By: Ronetta “Ronnie” Whitaker
Published: June 15, 2025

It’s getting real.
We are officially one week out from my tubal ligation surgery, and today was all about the pre-op testing.

🩺 Pre-Op Testing: Pokes, Pressures & Patience

Today was my full pre-op testing day, and let me tell you—I earned a snack and a nap after this one. I had an EKG, gave five vials of blood, and had a mammogram all before lunchtime.

But let’s talk about that blood draw for a second.

They tried one arm. Nothing.
Tried the other—and got one vial. I thought we were making progress…
But nope. That vial had to be thrown out because it started clotting before it could even make it to the lab.
And THEN… the vein collapsed. In. My. Face. 😳

Like, have you ever seen your vein collapse in real-time? It’s terrifying… and somehow fascinating. One second I’m watching the tube fill, and the next, it’s like the vein gave up and said, “Nah, I’m done.” 😂

Finally, they went for the hand—and bingo. Third time’s the charm.

I walked out of there bandaged like I’d been in a fight, and left with five vials of blood missing, an EKG printout, and a mammogram that reminded me these girls are still hanging in there, defying gravity.

🩺 EKG? Check.

Blood drawn (eventually)? Check.
Mammogram? Check and ouch.
Peace of mind? Getting there.

Today was another reminder that this is happening. Not someday. Not “when I have time.”
Next. Week.

And while I still have nerves, there’s also this deep sense of calm. Like my body knows we’re walking into a new season—one with more clarity, more control, and a little less chaos in the “what if” department.

📣 Talk To Me:

If you’ve ever been a hard stick, had a mammogram that made you question your life choices, or survived pre-op testing while juggling motherhood and mental to-do lists—let’s laugh together in the comments. You’re not alone. And girl, neither am I.