So today I decided to get tested for a certain infection cause I was displaying symptoms. They told me I had to do a swab both throat and nether.
When I did the throat swab it triggered my gag reflex so bad thag I vomited. Twice. As if that wasn’t bad enough the swab wasn’t usable so I had to use the backup one since the pack came with two. I did that but didn’t do it properly.
Now for the other swab I stuck it in and it broke off (They’re designed to snap in half to fit in the sample test tube) and once I finally got it out the cotton part had been ripped off. As if it breaking in the first place wasn’t bad enough. So I had to go digging for gold which was very and I mean very humbling. When I finally got it out I flushed it down the toilet and then realised that this one only had one swab.
So I had to go back and ask for another backup one and instead of telling the truth since I was embarrassed I just said I threw it away without realising and now the nurses think I’m an idiot. They’re probably right.
Lesson learned: Use protection.
TL;DR went to doctors for swab test and it broke inside me and made me vomit so had to go exploring. Ended up lying about it to nurse and came up with stupid excuse so nurse now thinks I’m an idiot.
Comments
Excellent taking control of your health! Doesn’t matter how many times it takes to do it right!
you learned the most important lesson which is to use protection! I used to work in the sexual health field and I promise you’re not the first or the last patient to screw up multiple swabs lol. We saw it all the time
No glove, no love
proud of you for seeking treatment!
I also gagged hard at the doctor’s office last time. At the same time I gagged, my reflex was to grab the nurse’s wrist so fast and hard before I realized what I was doing.
As a nurse, I can tell you that we’ve seen/smelled/cleaned up far worse, and asking for another swab is nothing we’ll think twice about- you’re not the first and won’t be the last. Better that you’re getting tested and treated now than waiting until you’re sicker! I’ve personally found that taking a deep breath through your mouth and squeezing your thumb with your (same) fist before swabbing seems to help with a strong gag reflex.
I’ve heard that making a fist while holding your thumb helps subdue your gag reflex…just a pro tip lol