24hr urine collection, not my favorite. I felt awkward and uncomfortable and chained to my home. I was scared to be out and about lest I had to pee. So I hung out at home most of yesterday. Which wasn't too bad, but it was a beautiful day out and the first Saturday hubby and I haven't either had something to do for work or been out of town in about 6 weeks. But, minor inconvenience.
So this morning I go to drop of the collection container, get a blood test, and give 1 more urine sample. I went as close to the end of the 24hr period as I could, as I was advised. But today's blood test... man do I hate needles! My left arm is typically the arm they draw from as I have skinny veins, but today after the needle was shoved in and wiggled around and I almost passed out, she decided the right arm might be the better alternative. So onto the right arm... I'm not sure if this was actually true or not, but it felt like the needle she was using was huge! It wasn't a tiny prick, it hurt! And since it was only 1 vial of blood today she didn't use a butterfly needle, the ones with the cord, she used a regular needed and so when she went to impale the vial to collect the blood she ended up digging the massive needle further into my arm and sending sparks shooting up and down. It was not a pleasant experience.
So now I have two track marks from today's test, and the urine collection is done! At least the last sample I had to give was a regular lab sample and not a 24hr one... that really sucked. I guess if I'm being honest it made me feel like I was sick, like there was something wrong with me. None of the other tests have made me feel that way, all the other tests have been to confirm that I am healthy (as I know this one was as well) and were just something I did. But this urine collection... not a fan.
I can see the bruises starting from the blood test too... long sleeves for me today so people don't think I'm turning into some sort of junkie with all the track marks I have lately. Ugh.. could never be a junkie, cannot stand needles.
So here's a question for you: what is your least favorite medical test/procedure and how do you cope?
Showing posts with label needles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label needles. Show all posts
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Too low to go
On June 16th I ment with the nephrologist (and the rest of the committee) and we talked risks and the gambit. The next day I emailed my transplant coordinator with a signed copy of my Personal Directive, and a note letting her know that my husband and I had talked about the risks and were comfortable moving forward. Then I got the news regarding my low iron. Blah! My iron levels are at an 8, and the acceptable range is 12-31. Thats really low. I'll have a lot of work to do to make sure that I get my iron up. And the transplant cant move forward until I get it up. Meaning the team cannot all come together and decide if I'm fit for donation. Mentally I'm good to go, and physically all my tests have come back looking good, but the only thing is my Iron.
To me, this seemed like a really small thing, but then I did some research, and here's what I found:
"The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Much of the iron our body is stored in the bone marrow that makes blood cells. When there is not enough iron in the bloodstream, the body uses the bone marrow reserves. If this iron stored in the bone marrow is low, red blood cells do not form properly: they are smaller than usual (microcytosis) and fewer. As a result, less hemoglobin is available to transport oxygen throughout the body."
Also: "Your body needs iron so it can make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Brain activity, breathing, cellular respiration and every activity of the body depends on there being enough iron in the blood."
Note to self: Get iron levels up. My Transplant Coordinator did say that she has delt with this before and the treatment was IV iron. Eeek. I hate needles, with a passion. But, if thats what it takes, then thats what I'll do.
So today I go to my family doctor to work on this, and will be having all test results sent to the hospital as well to keep them in the loop. Cannot wait to have my iron levels back up.
To me, this seemed like a really small thing, but then I did some research, and here's what I found:
"The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Much of the iron our body is stored in the bone marrow that makes blood cells. When there is not enough iron in the bloodstream, the body uses the bone marrow reserves. If this iron stored in the bone marrow is low, red blood cells do not form properly: they are smaller than usual (microcytosis) and fewer. As a result, less hemoglobin is available to transport oxygen throughout the body."Also: "Your body needs iron so it can make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Brain activity, breathing, cellular respiration and every activity of the body depends on there being enough iron in the blood."
Note to self: Get iron levels up. My Transplant Coordinator did say that she has delt with this before and the treatment was IV iron. Eeek. I hate needles, with a passion. But, if thats what it takes, then thats what I'll do.
So today I go to my family doctor to work on this, and will be having all test results sent to the hospital as well to keep them in the loop. Cannot wait to have my iron levels back up.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hospital Gown, House Coat, and my Red High Heels
Last night was my MRI to look at the veins and arteries of my kidneys to help the surgeons determine which kidney to remove (which one will be easiest to remove) and to make sure both kidneys were functioning at a level which will enable my body to function with only 1.
So here's how it went. The test was scheduled for 630pm, I was to arrive at the hospital by 6, and was to fast for 6hrs prior.
Upon arrival I am given a questionnaire to fill out mostly pertaining to prior surgeries and any instance where I would have metal in my body. Thankfully I don't have a pacemaker or screws in any bones, and the tattoo that I have is over 3 weeks old (its 8 years old actually). I fill out the form, and get to change into the hospital gown, and robe. Everything had to come off except underwear and shoes. Of course I managed to still look fashionable in my red high heels. Or at least as fashionable as one can look in such a situation.
I do admit it was a joy having to wait in a general waiting room with friends and family of other patients while in such a fashionable outfit, instead of a waiting room normally reserved for patients who have had to change.
Needless to say the wait felt rather long, due in part to the fact they didnt call me for my test until 7pm.
At this point a technician went over the form I had just filled out ensuring I fully understood everything and walking me through the MRI.
I laid down on the "bed" and the tech went vein hunting. My veins are not easy to find on the best of days, and they like to hide when I am not well hydrated. Being as I had been fasting for over 6hrs, it took 2 techs 2 arms to get a vein that worked. Did I mention I hate needles? Super fun.
On the "bed" I have a needle in my arm, some cage-esque device over my abdomen, and am strapped in. The vein on my left side had a tube which would carry the contrast into my body, and it was hooked around my left fingers to keep it in place. In my right hand I had a panic balloon in case it was too much and I needed to stop the test and get out immediately.
They put me into the machine and that was certainly an experience. I've never had an MRI before so this was all new to me. The top of the machine was hardly 4inches from the tip of my nose, there was a bright light and a fan. I fully understand how the fan would help keep air moving and help people with claustrophobia, but for me, it just made me cold, and I am frozen at the best of times.
I had these headphones on to get breathing instructions as it was important for when they were taking the pictures. And also to muffle the incredibly loud noise of the machine.
The instructions were "breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out, stop breathing" and I was to hold my breath until they told me to resume. This was about as hard as it sounded. Thankfully when they were walking me through the procedure before we started the told me about how long each time was going to take, and it was easier when I counted as compared to me just holding my breath and having no idea when it would be okay for me to breath again. Each time it was about 23 seconds, and there was 1 longer one of just over 30seconds. They took several pictures in this way, and each time the machine made a new and different, yet equally loud and annoying noise.
Then the contrast was inserted. This felt akin to slowly dipping my arm in very cold water as the contrast worked its way through my veins. I didnt really feel it through the rest of my body, mostly just the arm. Once the contrast was in they took another series of pictures, same breathing instructions, waited 2mins, and took the final series. The entire test took about 20minutes.
The pulled me out, unstrapped me, took the needle out, and I was free to put my red high heels on, change and leave.
How did I feel during all this? It felt like the world only existed in that small space, and I lost all concept of time. I didnt feel claustrophobic or anything like that, but I did feel nausuated and disorientated when it was finished.
It wasnt a hard test, and other than the multiple needles looking for a vein it was relatively painless. If they hadnt been running late I would have been at the hospital for about an hour.
The last things I have are a meeting with the psychiatrist (the appointment still hasnt been booked and likely wont be until May), then with a Doctor to go over all the test results and to determine which kidney they are taking, and finally on to the surgeons. How many surgeons and transplant specialists depends on if I am staying local, or if I am going to be going somewhere else in the country for the surgery.
I hope to be able to donate in this city as I dont think I would be comfortable trying to recover in a hotel.
And as we get closer to being confirmed for surgery I am getting to a point where I am going to need to tell my boss. I havent said anything at this point, although I did tell her I was going for an MRI, and was 1 step away from telling her the full story. I told her about the MRI so she would know that some of this has been going on for a while, and wont be caught fully off guard when I do tell her. My husband thinks I should tell her the full story when I get confirmed, but I am leaning towards just telling her that I need surgery to remove a kidney and leaving it at that. I dont want any accolades or special treatment, and I know if I tell her it will be very hard for her to keep this between us. I know I need to figure all of this out, but I also know that it will be a while before I tell her as there is really no point until I am confirmed as a donor and the surgery is booked.
For now, I'm just happy to be back in regular clothes and out of the hospital gowns.
So here's how it went. The test was scheduled for 630pm, I was to arrive at the hospital by 6, and was to fast for 6hrs prior.
Upon arrival I am given a questionnaire to fill out mostly pertaining to prior surgeries and any instance where I would have metal in my body. Thankfully I don't have a pacemaker or screws in any bones, and the tattoo that I have is over 3 weeks old (its 8 years old actually). I fill out the form, and get to change into the hospital gown, and robe. Everything had to come off except underwear and shoes. Of course I managed to still look fashionable in my red high heels. Or at least as fashionable as one can look in such a situation.
I do admit it was a joy having to wait in a general waiting room with friends and family of other patients while in such a fashionable outfit, instead of a waiting room normally reserved for patients who have had to change.
Needless to say the wait felt rather long, due in part to the fact they didnt call me for my test until 7pm.
At this point a technician went over the form I had just filled out ensuring I fully understood everything and walking me through the MRI.
I laid down on the "bed" and the tech went vein hunting. My veins are not easy to find on the best of days, and they like to hide when I am not well hydrated. Being as I had been fasting for over 6hrs, it took 2 techs 2 arms to get a vein that worked. Did I mention I hate needles? Super fun.
On the "bed" I have a needle in my arm, some cage-esque device over my abdomen, and am strapped in. The vein on my left side had a tube which would carry the contrast into my body, and it was hooked around my left fingers to keep it in place. In my right hand I had a panic balloon in case it was too much and I needed to stop the test and get out immediately.
They put me into the machine and that was certainly an experience. I've never had an MRI before so this was all new to me. The top of the machine was hardly 4inches from the tip of my nose, there was a bright light and a fan. I fully understand how the fan would help keep air moving and help people with claustrophobia, but for me, it just made me cold, and I am frozen at the best of times.
I had these headphones on to get breathing instructions as it was important for when they were taking the pictures. And also to muffle the incredibly loud noise of the machine.
The instructions were "breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out, stop breathing" and I was to hold my breath until they told me to resume. This was about as hard as it sounded. Thankfully when they were walking me through the procedure before we started the told me about how long each time was going to take, and it was easier when I counted as compared to me just holding my breath and having no idea when it would be okay for me to breath again. Each time it was about 23 seconds, and there was 1 longer one of just over 30seconds. They took several pictures in this way, and each time the machine made a new and different, yet equally loud and annoying noise.
Then the contrast was inserted. This felt akin to slowly dipping my arm in very cold water as the contrast worked its way through my veins. I didnt really feel it through the rest of my body, mostly just the arm. Once the contrast was in they took another series of pictures, same breathing instructions, waited 2mins, and took the final series. The entire test took about 20minutes.
The pulled me out, unstrapped me, took the needle out, and I was free to put my red high heels on, change and leave.
How did I feel during all this? It felt like the world only existed in that small space, and I lost all concept of time. I didnt feel claustrophobic or anything like that, but I did feel nausuated and disorientated when it was finished.
It wasnt a hard test, and other than the multiple needles looking for a vein it was relatively painless. If they hadnt been running late I would have been at the hospital for about an hour.
The last things I have are a meeting with the psychiatrist (the appointment still hasnt been booked and likely wont be until May), then with a Doctor to go over all the test results and to determine which kidney they are taking, and finally on to the surgeons. How many surgeons and transplant specialists depends on if I am staying local, or if I am going to be going somewhere else in the country for the surgery.
I hope to be able to donate in this city as I dont think I would be comfortable trying to recover in a hotel.
And as we get closer to being confirmed for surgery I am getting to a point where I am going to need to tell my boss. I havent said anything at this point, although I did tell her I was going for an MRI, and was 1 step away from telling her the full story. I told her about the MRI so she would know that some of this has been going on for a while, and wont be caught fully off guard when I do tell her. My husband thinks I should tell her the full story when I get confirmed, but I am leaning towards just telling her that I need surgery to remove a kidney and leaving it at that. I dont want any accolades or special treatment, and I know if I tell her it will be very hard for her to keep this between us. I know I need to figure all of this out, but I also know that it will be a while before I tell her as there is really no point until I am confirmed as a donor and the surgery is booked.
For now, I'm just happy to be back in regular clothes and out of the hospital gowns.
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