Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Trying to get blood out of a stone.

That is what it is like when I have bloodwork done.  I mean they've even taken to using the children's needles to get blood.  Finding a vein is a long painful process as well.  So last Friday when I had to have blood work done, I was not looking forward to it.  We were however using a different clinic in the town where we have moved too, so I was praying and hoping things might be easier.

It was, thank goodness, the only thing that hurt was the tap, tapping trying to find a vein.  I was so pleased and thankful I came out of there smiling.  Never thought anything more, until Monday and I was talking to my dad on the phone and he mentioned he was going for bloodwork.  So I told him my story and looked at my arm.
 Now that photo doesn't really show you what it is really like, but I am all bruised.  I was puzzled as she didn't hurt me?  My dad said I maybe lifted something heavy, well I carry my handbag on my left arm and she took blood from my right?   Otherwise I didn't lift anything heavy that day.  Very puzzling.

I knit my first dishcloth and will gift it to dd, as she never has any dishcloth's at her house.
I went to the knit and sit despite being sick as I wanted to make a start on knitting a hat. I only stayed a couple of hours though. The pattern is "knit in the round," which although I knew what it meant, I couldn't get my head around it as how to do it.
Now I am telling you, without the ladies help I would never have been able to do this.  Now that I have done this, it's pretty easy.  I am using this pattern, except no stripes and it is for a toddler.  I am also a follower on their blog as it's so good.  I was telling dh that there is hope for me with this knitting!

Finally thank you everyone for your great comments yesterday.  It was really interesting to read why people blog, don't you think?  If I didn't comment back on your blog, my apologies.  

27 comments:

Betsy said...

We have the same problems when having a blood draw and I almost always bruise like that for some reason. Very frustrating for me. I would love to be a blood donor but they won't even consider it because of this. Your hat is going on very well. I prefer knitting in the round...no dropped needles!
Blessings,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Oh Gill, i have the shame of being kicked out of the blood bank because i am too difficult to take blood out of for the same reasons. I come out like a pin cushion and usually its been unsuccessful (too many holes). I became a donor to get over my fear of blood! Oh the shame. I cant even give it away.

Apparently my veins like to hide and when by some miracle they can get a needle in they collapse. Oh, i know, drink drink drink but i've drunk litres and it doesn't make any difference.

Oh Well. At least with bruises you get a little attention. Nothing worse than being in pain and no obvious marks to garner sympathy.

Out My window said...

Over hydrate yourself. I mean the day before over drink water until you are ready to burst and then drink several glasses before you go in. Make sure you veins are plumped with water. Otherwise they go mining for a vein and that is so painful. Been there.Hope you feel better soon.

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

I bruise when they take blood from me and they have to use my left arm. I like the colours on the dishcloth. That's very clever of you getting that pattern in there.

magsmcc said...

I think that bruising can come up later, even if the bloo dtest has been fine. That's my experience! I am very impressed with your circular knitting, but bemused by only staying a couple of hours. Our group only meets for two hours, and sometimes my concentration has been stretched to its limit well before the end! You are clearly much more focused than me!! I am thinking now about blogging. I think I blog now to stay in touch with the amazing group of women I now feel some connection with across the wide world.

Aodhnait said...

Veins are funny things.

Doctors have no problems finding a vein in my arm while they struggle to find my identical twin sisters veins!

That's some bruising!!

Cath said...

Ouchie . Did they put tape over a cotton wool ball? Looks like a tape bruise to me ,as you pull it off it lifts the skin and bruises . So used to seeing it as my DH is allergic to the tape they used to use and so always had them .
Looking good with the knitting .xx

The Cranky said...

I can so empathise about the bloodwork! My mother generously passed on her squinchy, rolly, breaky veins so getting a stick is an exercise in endurance.
Funny but true: Needed blood drawn for some pretty important tests and the phlebotomist (sp?) left the room in tears after numerous attempts. My doctor at the time, and his medical partner, came in to attempt it, and because both are tall and I am decidedly not, they were on their knees on the floor trying to get blood. My doctor, being a big goof, looked up at me and said "Yup, I always knew you were an Empress." Being the wit I am, I said "huh?" and he came back with..." You have to be an Empress, you've got two old queens on their knees." I laughed so hard it pushed the needle right back out.

Gillian said...

I love knitting things like hats and tea cosies in the round. It makes the finished article so nest when it doesn't have a seam.

Maggie said...

My youngest daughter has the same problem with them getting a blood sample, the last time she had 3 different people try.

Well done for mastering knitting in the round :-)

I read your post yesterday but was so busy didn't get round to replying, but would like to say i enjoyed reading it, some very good and interesting points.

Linda aka Crafty Gardener said...

I've been away for a few days, a trip to Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, so I'm just catching up with the sites I visit. Your knitting is coming along fantastic. Having support from a great group of knitters is so helpful.
Why do I blog ... to share my love of gardening and crafting, to meet great people that I would never have the change to meet, and to share my photographs.
Have a great day, sure hope you are feeling better soon.

Pom Pom said...

Isn't it funny that our daughters don't seem to use dishcloths like we do? My mom uses lots of washcloths so I have to buy some more before she comes.
I'm so sorry about your bruises. Lavender oil helps. Great job with the hat!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Oh I know what you mean, the drs can never get my blood (though when I used to give blood, they never had a problem), I seem to give it better from my hands. Your knitting is looking good, hope you're feeling better xx

EG CameraGirl said...

Sorry about the bruises!

I think your knitting is coming along very well! Kudos to your teacher and to the knitting group you've joined!

DeniseinVA said...

Not a pleasant experience, getting blood drawn. Well, from one type of needle to another, your knitting looks great. I would love to learn how.

Rose said...

My husband has the same problem when getting blood drawn. Seems like there is the odd person who has no trouble at all, but most have a serious time of it, and sometimes have to go get someone else to try.

I wish I had the nerve to try knitting, but I tell you, I don't think my brain will hold any more. Plus, I have enough fabric till I should not look at anything else for the rest of my life.

William Kendall said...

When I give blood, from time to time bruising does result.

One Family said...

I am the same why trying to have blood drawn! I've also found it really depends on who does it. At my last physical I was going through the same problem and then the lady asked the other lab tech to come over and try and he did it in first try, with no problems.

Stella Jones said...

I don't have that problem with blood work, although they did tell me once that I had a very thick hide!!! Maybe that's why I never cut myself shaving?!? I can scrape away for ages and have no ill effects.
Your knitting is doing you proud. It's coming on really well, Gill.

Jenn Jilks said...

My poor hubby has small veins. It's always tough for the healthcare peeps!

Belinda said...

I agree with the person who said to drink a lot of water before you go have blood drawn. It should help some. I'm glad it did not hurt this time. :)

Your dishcloth is so nice!! I really like it. You always make me want to learn to knit. Maybe I will tackle that as a project this summer. :)

barbara woods said...

I have small veins but a really good nurse can find them at once , i always drink lots of water and drink black coffee before i go. have to have some coffee

Gail said...

If I'm dehydrated they have trouble. Thankfully I have either easy veins or easy nurses. The top of my hand is very painful when they go in that way.

I learned yarn on and pearl one. I can crochet and that seems quite simple to me.

Want to go on "stake out"? thanks for stopping by to visit.

Carola Bartz said...

When I have bloodwork done the nurses almost always have problems finding my veins. I'm always bruised afterwards!

Thank you for the link to the hat pattern! I have been looking for a nice hat for a toddler, and I love to knit in the round.

Summer said...

your arm looks painful! your knitting looks great. haven't used those round needles for years, I dare say that's next on my list lol

Anonymous said...

Woah! I'm really digging the template/theme of this blog.

It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times
it's very difficult to get that "perfect balance" between superb usability and visual appearance.
I must say you've done a amazing job with this. Additionally,
the blog loads super fast for me on Safari. Superb Blog!



My blog post smog check - auto glass repair oxnard

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed
reading it, you might be a great author. I
will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice weekend!



Also visit my blog - Locksmith Camarillo

{{{SIGH}}}

Tuesday was a mixed bag type of day. Had the appliance repair guy come again to install another circuit board in the fridge.  When hubby got...