Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
The Luck of the Draw
Who would she get today? Perhaps a young man with a charming smile; or a middle-aged woman with an experienced manner. She knew it wouldn’t matter, the outcome was consistently and depressingly predictable.
She fought the feeling of helplessness and as usual, strove to control her part. She prepared as prescribed, arriving on time, and registering. Then she waited, and waited and waited. After an eternity, she heard her name, and followed the unassuming young woman down the hall, into the tiny room.
In spite of her fear and dread, she dutifully spoke her lines clearly, reiterating the warnings and admonitions, relayed to her by the long line of earlier practitioners. After a third unsuccessful attempt, the “expert” joined the party. Shared dark humor about ‘rolling veins’ and ‘good veins, gone bad’, always precluded success; and a few stabs later, the mother lode was struck. She closed her eyes, daring not to breathe until it was over, lest her sigh of relief cause another uncontrollable roll or collapse.
Unsteadily, she returned to the waiting room, sensing that everyone was staring at her; at her many band-aids, and at the evident relief on her now ashen face. She didn’t care. Her ordeal was over…this time.
“Blood Work” is a bitch!
Written in response to Trifecta Week Sixty-One: Bitch (www.trifectawritingchallenge.com)
- Your response must be between 33 and 333 words.
- You must use the 3rd definition of the given word in your post.
- The word itself needs to be included in your response.
- You may not use a variation of the word; it needs to be exactly as stated above.
- Only one entry per writer.
- Trifecta is open to everyone!! Please join us.
BITCH (noun)
1: the female of the dog or some other carnivorous mammals
2a : a lewd or immoral woman b : a malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman —sometimes used as a generalized term of abuse
3: something that is extremely difficult, objectionable, or unpleasant
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bitch
22 Comments on “The Luck of the Draw”
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Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
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Due to medication I take, I have to get lab work done on a regular basis. I’ve been lucky and the techs who usually draw blood are very good at their job.
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Sorry you need to have blood levels checked so often. I’ve been through similar regimens with family members. I hope you gave ‘good’ veins. I stress out, big time, every time.
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I used to donate blood a couple times a year, then I had a terrible experience like the one mentioned in your story and ever since I can’t stand bloodwork! It’s been 10 years and I still haven’t ever gone back to donate blood!
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Hi Rachel,
Years ago I went to donate blood during an employer-sponsored blood drive. I was happy to do it, though a bit nervous. It was a horrible experience, and afterwards, the technician told me I should never donate blood. She said that my blood flowed so slowly that even if they could get enough, it was basically, useless. Now I only get bloodwork when absolutely necessary, once or twice a year. It is always the same-almost like a self fulfilling prophecy. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I empathize.
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Ouch!!!
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Quadruple ouch!
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ugh blood work ): Great piece!
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So many kindred spirits on this subject. Thanks!
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Oh,oh,I know this feeling so well!9 out of 10 times,they fail to find the vein-the last time(a year bk) I almost blacked out & now have developed an irrational fear of the process.I agree blood work is a bitch:-)Well said!
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And I thought I was the only person obsessed with fear over blood work. I’m so glad that I’m not as abnormal as I suspected. Thanks..and good luck next time.
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:-)We are all so similar in so many ways everywhere-only we never know till we share-thk u & wish u the same too
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Yes, I agree. Great insight.
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🙂
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not crazy at all . . . my last mri required bloodwork twice in the same week (yeah, I dunno either). The second person did not want to go for the good vein because it had been used two days before. So he went for the other arm, said “I hope that’s not a tendon .. . .” and of course it was – a tendon, not a vein. OUCH! I’m sorry for your pain.
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Ouch! I’m sorry for yours too. I thought I had already replied,but don’t see it now. I wanted to be sure to let you know that I empathize completely. In my case the sweet young lady was a newbie, but I reassured her that it was me, and not her fault, lest she begin her blood drawing career with a bad experience. Thank you for commenting and good luck to those of us with challenging veins.
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great job with this prompt!
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Thanks, Deana! Yesterday’s trip to the lab was typical…still licking my wounds!
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Some routines really are worse than others. Nicely disguised twist.
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Yes..and those who have no problem think I’m crazy to stress out over a simple diagnostic tool. Thanks for commenting.
Joanne
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It can be tough to get a vein sometimes. They can be tricky.
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Especially, when the veins are mine😱. Yesterday I had a cholesterol test and today my right arm is still aching from several hunt and peck excursions…ugh! This one is from the heart…no pun intended.
Thanks.
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