Okay so usually I consider myself to be a low drama person, I try to surround myself with others who are the same way. I just feel like I’m too old to make a big fuss over things that aren’t really that big of a deal. So now here I am a week and a half before my wedding and I have become this major drama queen. Not that I’m overreacting over things, I just seem to be attracting some bad luck.
You read my posts about Oliver having surgery and then being overcharged for my dress alterations, right? Once I got over that, it was time to go in for my blood test. DC requires a syphilis test in order to apply for a marriage license. So I went to the lab and sat down in the chair to have my blood drawn. I warned the nurse that I have a history of getting lightheaded/ faint when I’ve gotten shots or had blood taken. Then it happened, I told her “I’m feeling a little faint”…and the next thing I know I’m lying on the floor with 5 or 6 people hovering over me. Yep, I did it again…damn it! I fainted right there on the floor with a needle in my arm. The funny thing is that I’m not afraid of needles, and I don’t mind the sight of blood, my body just hates being prodded or poked. My blood pressure drops and then so do I. It’s happened a few times in my life. Only this was the first time that anyone actually called 911 for me. Yep, 5 minutes later the lab techs and nurses were replaced with 4 rather young handsome paramedics and one really nice woman paramedic. They put sticky things on my chest and stomach and took my blood pressure a few times. Also poked my finger for a blood sugar test and I almost lost consciousness again. I mean really, am I just the hugest wimp or what? Let’s just hope I never become diabetic because I would spend the rest of my life collapsed on the floor.
After about 15 minutes and a few offers to take me to the hospital for an IV, I peeled myself off the floor and laid down on a love seat with a box of medical gloves as a pillow. I called Gary to come pick me up. How embarassing! Just for the record I feel totally fine.
Just to add insult to injury, I got a call from my doctor today (who had not heard of my legendary performance at the lab downstairs) to report that although I don’t have syphilis, high cholesterol, liver or kidney issues, I do have….an underactive thyroid. Wah! Now I have to go pick up some pills that I have to takes, yes…forever. The funny thing is that the diagnosis and the pills don’t bother me nearly as much as what happened next. They want to re-test my blood in another month! OMG…I may need general anesthesia this time! They might as well just knock me out first because I’m going to end up on the floor anyway.
So that’s my life update with 11 days to go until the wedding…
Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride Says:
Damn chicka! If it makes you feel any better, my fiance is the same way about getting blood draw. Not afraid of needles, not squeamish, he doesn’t actually mind it at all except his body freaks out and he has nearly fainted several times. Fingers crossed for no more drama for you!
October 1st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Jessica Says:
I pass out when I get stuck with things too. Only I have a panic attack first and then faint. I couldn’t imagine having paramedics called because of it, only to prick me with more stuff. Eek! Just focus on the wedding and don’t think about that future doctor’s visit.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
AmyJean Says:
Dang!!! I’m not big on needles but i’ve never passed out from it. At least you gave them FAIR warning… too bad they didn’t heed it! Glad that you are feeling better and hopefully you can surround yourself with pillows during your next month’s check up
October 1st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Jennilynn Says:
I actually had an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). They had to nuke mine so now I have an underactive thyroid as well. One pill a day for the rest of my life…I know your pain. I’m absolutely terrible with needles as well. I recommend that when you get your blood taken (which will be quite frequent the first couple of years but once you’re regulated they will be few and far between) that you ask the nurse to let you lay down while they take draw it. It seems to help a lot, also, bring gatorade with you!
Best of luck with everything. And I promise that once they get your levels regulated that it’s not that bad! You’ll actually have a lot more energy and feel tons better once they get you on the meds.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:37 pm
mommy Says:
my poor baby!!! i found out your auntie shahbanu shares this wierd trait with us. yep, she faints very easily….blood, needles…poking.
October 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
mary Says:
I am so excited to see you and bowl a turkey on Sat night!
Glad the EMT guys are hot in LA!
So happy to see Gary and Jamie and Gary’s mom again soon!
8 days baby!
October 4th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Missy Says:
Justine… don’t you know the week before your wedding is when the s*%t hits the fan??! At least you didn’t have a death in your wedding coordinator’s family AND your pastor’s family AND the restaurant manager for the reception get fired all in the week before! Even despite those things, Ryan & I managed to have an absolutely flawless day, so be glad things are happening BEFORE and cross your fingers not much happens the day OF.
October 6th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
The One Where I Will Beat the D.C. Marriage Bureau « Bridal Bird Says:
[...] during the weekday. Oh, and this fellow bride probably won’t be too happy to learn that she passed out during her syphilis blood test and required emergency medical attention for nothing. She calls me back a few minutes later and informs me that yes, in fact the law has [...]
October 6th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Bridal Bird Says:
Oh you’re going to love this then: the law requiring the syphilis test in D.C. expired a month ago but nobody told the D.C. Marriage Bureau or the Serology Lab. Read all about it in my post today: http://tinyurl.com/5ylbjw
Also, the Washington Examiner article about their screw-up is here: http://tinyurl.com/4rk9n6
October 6th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Schelle Says:
I have hypothyroidism and have to get my thyroid levels checked every 6-12 months. When I was first diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, this book was very helpful: “The First Year Hypothyroidism” By: Maureen Pratt
October 7th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Rebecca Says:
You might not have to take the pills forever. My aunt has the same thing, and after time of really dedicating herself to eating healthy and working out, her doctor said her thyroid is so good she can stop taking them.
October 15th, 2008 at 6:44 pm