Today was the day! I navigated the weird new blood clinic system, booked my appointment, and got my glucose test done!
True story. I don’t hate the orange drink. I also don’t super like it. My biggest issue with this thing is the shot of PURE sugar SO early in the morning. Gag me. But, I did it. Chugged that sucker back and went back to the waiting room for an hour, finished it up, and headed home. But here was my experience at the new clinic.
I got there around 9:10. My appointment was booked for 9:30. Early, and got good parking no less! Woot! I waited at the little sign until it was my turn and I passed the receptionist my form and health card. I was trying to be on the ball, because that place was already PACKED full. I mentioned that I had booked an appointment. The receptionist responded very loudly to me, asking when it was, confirming who I was, asking my birthday, phone number, etc. She was so loud! She looked at me over her glasses and said “You know this is an hour test, right?” Yes, I reassured her that I knew, and had the time. I was more than polite, and she was more than gruff, but I rolled with it.
Over the next 20 minutes or so, I watched that poor woman field calls and questions from people who weren’t aware of the switch in ownership. To be fair to her, there were TONS of people who hadn’t seen the big sign as they walked in, and she was obviously tired of giving them the spiel, but she was not the gentlest, either. She would loudly, abruptly ask people “Have you been fasting? You have to fast for this!” “Where is your health card? You have to show it to me before I can go further!” and my personal favorite “When did you make this sample? You need to make a new one here!” Juuust no respect whatsoever. She was clearly overwhelmed, but come on. I felt bad for these people.
After my drinky drink, I headed back out to the waiting room for my hour. The overwhelmed receptionist had been swapped out for one who, if I can be so delicate here, didn’t speak the clearest english. No burn on her, but there was definitely a barrier. People would come in and ask why the Dynacare app wasn’t working, and she would just kind of shout “Life Labs!” at them. People were surprisingly nice about her response, and would try to get a bit more information from her.
So I can’t check in anymore?
Life Labs!!
I heard something about appointments. Can I book in advance?
Life Labs!*points to sign* Biiig letters!
How long is the current wait time?
Long time. *points* Life Labs!!
I kid you not. This was just how the rest of my wait went, and it was pretty entertaining. Just one of those funny things where no one spoke but there were a few amused glances being thrown around. Was a big step up from the woman who just yelled.
To their credit, though, the nurses were all lovely! They took their time, and chatted casually. My nurse and I joked the entire time, and I was very comfortable. I am NOT great with blood to begin with (not my own, anyway) and she left me totally at ease. I briefly came in contact with a couple of other ladies back in the cubicles and they all seemed so content and relaxed. It was nice!
So, blood was taken, Starbucks was drank, and milk was purchased before I headed home. The big dump of snow from earlier was already melting and I had some good music going. It was a decent morning, save for the “being stuck with needles” bit. I’m so glad its over and done with, though. We hope for good, unremarkable results, and smooth sailing for here on out! Whatever needs doing to keep the littlest miss healthy and safe!