I went to get the second dose of antibodies for the clinical trial. The staff said one participant had an adverse event after the second dose, but frankly it was what I’d call baseline. Some skin flushing? Turning a bit pink for the greater good? I will make the sacrifice.
First I needed a short physical. The protocol-approved physician was out of the country, but of course there was a backup approved physician. Then we heard the backup was ill and at an urgent care location.
I volunteered to come back tomorrow, but per protocol, there is a range of days for each appointment and I was on the last day of the range.
The situation snapped into high gear. Every person associated with the trial came in and asked if I wanted some water. Then they had an animated phone conversation with the head office. And then, after an hour of uncertainty (are you sure you wouldn't like some water?), the backup doctor called to say she was fine and was coming in to resume duties.
I was not at the top of her list, obviously, but eventually she gave me the all clear and I got the second dose. Then I just needed one last okay. While I waited, the study staff came in and asked if a) I would like some water (no) and b) if my face was always that pink (yes, that’s my baseline face, people comment on it at work). Eventually I got the all-clear and headed home.
It would have been unpleasant, but it let me see how much care goes into the trial. I worried they’d need the exam room, but actually, that room has my name on it for the day. The research coordinator divvied up my three vials of blood into 24 teeny vials so they could ship a dozen to the United Kingdom and keep a dozen here in the States in case there was a problem in transit. After that, he left to get some fresh dry ice to pack my blood after he defrosted the mini-freezer reserved for my blood because there’s a schedule for that too. Can’t let my twenty-four tiny vials get too warm or too cold.
So, I am not just a guinea pig, but a priceless princess of a guinea pig. Next week when I come in for the one week post shot check-up I am SO tempted to say, “I’m fine, except I’m thirsty, and does my face look pink to you?”
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