Blood Test

Getting blood extracted makes us uneasy and sometimes downright terrified. I know I was. It became a little easier after having it done yearly for my annual physical exam.

Yesterday, I brought Via to a pedia-allergologist at the Medical City. She's had her cough for months now, it comes and goes, but this time it's been 2 months. Daddy said her lungs were clear and it's allergy or asthma most likely.  For my peace of mind I decided to bring her to this specialist who I've heard was very good. She was! Consultation is by appointment and when we got to her clinic, we were ushered in right away. No long wait in line.

Anyway, she wanted Via to get a blood test (Total IgE) to determine if she had any allergies to anything. We went to Ambulatory Services on the ground floor for the blood test. There were few people around as it was late in the afternoon and soon it was Via's turn.

The Medtech (a woman) looked  apprehensive while looking at Via although she smiled at Via and made noises that was supposed to calm her. Hello Baby, she said. The Medtech asked me to hold her legs and arms and keep her still. She wrapped the rubber around Via's right arm and tried to look for a vein but couldn't find one. She then tried the left arm where she found a viable vein to extract the blood. This won't take long Baby. Are you ready Mommy? I had Via's legs between mine, held her arms and sang a nursery song that was familiar to her....


in and out, the dancing bluebird....in and out, the dancing bluebird...in and out, the dancing bluebird, Jesus is my master....

then the Medtech started the blood extraction. Via did not even struggle. She just sat there looking on while blood was being extracted. The Medtech could hardly believe it. I love your Baby! I love your Baby! She's such a good girl! Then it was done. She put cotton where the needle went it and taped it. 

I was not surprised because the last time Via had her vaccine she just sat there looking while the vaccine was being injected in her thigh. But I thought she might protest with this time because even grownups dread blood extractions. I have to give credit to the Medtech too as she must have been really good.

All done, we went home with Via poking the cotton on her arm saying, blood....blood. I explained why blood was taken even if she probably doesn't understand it yet. 

I'm so proud of you Via! You're so brave!