We brought Bennett for bloodwork yesterday. Not for any recent illness but because our pediatrician wants to rule out everything. We've put it off for a couple months but finally went yesterday. Bennett was not impressed - one lab tech laid on top of him, Jim held his legs down and the other tech held his arm and took the blood - what did mommy do you ask? Well, the only sensible thing I could think of - I left the room and cried in the hallway. They took 4 vials of blood and it took forever because they lost the vein partway through. We were happy to have it done and over with until we got home and listened to the message on the answering machine - it was the lab - they wanted us to bring him back because - oops- they had made a mistake and didn't get enough blood! I refused to bring him back and insisted that we could finish next week, which they agreed to.
We also have to get a urine sample from him. I remember when the doctor told us this. Jim and I being totally in sync as usual, both wondered "how the heck do we do that?". I give Jim credit though because he had the courage to both ask and answer the question in the same sentence - "How do we do that - wring out the diaper?". Ahh....I still giggle when I think of it. It does make sense - at least to me. However, apparently that is not how you get a urine sample from a baby. Apparently you use a bag.
So yesterday, I asked the lab tech about the urine sample and she gave me a bottle and asked the following question: "Does he pee?" It may seem like a simple question but I must admit I wasn't even sure how to answer that one without inserting sarcasm somewhere in my answer. Instead I politely replied, "Yes, as a matter of fact, he does pee - however, he doesn't do it on command and I really doubt he'll do it in that little bottle". I then asked about a bag and she agreed to get me one. It is a strange looking contraption for sure so I thought I would ask how to use it. She proceeded to whisper - "You put it around his ...uh.....you know...scrotum...and uh.........". She seemed so uncomfortable at this point that I decided to just end the conversation and figure it out myself.
Now I'm asking all of you - can anyone help me? Any suggestions?
3 comments:
Good morning one and all.
THE BAG ... try like the sock at breakfast ... wrap and tape it on his penis and tuck it in the diaper. Bennett should urinate shortly after he has his morning bottle. Nothing ventured norhting gained. Give it a shot - you have nothing to loose. Chances are he will NOT be a happy baby but it has to be done. If only it were as simple as 'wringing out the diaper'. Ha! Ha! Now, can you picture it and who would do it - mommy or daddy?
We are left a little bewildered at what qualifications are needed to take blood and who is 'in charge' of 'counting the vials' required to complete the blood work. OK, Bennett was somewhat upset (and rightfully so) but we are assuming that he was not the only baby they did blood work on. How many BAGS do they keep on hand? Are we surprised with the blood scare the system experienced only too recently? We say NO. Who is in charge anyway? Good for Mommy and Daddy for saying that 'enough was enough'.
You all survived (including the lab techs) to keep us posted and write another Blog.
This Blog was 'not so LOL funny' but we are sure that 'THE BAG' update will bring some belly laughs.
Enjoy in joy.
Love and prayers
Mummu and Poppa
xxx ooo xxx ooo xxx ooo
Ah the dreaded u-bag. I've tried it many times on Kasia and sadly, never managed to capture more than a few drops - which I then promptly lost upon attempting to transer the drops into the sample bottle. I wish you good luck grasshopper.....
It makes me sad to hear about the blood drawing experience. That is hard enough as it is without all of the extra drama. I would have been with you in the hall crying....
I am interested to hear what happens with the bag. Jim's question and answer were hilarious! I hope the doctor found the humor in it
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