Is this a bother to you guys?

[u/Mayywolf2754]

For the post requirement- 22F although i am not sure if that is pertinent info for my question haha.

I came across a post from the hospitalist subreddit which is for people who work at a hospital i assume? The op asked what is something patients do that you know is going to make them a “problematic patient”. I was curious and wanted to know if there was something i could improve on for myself to ease healthcare workers stress. A lot of the answers were things like dyed hair, multiple allergies, being a women ages 16-40, having a hyphenated name, bringing a family member as an adult, wearing pajamas and bringing stuffed animals.

To preface i have an anxiety disorder, needle phobia, and IBS D and C. When i have to go to the hospital, which is rare, i typically wear my soft pajamas and bring a stuffed animal since whenever i go there is bound to be needles. It gives my other hand something to fidget with and brings me comfort. My mom is also with me since i cant drive that far and also have a tendency to be faint, even after all is said and done. Someone in the comments said they do the same things. They were downvoted a lot, told they were crazy, and told to “sybau” which means shut your bitch ass up :( i was unaware that these things are a problem

One of the answers that confused me as well was “asking to lie down and have a cool towel during iv’s.” I unfortunately faint if i am not laying down with ivs. I wasn’t aware that asking for this makes me a problem patient. Should i stop asking for those things? Does it make you guys uncomfortable when i wear comfy clothes and bring a small stuffed animal or ask to lie down for needles? I don’t want to make medical professionals uncomfortable or to make their job difficult or be a bother. Thanks for any responses :)

[u/Lookingideal]

God no, all those people complaining about that suck. The hard patients are belligerent, rude, unappreciative, or the ones who don't understand triage and having to wait for a stubbed toe, for example. Any healthcare worker worth their while will understand you wanting to have a comfort object there, or laying down for an IV. As long as you're kind, respectful, let them do their jobs etc I see no reason why any of the things you mentioned(or the other commenters you talked about) would be an issue.

If for whatever reason, you holding a stuffed animal is an issue, or they can't give you a cold towel that moment, I would hope they would communicate that with you.

[u/Mayywolf2754 → u/Lookingideal]

Thanks! So far no one has told me outright i couldnt. Its not like im bringing a jumbo sized plush or anything haha. I wish i didnt have a needle phobia or could just do things the normal way 🥲 i suppose some of those comments just hit me in the feels. Thank you for your response and kindness :)

[u/peentiss → u/Mayywolf2754]

Hi, friend. You’re not a bother. I’m actually the bother - I’m your friendly phlebotomist, and unfortunately, I do present with some scary, sharp tools. It’s not to hurt you, I promise I’ll be quick.

Bloodwork is SOOO important. It gives the doctors a little blueprint of what your body is up to. I know it seems like torture, but it’s our quickest way to the truth and a solution.

I love that you brought a stuffed friend to support you. I don’t care how old someone is, that’s not weird or annoying or even a thought in my head, truly. It actually would bring me a little joy to know that someone thought about their medical visit so thoroughly - shows a lot of awareness and emotion.

You’re not a bother, and thank you for worrying about us, but we’re here for YOU, love. I’ve been kicked and spit on and called every name in the book, you can’t offend me.

I just wanna see you feel better. 🫂

[u/Mayywolf2754 → u/peentiss]

Thank you :) I feel much better about those things now. I appreciate all that you do! ☺️

[u/peentiss → u/Mayywolf2754]

You are NOT an inconvenience. You’re a lovely patient, I’d be delighted to care for you 🥰

[u/peentiss → u/Mayywolf2754]

One more comment to say that needles are kind of my thing! I’m a pokey pro. If you think it would help if I explained a bit about how it works and why we do things a certain way, I’m happy to :)

I’m also a prior military medic, I’ve had plenty of grown men in uniforms, crying over needles. Shit is scary when you don’t know!!