Thursday, January 27, 2011

Doctor, I'm Going to Be Brave...

The title above are the precise words of my 3-year-old when she learned that she was going to need an update to her vaccinations. AMAZING! Wasn't expecting that - though I knew it should be less traumatic for all of us than it would have been if the older sibling were in need of an injection. But,  I didn't expect NO crying. WOW. Then, the solution entered her skinny little leg, and out came the wails. Can't blame her - it's a painful one... much like that flu vaccination. .... ..... ..... ..... .... ..... .... Oops! Sorry about the dead-air... I passed-out just thinking about it! Yes, I'm a wuss. It gets worse the older I get (should be the opposite, wouldn't you think??? But no.) For years now, I've had to lie back or recline to have blood drawn at the lab. Now - wouldn't you know it - I need to lie down following... the flu shot? Good grief! So - my 3-year-old was brave, and only shed a few tears from the resulting pain. She then proceeded to watch as the lab techs tried twice before successfully extracting a vial of blood from her tiny little arms for some tests, without skipping a beat or even wincing. My 4-year-old held my hand while I was given my flu vaccination... But me? The one who is supposed to be setting an example? The one who preaches why it's important for us to receive shots - to keep us healthy? The one who encourages her little'n's to "be brave" if they need a shot the next time they go to the doctor - in valiant preparation for the inevitable?? I freaked a bit, then I turned whiter than a sheet, and cried... I tried to keep it together, but I just couldn't. Then, the woozies started in, and I had to lie down on the examination table in the PEDIATRICIAN's office for several minutes before the fuzziness subsided and the chirping birds flew away. I swear there were birds in that room~
As we left the lab (and I nearly passed out again from the sensation of that lingering 'ache' upon moving my arm) - The 3-year-old concluded, "My glad my had nice nurses to give me my holes!" I wish I felt the same!!

TIP: Practicing by playing pretend doctor - and allowing the kiddos to give the "shots" during play-time - does seem to make a positive impact on future shot-receiving experiences - - for THEM.
A QUOTE: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. " ~Nelson Mandela
WHIDFML: Stayed out late and hung out with a fave friend one Monday eve... laughing my butt off 'til the wee hours. [Night-owl instincts, forcefully overcome due to that parenting schedule in the A.M. hours...] Thankfully, the girls opted to sleep-in that morning as well!

2 comments:

  1. I just laughed out loud. As I grow older also, I find myself cringing at the thought of having to inject myself ( I have migraines....really bad,) according to the docs this so called "inject-able Imitrex will do the trick." I currently have a list made of people who can give me the shot the next time I need it :-) Every time I even think about mentioning the word "doctor," my kids immediately ask if they will get pokies (shot). Its a part of life, some just handle it better than others. Apparently you and I don't handle it too well :-)

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  2. Aw - glad you enjoyed the story - but sorry to hear about your own situation with it all. I can relate somewhat to you - as I get migraines as well. So far, I'm usually able to keep them at bay. But now and then, I'm bed-ridden until the pain subsides. I hope the meds do the trick for you! Thanks for the feedback and for following me!! Hope you continue to enjoy :)

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