The stories and experiences shared here reflect my personal journey. I’ve changed names and some details to protect individuals’ privacy. These posts highlight my insights and growth, not to identify others.
This is a journal entry from 3 years ago when I was still trying to find a diagnosis and the reason why I was so sick.
Two days ago wasn’t the best of days. It started with 3 CT scans. Actually, it started off by having to drink 2 big bottles of barium. One went down fairly easily; the other didn’t. (I actually got sick in my lunch bag. yuck. I had to get a new one the next day. Side Note: If you have to drink barium, I recommend the mocha flavor. The other flavors are horrendous. Then, I had a rheumatology appointment, but I didn’t get any real answers.
I went to LabCorp to have blood drawn. The phlebotomist I had was a somewhat older man (turns out he’s 65 but didn’t look it at all; way younger). He told me he had been there a few months, so he was still learning some things on the computer. You could tell he was a little cautious, and when he asked questions, some of the “young snots” working there weren’t all that patient. Talking with Calvin, I realized he started his phlebotomist career in 1990, the same year I became a PT. He is originally from Queens but has worked “all over”. He said he started at a Fort, so I’m assuming he’s a veteran.
It took him quite a while to type everything in, and he was super careful to get it right. The blood draw was no problem at all; learning all the computer stuff at age 65 was the hard part. I was super patient with him and really enjoyed meeting him. When he was done, he put on the gauze and secured it w/ 2 pieces of paper tape; not that uncommon. Then he drew on the tape: a drawing of Tweety Bird, highlighted in yellow. You cannot imagine how much joy this little drawing and the interaction with this man gave me. It was the best part of my day. Can you imagine the number of times he’s drawn that Tweety Bird in his career? When I took it off at home, I saved the tape. I had asked him to “sign” his drawing, and he said it’s CJ. Here’s Tweety signed by CJ. God bless him.
I have met so many fascinating people throughout my career and in public. I hope to share their stories while keeping their identities private.
