So upset!! I think the nurse ruined my ACTH stimulation test! What would you do?!

[bekah0656]

I had a low cortisol level in my bloodwork,so my Dr had me go get an ACTH stimulation test done. I was told to stay as stress free as possible before the test,but was not given any other instructions. My appointment was at 9am. The nurse started right away saying that I didnt have good veins. I was confused because lately techs have gotten it on the first try. I've had quite a bit of blood draws in the last few years due to 4 back surgeries and a gallbladder surgery. Anyways,she went from  arm,to arm,to hand. She hand the rubber thing on my arm very tight,she also used a spray. This spray she used ALOT of,and I watched it actually freeze a layer on my skin. I have never had someone use this on my skin,it was painful,and I cannot see how it is safe. She said it is supposed to take the sting out,how when it causes so much pain? She blew 2 veins,in the process of blowing those veins,she dug around "searching" for those veins because apparently I have bad veins and she couldnt find them. By the time she blew the 3rd vein when she finally found it, I was in tears,and I'm sure all the cortisol I could produce was in full drive,this went on for 45 minutes,and 2 more pokes before she gave up and went to ask for help. The nurse that came in found a vein on first try and was able to get the line in. But by this time I was clearly very upset and stressed. It was 10am when the medicine was finally inserted,I felt really sick to my stomach and wasnt sure if I was going to throw up. She asked if I ate,I told her I wasnt given instructions before the test and wasnt sure if I was allowed to eat. She said that I WAS allowed to eat and got me some crackers and peanut butter. I ate two crackers with peanut butter,then started feeling like this nurse didnt know what she was doing and maybe I shouldnt be eating.
When I got home I told one of my friends who is a nurse about what had happened and she said that the testing that she did the patients had to fast 6 hours before and there was absolutely no eating during the test because food creates cortisol and that could mess up the test. I'm so so frustrated right now! I inserted a photo of the veins she blew. I guess I'm just wondering what your opinions are,do you think the stress of this and the food I ate could have altered my test results? I am waiting to hear from my Dr's nurse and I guess I'm a little impatient....and so frustrated!

[rumpled]

Good!
I hope you get quality care there! Keep us posted.

[bekah0656]

WOW!!!! I just got a call from the DR! I am shocked. She was gone on vacation last week,so HER nurse read the results and told me they were normal. She called me and told me that they were not normal. She didnt get me the starting number,but at 30 minutes the number was 18 and at 60 minutes the number was down to 11. She said it basically shows that my adrenal glands are not firing and the nurse thought that I was not given medication. So even with all that stress,I still got an abnormal result. I'm shocked. So I have to get referred to an Endocrinologist,due to where I live,the closest is 5 and 1/2 hours away. I wanted to update because I know I was really upset.

[bekah0656]

Thanks everyone,I'm at a point in my life where I'm just plain fed up with health stuff.  It would be easier if the nurse was incompetent and didnt care,or rude. But she was so nice,so part of me feels very guilty to complain. But I will be calling tomorrow to ask if I could set up a time to speak with the Supervisor. And it is like someone else said,I would hate for this to happen to someone else! It isnt JUST about me. She is doing these on other people. My veins are not horrible veins. I have had 4 back surgeries,my last one was botched,so I've had alot of blood drawn in the past few years. I dont think anyone has had to even go in a second time in the last year an a half because they have all gotten it on the first try. She couldnt even find the veins by pressing on my arm,so she decided that she would put the needle in my arm blindly and poke around and hope she would find it that way. It was very painful,and she just never got it.I've never had an experience like this one.

[rumpled]

Yeah, the nurse is at fault. The doc should do a re-test at his cost. With another nurse.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Bekah.

I'm sorry to read this and all these complications, on top of your health issues!

Please consider filing an official complaint with the appropriate Michigan Health Authority, but not before you speak about this with the person in charge of this Lab/clinic and make them aware of the situation.

They might look after this internally AND offer a re-test at no charge and of course the blood to be drawn by a competent nurse!!!
You wouldn't want this to happen to other patients.

I cannot believe that these events are occurring in a country with one of the
supposedly highest health costs in the world (and obviously NOT with the expected quality of health care delivery.)
It sounds like a... third world country experience,lol!

Best wishes!
Niko

[Jinx_777]

i would demand a retest too at NO CHARGE.  
i would also demand detailed instructions so you know if the nurse is messing up or not

[bekah0656]

I got the results and they came back normal. I feel that I should demand a retest and not accept these results?  It's sad I have to pay for a test when the nurse is incompetent. My insurance will not cover a re-test :/

[Red_Star]

I've had the nurse from hell as well and my vein collapsed. I've had a LOT (understatement!) of blood tests so my veins are in good working order aka the nurse was utterly inexperienced.  Another nurse told me there is a limit of 2 times to try and get blood out of a vein and if you can't you have to try the next day. If only I knew that! Not sure how much your lab would be affected.

[rumpled]

Yeah... she blew the test.
The fasting and the food as well as the time - it should have been at 8am.

I would be frustrated too.