Tuesday, 29 December 2009

Back to John Hunter today for Drew's blood test. Being Christmas time their isn't a lot of staff on, so we went around to the Pathology department to have Drew's bloods done. That was my first mistake - unfamiliar surroundings. Unfortunately, virtually no blood came out of his finger, which meant we had to get it out of his vein. Drew was none to happy about that, the good thing about having it done in pathology is thats what they do all day, stick needles in people, so they're very good at it, it was just convincing Drew of that! We went outside and I had a chat to him and he let me put the cream on his arm (which numbs it so he doesn't feel the needle), we then went for a walk and he was full of beans and ready to go back to pathology. I'd asked for the best person to do it and they said that was Lilly. So attempt number 2, I was taking off the plastic covering and the last little bit pulled the hair on his arm, mistake no. 2. The tourniquet was on, cream off, we were doing the breathing and then the wheels came off, Drew started to resist and get cranky and then so did Mum. Back to the Day Unit we went, with Kurt in tow. Drew and I had words and I left to have a coffee and regain some composure and let Drew come around as well. When I came back he was happily playing with Kurt, I was still upset wondering how we were going to get this done and how long was it going to take. Around 12pm (we have now been here 3 hours and seen others have blood, see the Dr and go home) I put it to Drew again about having Lilly come around to the Day Unit for another attempt and he agreed, to my relief, but would he go through with it. Within 15 minutes Lilly was there, Drew co-operated, the needle was in and the syringe was full of blood before Drew could blink, I think even he was surprised. By the time the results came back and we saw the Dr, it was now about 1.30pm - a very long day. You can see the weight lift of his shoulders (mine too) and then he gets disappointed with himself that he couldn't do it earlier. Drew and I spoke about it at home and have decided we need to 'practice' every day at home and maybe have some more sessions with Jodie.