I had to get another blood test today. Fortunately, an old neighbor mentioned what specifically to say so that the technicians would use the smaller needle for me. It only takes an extra few seconds total, but they almost always use the larger needle since it is faster.
When I went a previous time, I had mentioned that it was always very physically painful for me. The technician offered to use “the smaller needle”. I was delighted to discover there was a smaller one. All went well. It still hurt, but not as badly as usual. The next time, however, when I asked for “the smaller needle”, the technician kind of scoffed and said something to brush away the request, as though there only was one needle size. I felt duped, but also remembered looking at the needle the previous time – it had been smaller than the one in front of me right now.
Naturally, I bruised on this one. 
When I went back this weekend, I imagined I had made it up about the smaller needle, and was too embarrassed to say anything about it. I didn’t bruise this time – the lady was very gentle and kept apologizing, because she truly saw how painful it was for me. But it still very much hurt, and it left a blood mark that still is there and slightly tender.
Nonetheless, an old neighbor who is also a nurse told me afterward to use the phrase “butterfly needle” and, if needed, “I respectfully request that you use a butterfly needle,” should the technician try to use the standard one despite my initial request.
So, when I went today, I requested a butterfly needle, please. The lady didn’t say anything, but went briefly into another room and came back with a little package thing. She gathered the rest of her supplies, then opened the little package. Of course, it was the smaller needle with the little ‘butterfly’ wings to hold it steadily and the flexible tube for the blood to transfer to the vile indirectly.
I kid you not, it was loads better than the other day. It absolutely still stung and was sore for a while afterward, but nowhere near as much or as long as usual. And that was great.
My body clearly is not about being messed with. I am, therefore, grateful for the help I was given in helping to ease the stress and pain of this current situation.
Thank you, God, for the greater ease of today’s test and interaction. And thank you for the care I was given by my friend today afterward. Keep us safe and well, please. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Post-a-day 2024
hannah ananas 