Labs

So getting a bunch of labs drawn soon after your child comes home is apparently pretty standard procedure in the world of international adoption. Our pediatrician requested a whole host of tests to be run. We discussed this at Isaac's first pediatrician's appointment after arrival, and then I went back a couple of days later to pick up the paperwork with the doctor's orders for the lab.

I had decided we'd go to the lab to get Isaac's blood drawn the next week, when Tanna would be off and could stay home with Kate. In the meantime, I had to collect a stool sample for a portion of the tests. Fun times! Oh yeah, as I mentioned previously, a urine sample was also requested, so we went to the pedi's office first (on our way to the lab) so they could "bag him" in order to collect what they needed. This was my first experience with this, although others I have talked to have had this done with their children several times. We ended up getting seen for a sick visit that day because Isaac came down with a cold/cough/croup, but our pedi said that any medication he might start taking wouldn't interfere with any of the tests, etc.

So I had a bit of trouble finding the lab. I wasn't sure where to go. It's a very long story, but for brevity's sake I will just say it was a long and frustrating afternoon that involved a visit to a different lab (after not being able to find the initial one) that was unsuccessful. But fortunately, a lady at that lab told me where to go at Children's. Whew. I had considered giving up and going home (as I still had to get Isaac's new prescription filled), but I thought we'd give it another go. So off we went--stool sample and all!

To be honest, I was kind of aggravated and tired when we finally got there. Then I went to the wrong parking area. Great. Oh and then I got a bit of the runaround when I asked where exactly we were supposed to go. But as we made our way down the hospital corridor on our way to the lab, God gave me a new perspective. You see, I had never been inside Atlanta's Children's Hospital, and my heart was broken as I walked by obviously sick children with their family members. My silly and selfish frustrations melted away as my heart was filled with gratitude for two healthy children. Please forgive me, Lord, for my attitude.

Once were in the lab, we had to wait, but I had a new patience. I opted for the numbing cream for Isaac, so we had to wait at least 30 minutes for it to take effect. In the meantime, I heard a little boy who must have been getting some blood drawn, too, and I was about to start crying for him. Poor little guy.

When it was Isaac's turn, there was more screaming and crying. The nice lab lady had to collect a lot of blood, and I held Isaac on the table so she could do her job. Isaac was a champ, and the lady got all that she needed (or so we thought). Our pediatrician said we might have to go back because of the amount of blood needed and because sometimes it is difficult to get adequate amounts from children who are so young.

A few days later, we got a call from the lab requesting more blood. Boo! I was relieved, though, because at first I thought something might be wrong (although I realize that if that was the case, it would be our doctor calling to tell us). Fortunately, the lab at the hospital is open until 8 p.m. on weeknights, so Isaac and I went in that Friday evening. We didn't get the numbing cream this time--just the spray--because he still screamed at our previous visit, and I didn't want to wait. I did ask one of the ladies there what her opinion was, and she agreed. The same lady who drew Isaac's blood on our first visit saw us. She was super sweet and got the job done. I did tell her that I hoped we wouldn't see her again--at least not in the hospital. And she felt the same way. ;o)

Dr. G has called a couple of times so far, as the results come in to his office. Everything is looking fine, and all of Isaac's immunization records from Korea seem to be accurate. Yay!