I donated blood yesterday. Let me begin by saying that I love donating blood because it is usually quite painless, usually pretty quick, and definitely saves lives. Yesterday didn't go so well on the blood donation front though.
Griff's school had a blood drive. I didn't get a chance to sign up so I just dropped in to see if they could "squeeze" me in. Two people didn't show, so it worked out just fine. I arrived at 9:30 am. Read the literature.......whew! No problems with that. Then.....I waited and waited and waited.
Next, I was taken behind a blue divider and a trainee, along with her trainer took my blood pressure, checked my iron levels, and verified my address, birthday, etc. I was able to use a computer program w/touch screen to answer all of the "weeding out" questions. The trainee and trainer returned and asked a few more questions. You'll never guess the newest question added to their list........
"Were you born this gender?"
Seriously!!!! Holy cow! I started laughing! So did they, but then they explained that I would be surprised by the answers they receive. Yikes!!! All the more reason for those of us with our original genders in tact to donate blood!!
Next was the draw. Three vampires, or phlebotomists (sp??), were drawing blood yesterday. Two seemed quite organized, kind and happy. One woman seemed more scattered, whining and plain old strange. Of course, I was set up with this woman because I need to learn not to judge people.
The result - 4 Sticks (all in the same entry point in my arm), serious pain, me a little upset and saying "OOWWW,", and the vampire saying "You're freaking me out - are you okay?"
Aaargghhh!! She totally blamed her inability to get a "good stick" on the angle of my arm and that my saying "OW" was freaking her out. Not to mention the Iodyne on the needle burning my veins as she repeatedly stuck the needle in my arm.
The funny part of this entire event was the two Dads sitting across from me donating blood. They were really into the competition of the entire thing. Yes, competitive fathers finding sport in blood donation.
One guy said to me......."Wow. Your bag is already full. How long did that take?"
I replied, "7 1/2 minutes."
He was totally surprised and a little too ecstatic. "No way. I bet that is the fastest for a woman all day! I just filled my bag in 5 minutes."
An Adventure. Definitely. Guess what time I was finished? 11:10 AM - Yep. 1 1/2 hours later.
My arm ached all day. I had a headache last night and felt exhausted and a little ill. I'm doing better today but ........
I'm still glad I could help by donating blood.
6 comments:
The competition is real. My fastest bag fill time is 4:30.
Cathy, you are so funny. You are so awesome for donating blood so much, especially since you are still your original gender ;) But ouch!!! I was seriously squirming while reading.... and still am, kind of - hahaha. I am such a wimp!
Funny funny stories!
I love giving blood too...mostly because they always have yummy snacks afterward!
I don't mind the sticking part--just the ache of the arm while the needle is in. Yowza! I donataed a lot more when I was working because it gave us enough time to go have lunch on company time! Good job!
Owwee! I have never donated blood before. I just get a little too nervous about the whole process. But last year when I spent 2 weeks in the hospital they were taking my blood all the time and I got used to it. Maybe I will think about trying it...
Good for you for being so brave! I am impressed! :)
Cathy I admire you're willingness to donate! I donated blood once in high school and it took 30 minutes to fill my bag. It wasn't a very good experience so I've never done it again. Once when I felt guilty for not donating I just volunteered and ended up giving snacks to people who had donated. I'm a chicken :)
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