Pincushion Princess

I have now been on the medications for a week, and it looks like I'll have about 5 more days, give or take. My eggs are all growing, although not exactly at the same rate. Some of them seem to be trying to win the size race, which is not really what we want. But they are at least producing estrogen like they are supposed to. My level yesterday was 190. I should get another level today.

But I have a whole new respect for these numbers. As a doctor, I order and evaluate lab tests all the time. It's an essential part of many, if not most, evaluations. But as useful as the blood can be in determining how to care for someone, people don't come with a spigot on their venous system. It takes a skilled hand to gently insert a needle and tap the vein. Lucky for me, the phlebotomist/nurse who draws my blood at the clinic is one of the best.

But even the best can have trouble some days. Today, my veins were not playing along. Given the two holes that already grace my left antecubital fossa (the front side of your elbow), my veins decided to run and hide today when they saw Ruby approaching with that needle. She tried for a new vein on the outer side, but after much digging around she had to abandon that site. Instead she went for the tried and true big blue vein on the inner side. This one hurts. No, I should say IT HURTS! Every time. I usually ask people not to stick me there because of the sensitivity, but it seems to just thrive in that protected environment, becoming bigger, bluer, and more tempting to those weilding needles. But the crappy thing is, she had to dig for that one too! Was Ruby off her game this morning? Were my veins still asleep in bed due to the early hour? I don't know, but I left with lots of gauze and a very sore arm. Sadly, I know there are many more days of the same waiting for me. Maybe I'll do some curls tomorrow morning before I arrive...

In any case, I'm developing a greater appreciation for what patients must endure at the hospital every time I sign a little order asking for a blood test. And taking blood out is not the only time people get poked. We also put things in. It's almost impossible to rent a room in a hospital without getting fluids pumped directly in via IV. And then there are the medications that get administered IV drip, IV push, subQ, and IM. I'm lucky that my current regimen only includes subQ shots, which means tiny needles that don't go very far in. But my "pinch an inch" tummy is beginning to look a lot like a mine field of bruises. Last night required two shots for one dose of medicine due to the increase in dose. And what do you know? It's time for my next shot.

For all of you reading out there, thank you for your love and support. I think my anxiety level is much lower this time around since I have an outlet for my thoughts and feelings, and so many loving supporters. Happy Good Friday everyone.