Wednesday, July 20, 2011

No Photographs, Just the Facts

Ben is a strong guy.  He works out five days a week, and he can hold his breath for 2:45 (no exaggeration--we timed him a week ago). He's pretty mellow about life, and most things just roll off his back.

Ben suffers from trypanophobia--fear of needles.

Ben had to have unexpected blood work done yesterday (not a big deal--part of a physical for football).  I was a little concerned, since the last time he had to face this prickly issue I needed two men to help convince him a needle was necessary. This time, I was alone.

I shouldn't have worried.

Ben walked into the lab, took the seat, averted his eyes, and (this is where his breath-holding abilities really came in handy) held his breath momentarily as the tech inserted the smallest needle she could find, extracted the minimal sample necessary, and then applied pressure to the stick site.  It was over in a matter of seconds.

Ben turned Grinch green, swayed slightly, then bent suspiciously forward.  Fearing the worst, I grabbed a garbage can and held him still so he wouldn't topple over.

I shouldn't have worried.

Ben got himself together, refused to vomit or lose consciousness, and walked out with little assistance from me.

I was so proud.  The second Denton this summer to look a demon in the face and come off victorious.

Sometimes I just love being a mom.

Not between 4-6 pm. Other times.  Like this one.

16 comments:

  1. Oh I agree...who loves being a mom between 4-6!

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  2. Oh man! We have a needle-ninny, too:) Any word from NY?

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  3. I took Drew for his football physical last week and he had to get a blood sample too...the tech couldn't find a vein poked and prodded for a bit, started to leave the room to get help and Drew started sliding to the floor. Just like him, quiet and no fuss. Luckily I was right there and caught him before he hit the floor!

    I'm hoping next time goes better!

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  4. Great story Jen! You should be proud.
    Dana

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  5. I'm so proud of him! Way to go Ben. And seriously 2:45? That is obsurd!!!!

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  6. i'm still in awe of the nearly 3m of breath holding. i can for about 25 secs and then i panic!

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  7. I have the same problem. Last week I had to get just a little shot and I was freaking out. The nurses had me lay down and gave me some juice till I felt better.

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  8. Way to go!!! Face the fears and overcome! Yes!

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  9. The bewitching hours. My least favorite time of the day.

    I pass out when I get my blood drawn. It's not pretty.

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  10. Glad he survived it.

    Glad you held up too. Often times I see the bystanders go down.

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  11. Can I just tell you....this describes about half of the teenage boys that I used to have to draw blood on or start IVs on. I had to have two security guards hold one down on the floor while I drew his blood to get a blood alcohol level once, it is never pretty and I have a lot of sympathy, but being on the receiving end of someone who is determined not to cooperate is never fun. I've been spat upon, kicked and had my hair pulled, hence the security.
    Good on ya Ben. I can guarantee it was very much appreciated, even if you hated it.

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  12. I am so glad he made it through.

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  13. Awww, way to go Ben! You must be having quite the summer this year with a new baby in the family, a son off on his mission and two children facing their demons straight on!

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  14. I never knew there was a name for it! I definitely have that fear! Last time I got my blood drawn, I passed out.

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