This morning I had an 8:00 AM appointment for my "labs" or blood test. I get these blood tests every six months from the VA.
I've been getting these blood tests every six months for over twenty years now from the VA. I attribute these blood test to perhaps saving my life by detecting my prostate cancer. For that I am very thankful. Prior to getting these blood tests I walked my health care tightrope without a safety net. Prior to when I signed up for VA healthcare in 1998, it had been years (about thirty or more) since I had a blood test. Yes, I was very lucky I didn't have a serious health problem that went undetected.
Usually my blood test procedure goes smoothly, however not this morning. Oh no.
I checked in at the kiosk with my VA card at about 7:45 AM for my 8 AM appointment. I took my seat and waited. As the clocked ticked by I saw other vets come in, seated then called. No one called me.
I decided to wait until 8:30 then I would ask. 8:30 came around and no call. I approached the window and said "Could you check to see if I'm in the system?" The woman asked me "Did you check in?" I told her I did. She said "Did you check in the kiosk to the far right?" Well, actually I didn't. This is the THIRD time I've checked into the work kiosk.
I can't get it straight. Six months flies by and I forget which kiosk to check in for my labs. This is like when I go to my cardiologist office. There are two doors to go in. One to see my doctor and the other to take tests. Of course I ALWAYS go in the wrong door. Always.
Is it me? Well, yes.
I took out my VA card and checked into the correct kiosk. In less than five minutes I was called in for my labs.
Usually when I have the needle stuck in my arm I hardly feel it or worse, a little prick (no pun intended). This morning when the attendant stuck the needle in it HURT. And I mean HURT. He had to take three vials of my precious blood. HURT. Even after he bandaged me up and I left, driving home, it still hurt. In fact this hurt more than I can ever remember. It's still sore, but not as much, four hours later.
That's the start of my day folks, I apologize for the whining but I just had to vent. Now to go to work.
Have a great day everyone!