you did your bit for medicine. His future patients thank you!

I'm not sure I really did his future patients a solid.  But I do know that while we were in there digging around in my wrist, he mentioned that he was accepted at Stanford and if things go to plan, he will be continuing his studies there soon.  So that means he probably won't be taking specimens from patients in his career.  I mean, the higher up doctors don't do that stuff.  They leave it to the pros.

JFK, that made my skin crawl! ABGs are bad enough when it someone who knows what they’re doing. Just...nope nope that student needs a lot more training lol. Hope the wrist stops hurting soon.

Ahh, sorry!  I didn't think anybody else here would have had one, so I didn't think it would be a "triggering" type story.  They really suck, don't they?

Oh dear.  You are too British!  Just say no next time. 

I was thinking of the greater good!  They have to learn somehow.  But, yeah... in future, I'll save the ABGs for the experienced people.  Or stick to the earlobe thing that I just learned about today.  That sounds rather okay, especially if they use my left ear where the brain surgery caused nerve damage... I might not even feel it!

Today I was given a choice.  I think I chose the questionable option.  Here's what happened:

I had my respiratory medicine appointment, and they sent me for a few tests, the last of which is called an arterial blood gas, or ABG, in the US.  It's called something similar here, because I knew what they were about to do to me, even if they didn't say ABG.  Anyway.  There's a new less invasive way of doing it now involving the earlobe that I'd never heard of, but medical students still need to learn the old way.  So I'm called into the room to get the sample and a very young guy says, "I'm [didn't-hear-his-name], and I'm a student here at the hospital... I would like to do your blood gas if it's okay with you.  Are you happy to have me do it?"

The thing with ABGs is they can go just fine, or they can hurt really really badly, or they can kill you.  I've had some that were a walk in the park.  I've had some that made it challenging to drive home afterward because my forearm hurt excrutiatingly with the least bit of strain.  So I look at this very young student and I said, "How do you feel about it?  Do you feel comfortable doing it?"  He said he'd like to do it.  Not quite what I asked.  But I replied, "If you are happy to do it, I am happy for you to do it...  so, how do you feel?"  My point being I didn't want a nervous person doing this test.  He again said he'd like to do it. *sigh*

So I let him.

First jab, he stuck the needle in my tender wrist and the artery wasn't where he thought it was.  So he pokes the needle around a bit.  No blood comes out, so he's obviously not finding the artery.  Continues poking around.  Still no blood.  I'm thinking that arm is now toast and I might have to sort out a ride home.  He pulls the needle out.  Regroups.  Throws away the wasted sharps, washes his hands, gets out another syringe and needle, debating which gauge of needle to use (and briefly opting for the larger one, and I'm all, "Umm... are you sure...?", so he says, "You probably have small arteries" and switches to the smaller gauge).  Before he goes in for the second time, he seemed interested in trying my other wrist.  I said no to that idea.  I'll stick with just one f'ed up arm, please and thank you.  Keep digging at this one.  So then we found my artery together.  I suggested he go a bit "north" of where he'd been poking around before, he went in a struck oil, and I was soooo relieved.  I mean, there's a needle in my artery and it hurts, but at least I know this will all be over soon as the syringe is filling up slowly.

So... I've since had two ibuprofen to keep the discomfort to a very dull ache in my wrist.  Hopefully, that'll be the extent of it.  Ask me tomorrow if I have serious regrets.

I understand the position that they put you in but where is your sense of self preservation, girl?!  I wouldn't have a regular blood draw done by a beginner let alone an ABG!!!  That would be a hard no!    . I would be happy for them to watch someone who knows what they are doing though! 

Ahh, sorry!  I didn't think anybody else here would have had one, so I didn't think it would be a "triggering" type story.  They really suck, don't they?

I was thinking of the greater good!  They have to learn somehow.  But, yeah... in future, I'll save the ABGs for the experienced people.  Or stick to the earlobe thing that I just learned about today.  That sounds rather okay, especially if they use my left ear where the brain surgery caused nerve damage... I might not even feel it!

Ah you’re ok it didn’t trigger me. I meant more for him being incompetent lol. They do hurt like nothing on this earth. I had a nerve conduction test once that hurt less than the abg and I cried for two days after that one.

I understand the position that they put you in but where is your sense of self preservation, girl?!  I wouldn't have a regular blood draw done by a beginner let alone an ABG!!!  That would be a hard no!    . I would be happy for them to watch someone who knows what they are doing though! 

You are wise.

Interestingly, though, today's experience was not the worst one I've ever had (so far... it could get worse as time passes and swelling sets in).  I mean, I was able to drive home (shifting with that hand!), and I even stopped at Aldi on the way.  There's a dull ache, but hopefully it won't get any worse than that.  I'll know more tomorrow.

Ah you’re ok it didn’t trigger me. I meant more for him being incompetent lol. They do hurt like nothing on this earth. I had a nerve conduction test once that hurt less than the abg and I cried for two days after that one.

I have not had a nerve conduction test (or if I did, it was not when I was of an age where I would remember it), but I suspect it's not nice at all...  *cringe*  Surely that hurt worse than an ABG...?  Surely!

It hurt a lot. I threatened the tech. The abg was more painful to me but I had been so poked and prodded at that point so I’m sure that was a factor. Don’t ever get a nerve conduction study. Just no. 

It hurt a lot. I threatened the tech. The abg was more painful to me but I had been so poked and prodded at that point so I’m sure that was a factor. Don’t ever get a nerve conduction study. Just no. 

I hope I never need one.  Ugh.  I have had bad ABGs, and I still would rather do ABG than the unknown, scary nerve conduction study.  I'm glad that's behind you.  Hopefully, you're all sorted now.

KF - UGH I really hope he gets better soon so you can all enjoy the holiday as a family

JF - I'm about to pass out from just picturing the image you've just described.

I hope I never need one.  Ugh.  I have had bad ABGs, and I still would rather do ABG than the unknown, scary nerve conduction study.  I'm glad that's behind you.  Hopefully, you're all sorted now.

Oh yeah, all good now. Nerve was trapped in groove of elbow so doc sliced my arm open and moved it. I don’t recommend that either. LOL.

Aww, KFDancer, I'm sorry about the wee man getting the flu! I hope the rest of you stay well and that he's up and at 'em quickly!

We are on holiday in the US for the first time in a year and a half.  We are on Day 4 of full blown flu for the baby.  I feel helpless.  Not to mention, this isn’t a fun way to spend holiday.  Hopefully no one else falls and he bounces back soon.

((hugs))

Just left a pub in a huff because they served two groups right in front of me.   After the second, I started complaining really loudly in the traditional passive aggressive British manner. Then the guy finally decided to take our order but started being a jerk to my kids.  So I just said "Don't worry about it, we are done here " and walked out.

The good news is well ended up in this place, with a beautiful view

I'll zoom in on the Needles:


The Gun Inn in KeyHaven, eat my shorts.  The Beach house in Milford is a hundred times better.

That looks like a nice place for a Sunday lunch Jim!

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Had a nice wee drive through the Trossachs today.

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The Gun Inn in KeyHaven, eat my shorts. 

Based on their Google reviews, you're not alone.

That's an inconvenient annoyance,  Tami??!
Looks lovely to me!