I have been "gifted"
@GardenGerty (169448)
United States
December 29, 2025 7:12pm CST
Today was a day for me to visit the clinic for the clinical trial I am in. We also went to Sam's Club. Next month, they are moving the clinic into a new location so they are packing everything.
The new location is about fifteen minutes closer to our house, and it is near the Sam's Club as well, so we are pretty pleased.
As I was leaving the clinic today, my nurse/mentor said, "Wait, I have something for you." So I waited. She brought me several things. Her explanation was that every month they are supposed to give me a gift and she was not wanting to try to keep track of mine during the move.
Today she gave me a smart watch, a digital scale, a very nice water bottle and a "cooling towel" for working out. At least I think that is what it would be called. It is long and would be something to wear around the neck to absorb sweat if you workout. I have already been given a canvas bag with a zipper and a lunch cooler type of bag. Yes, they are branded with the name of the med I am trialing, but they seem to be nice quality as well.
So this is turning out to be an interesting experience all around.
16 people like this
13 responses
@snowy22315 (208879)
• United States
30 Dec
I was in one once where they gifted you stuff too. it was all pretty nice. This one only has only given me a phone bank., but they are good at forking over the cash that is all I really care about.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
Yep, this is on top of the cash. I was shopping for a new smart watch cause my fitbit had bit the dust, so that is a savings, once I get it set up.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
This has been a pretty good experience. It is also accountability about how I eat and move.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
Yes, they are. This has been a good experience.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
30 Dec
You got a nice, caring and thoughtful nurse/mentor in one. She really cares for you.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
1 Jan
@Nakitakona I am participating in a clinical trial for weight loss and diabetes, and that is why I have a mentor I meet with monthly. Not sure if you knew that or not.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
This seems like a really good program.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59196)
•
30 Dec
That's some serious loot...I am sure you can put it all to good use.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
I was really surprised, in a good way.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
30 Dec
Looks like a full day that blended practicality with a few pleasant surprises. Clinic visits can feel routine, but the move to a closer location already feels like a small win. But then it is important for those routines. Having it nearer to Sam’s Club makes the whole trip more efficient and less tiring. The moment with your nurse sounds especially thoughtful and kind. Those gifts feel like both encouragement and appreciation, not just obligations. Even with branding, useful items like a smartwatch and scale can genuinely support daily habits. The cooling towel and water bottle add a subtle nudge toward self-care and movement. It’s nice when a clinical process feels a bit more human and considerate. We feel positive and energized after visiting such ones. Altogether, it makes the trial feel less clinical and more like a shared journey.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
They are working on helping us with our health. I like the new location, it is better for us.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86661)
• United States
30 Dec
That’s neat that you’re getting swag with the trial! I have a lot of stuff left over from when I worked at the school assessment place, and they’re still serving me nearly seven years after I retired!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
1 Jan
We get stuff as gifts from the special ed co op where I work as well as from our school. I have received a number of T shirts, and those are good to wear for school events and field trips. Also, bags, and a drink cup as well.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
1 Jan
Some of it is useful. I am not sure about the watch as I did get it charged, but have not figured out how to turn it on. I am doing what the directions say. I am glad it was free, though.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
1 Jan
Pretty much. I am having to use a magnifying glass to read directions about the watch.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
I hope to make some improvements in my health as well.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
I think they will. I had been shopping for a new smart watch.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
1 Jan
The scale actually weighs in Kg.s. But that is what the study weighs in as well. I really like the design of it.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222314)
• United States
30 Dec
Oh boy! Freebies! That was nice of them. I'm glad the trial is going well for you.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
30 Dec
I am not seeing any big changes yet, but I started like right before Thanksgiving and it has been food, food, food ever since.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222314)
• United States
31 Dec
@GardenGerty I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year's Eve.
1 person likes this
