Why don't they listen

So I went to get lab work today and I told the tech that no one ever has luck getting blood from my arms and they always have the best luck on my right hand.

Well she didn't listen. She tried both arms and couldn't find a vein. Two painful sticks. So she got another tech. The tried my left arm and fail so I again politely asked them to please try my right hand. So he finally did and they got a vein on the first try.

I don't know why they don't listen. I've only lived in my body my whole life so I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about.

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BamPow · 51-55, M

Sorry you had to go through that. I’ve been lucky in that the lab techs actually listen to me or have so far. Years ago, a phlebotomist found that a large vein pops on my left arm if I make a fist and then rotate it. That has saved me from a lot of painful IV’s and lab sticks, because my veins are otherwise hard to find.

Cigarguy · M

@BamPow I think alot of medical people don't listen to me because I'm the guy with tourette's and they just want to get me out of there as fast as possible

BamPow · 51-55, M

@Cigarguy I’m sorry to hear that. That’s horrible if your quality of care is less than because of that.

Cigarguy · M

@BamPow I do believe it has. It's gotten better this year but it was really bad when I was younger

SinlessOnslaught · M

You wouldn't believe all the crazy stuff patients tell them.

I have no experience in the medical field but I know as an auto tech I heard all sorts of insane requests.

Not saying yours is insane since it clearly worked, just saying they're jaded and learned not to trust what the patient says.

Cigarguy · M

@SinlessOnslaught I do understand stand that and totally get why they have to be careful listening to people but it wasn't like I said use my foot or something lol.

4meAndyou · F

Knowing you as I think I do, you probably spoke to them very politely, and they felt free to ignore you.

If you say to them first...in a semi-angry and commanding voice..."I NEED you to pay attention!!! I am a difficult stick!!!! I need a tech who will pay attention!!!" And then tell them where they can get the blood most easily.

That's what I have to do for an IV stick. Otherwise they just torture me.

Cigarguy · M

@4meAndyou lol Yes I probably should of spoken up in the first place. I have a nice bruise on both my arms now from their failed attempts

Barefooter25 · 46-50, M

I know the feeling. It's scary to know that people working at these lab tech places have the same mentality as some teenage kid working at McDonald's or at a supermarket.

Cigarguy · M

@Barefooter25 yes but at least they got it done and I don't have to go back. I've had that happen they could find a vein and asked me to come back the next day

Gusman · 61-69, M

That is strange. I say that because every time I have blood taken I am asked what arm I want it taken from.

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Gusman · 61-69, M

@Cigarguy At some stage in your life you need to take a stand and have others listen to you.
Stop people walking all over you. You deserve to be listened to and you deserve to be respected as every other person is respected.

Cigarguy · M

@Gusman I know I can't have Joel right all my battles and I am working on it. I just shut down pretty fast when they don't listen. Maybe I need therapy more than once a week 😞

Gusman · 61-69, M

If they want to use your left arm, pull away and tell them, "Use my right hand"
If they want to use your left arm, pull away and tell them, "Use my right hand"
If they want to use your left arm, pull away and tell them, "Use my right hand"
If they want to use your left arm, pull away and tell them, "Use my right hand"

Unefilletrescurieuse · F

Next time insist they try there first! They should honor your wishes.

Cigarguy · M

@Unefilletrescurieuse I will, my partner wasn't happy when he saw the bruises.

Poppies · 61-69, F

They see it as a challenge.

Cigarguy · M

@Poppies well my arms didn't enjoy it very much

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