Thursday, December 24, 2009

My first blood and urine test

Apart from a simple blood test when I was pregnant to determine my blood type, I have never had a blood or urine test done for as long as I can remember. You see, I am terrified of needles, I can faint when I see a needle or when I see blood. I have a phobia towards this combination - blood and needles.

After Hayley was born my weight plummeted and my regular GP recommended a blood and urine test just to make sure I am ok. I got his letter back in Sept, went to his clinic a week later but he failed to draw blood out of me. He said my veins were too fine and my blood was thick. He poked both my hands and couldn't draw a single drop. My face was turning white and I almost fainted. I told him to stop. He asked me to come back next week to try again. I didn't go back.

Last week (yes it took me so long to build up my courage) I went to Pathlab. This time papa and Hayley came with me, I need their support. The lady at Pathlab escorted me to the back of the room and took out 3 bottles (to store the blood) and big needle. I kept telling her that I might faint, I have phobia and she must be quick and gentle.

She poked into my hand, I wasn't looking but I could feel it. I felt my head getting light and then it was over. She took out a big bottle of blood and transferred them to 3 smaller bottles. I didn't dare to see but was glad it was over so quickly and with so little pain. I also provided urine.

Yesterday I went back to collect my report and thankfully there was nothing major. Apart from being low in iron I had slighlt high cholesterol. I was advised to take multi vitamins to boost up my iron and to avoid fried and oily food.

I am relieved that I don't have to worry about this anymore until end of next year. Yes, I want to do this on a yearly basis to keep my health in check. From now on, I am going to try and eat more healthily cause I want to be alive to see my baby get married and I want to be alive to see my grandkids. In order to do that, I must be healthy :-).

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