LRM's Test

Yesterday we had to go to Children's Hospital (Outpatient Services) for Lilly Rose to get a blood test done. She had an inconclusive result on one of the tests that are done at birth, and the pediatrician (and the letter, which came from the state) recommended us to get it re-checked, which we gladly agreed to. It's a bit disconcerting to receive a letter like that, especially with all the medical information on the web. It's perfect recipe to increase my anxiety.

But anyway we went to the hospital, filled out some forms for the labs, and then walked back to the office to get it done. We went at the tail end of her nap, well around 9, she was due to wake up around 9:45-10. But I wasn't sure how long it would take to be seen or what not. So we brought some snacks for me and her! But I digress, we went back to the lab, signed in, and then waited. She stirred a bit, but my mom kept rocking her in the car seat. Then they called her name and we went back there.

It's one room, where they draw the blood, so we were the only people, aside from the nice lady who would perform the procedure. I had a bit of dread leading up to the procedure, but we kept thinking they would draw blood from her heel. But no - they were straight for her arm. She tied a blue band around right arm, and went looking for a vein. All I could see was Lilly's little arm, and couldn't fathom anyone sticking a needle in it. The needle, it looked rather long! But I guess in retrospect, it's called a butterfly, and was about an inch. I hid my eyes and her eyes, like that would shield us from what was to come. But once she was stuck, she let out a huge wail, I just lost it. She was in my arms but I couldn't comfort her - I was bawling myself. All I could see was the needle in her arm and the blood being drawn, and it felt like it was dripping at such a small rate. It certainly was not going fast enough.

With each cry/shout from her, more tears came from me. Thank goodness for my mom who was able to comfort me and Lilly Rose. The blue band was removed from her arm, as we neared the end of the collection. In between tears I could see the needle slowly being removed, and I would have thought the sobbing would stop, but no. Once the needle was out, JJ (my mom's name) gave Lilly Rose her pacifier and she calmed herself down. I needed my own pacifier. The tears kept coming - the lab lady opened a new box of tissues for me, and gave me time to compose myself.

Giving blood, needles, I can handle. But someone sticking my child and making her cry. Not cool, and it reduces me to tears. She's already much stronger than me - she got poked, she cried, she got over it. Me, I kept looking at her arm, would feel sad, and I avoided touching her arm ( we were told she would have a bruise, but that would go away). My mom said Lilly wouldn't even remember it - but I certainly will. But we got the results and all is good. As her pediatrician said, when she called yesterday, her blood work is fine. It's perfect! Thank goodness because I can't handle anymore blood being drawn - I'd gladly do it for her.