Lilith's guide to blood draws: Before, during, and after

Olivia Sanchez16 said:Thanks, I think I’ve managed to find most of what I need. Only one thing though... I'm clearly an outlier here. I haven't had my period in exactly seven months, and I'm reading that certain hormone tests have to be done during your cycle. Does that mean I can't even get the bloodwork done until it finally shows up?

In my experience, I went through a similar stretch where I hadn't had a period for about six months—and when they finally did come, they lasted for ten days, then thirteen, then fifteen... it was quite a mess. Eventually, my mom reached her breaking point and insisted we see a doctor. We ended up going to Mayo Clinic for the blood tests, but honestly, regarding the specific timing you need for the labs, you should just ask whichever specialist or nurse sends you for the draw... they'll know the exact window you need to hit...

blueheron46 said:In my experience, I went through a similar stretch where I hadn't had a period for about six months—and when they finally did come, they lasted for ten days, then thirteen, then fifteen... it was quite a mess. Eventually, my mom reached her breaking point and insisted we see a doctor. We ended up going to Mayo Clinic for the blood tests, but honestly, regarding the specific timing you need for the labs, you should just ask whichever specialist or nurse sends you for the draw... they'll know the exact window you need to hit...

You usually do the blood work between day two and day five of your cycle.👍

😠

Gregory Myers said:Like I mentioned, I’ve been running a low fever for about two months now. Finally ran into a doctor who was maybe a bit too thorough—she had me pull ten vials of blood today, even though I already gave three just ten days ago. My head has been spinning ever since, and it’s been about ten hours since they drew it all. Should I be worried, and what’s the best way to bounce back quickly?
heeeeeeeelp

You're honestly holding up pretty well considering how much they drained out of you..
I’d be passed out on the floor by now...:🙄
What on earth are they doing with all that blood?!
Seriously....🙄

When are we going to start doing blood work in a way that doesn't feel like torture? 😠

I'm doing alright. Had some veggie juices earlier, so I'm feeling pretty steady... went to get some dental X-rays today. They're telling me my premolar has to go. Even though it doesn't hurt, looking at the scan myself, it’s pretty obvious it’s time to say goodbye forever.🙂 Still waiting on the results from the infectious disease clinic, so I'll check back later. Thanks for putting up with me.🙂

It’s entirely possible you're dealing with a tooth infection. They aren't always accompanied by throbbing pain, but they can absolutely cause issues that radiate down into your throat. I went through something remarkably similar after having one of my wisdom teeth partially extracted. I dealt with this persistent, nagging sore throat that just wouldn't quit. If I stayed on top of my health and kept my immune system up, I could manage, but the second work stress kicked in, I stopped hitting the gym, or I started eating junk food, the inflammation would come roaring back. Once I finally had the tooth pulled, it turned out there was a small pocket formed above the site where an infection had taken hold—which I assume was what was bothering my throat all along. As soon as the tooth was gone, the throat irritation vanished.

I honestly don't follow why they'd want to drain half a liter of blood from you. Personally, I’d turn that down in a heartbeat unless they provided a damn good reason to let that happen.

Alexander Lewis said:It’s entirely possible you're dealing with a tooth infection. They aren't always accompanied by throbbing pain, but they can absolutely cause issues that radiate down into your throat. I went through something remarkably similar after having one of my wisdom teeth partially extracted. I dealt with this persistent, nagging sore throat that just wouldn't quit. If I stayed on top of my health and kept my immune system up, I could manage, but the second work stress kicked in, I stopped hitting the gym, or I started eating junk food, the inflammation would come roaring back. Once I finally had the tooth pulled, it turned out there was a small pocket formed above the site where an infection had taken hold—which I assume was what was bothering my throat all along. As soon as the tooth was gone, the throat irritation vanished.

I honestly don't follow why they'd want to drain half a liter of blood from you. Personally, I’d turn that down in a heartbeat unless they provided a damn good reason to let that happen.

What are you even talking about?
They only took ten test tubes of blood, and each one holds maybe 2 to 5 milliliters—it's nothing, really. So, we're looking at a maximum of 50 milliliters total 🤣 🤣 🤣

I mean, regular blood donors give about a pint per session 🙂

edit: just to be precise here—those Vacutainers are usually between 2 and 7 milliliters 🙂
...

I’m honestly losing my mind here... still waiting on all these lab results to come back. Someone suggested I stop tracking my temperature if I feel okay, but that’s the problem—I don't feel okay. My throat is acting up again even though all the swabs came back clear. People have already started making those tasteless jokes about testing for HIV 🙂 😢 It’s just constant. Throat pain, occasional blisters that pop up and then vanish, and now my ear is throbbing too. I had some dental X-rays done and they told me I need an extraction, but I'm not sure if that'll actually fix this... I'm really hoping it's just the tooth

Alexander Lewis said:It’s entirely possible you're dealing with a tooth infection. They aren't always accompanied by throbbing pain, but they can absolutely cause issues that radiate down into your throat. I went through something remarkably similar after having one of my wisdom teeth partially extracted. I dealt with this persistent, nagging sore throat that just wouldn't quit. If I stayed on top of my health and kept my immune system up, I could manage, but the second work stress kicked in, I stopped hitting the gym, or I started eating junk food, the inflammation would come roaring back. Once I finally had the tooth pulled, it turned out there was a small pocket formed above the site where an infection had taken hold—which I assume was what was bothering my throat all along. As soon as the tooth was gone, the throat irritation vanished.

I honestly don't follow why they'd want to drain half a liter of blood from you. Personally, I’d turn that down in a heartbeat unless they provided a damn good reason to let that happen.

Then there's me... still breathing, I guess. Every outpatient lab test they could run at the clinic came back fine. But here's the deal: I get occasional fevers, and now I have this heavy, dull ache on my right side. It radiates toward the front and settles around my belly button, which is where it hits hardest from time to time. I already checked for appendicitis; that wasn't it. Should I just get my GI tract checked out once and for all and then just take some Xanax? My doctor suggested I come in and stay at the hospital for ten days to figure this out. I can't decide. She says she’s done everything she can in an office setting, so now I just need to be admitted for observation—testing for amoebas, stomach issues, intestinal stuff. Honestly, I'd rather just go to a private specialist. I'm torn.