Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[persephone_kore]

I attempted to give blood today.



I got dizzy the first two times, but I didn't ever go all the way out. Today? I was trying hard not to fade, and I think they took my drink away from me (I assume they thought I was going to drop it; someone told me they took it because I was out, but I distinctly remember having it taken and wanting to protest), and then I realized I was being told to hold the gauze on... I actually thought briefly that it had just gone quickly (I'd been told earlier that they had a good fast flow), but no.

Bleah.

I felt fine shortly afterward -- just annoyed with myself. The dizzy went away very quickly. I don't know what was the matter with me; I hadn't thought I was doing substantially worse than before. My iron was fine. Maybe it was that I hadn't been sufficiently diligent about sleep or water. Maybe I waited too long after eating.

This is annoying. I have not had any ill effects after donation so far -- either today, or with the two successful attempts -- so it's not like I can't spare the pint. (I come in pints?) As far as I can tell, it's a reaction to having the needle in, and I would like to stop having it!

Edit: For those to whom this is funny, I was donor #87 for the day.

Comments

[hymnia.livejournal.com]

The dizziness may be due to low eloctrolytes. Next time, try drinking some Gatorade before you go.

[persephone-kore.livejournal.com]

...Huh. I dislike Gatorade intensely, but it might be worth a shot anyway.

[sprite6.livejournal.com]

The only time I ever tried to give blood, my arm began to feel as though the circulation were being cut off, and they pulled the needle before I'd finished giving the pint. I've always been afraid to give since. Way to go you for giving even though the needle makes you feel nervous!

[persephone-kore.livejournal.com]

Oh, really? The first time I went, they told me it was normal for my hand to feel like it was going to sleep! (Although they did mention it was starting earlier than usual. :P) But then, as long as I could still feel it and move it, perhaps they weren't worried.

I just hope this time doesn't end up being the precedent. I think I might've messed myself up by not drinking the drink they brought me quickly enough. Whenever I took the straw out of my mouth it tried to escape. I should've just hung onto it.

[policroma.livejournal.com]

The problem with passing out is you don't remember any of it. It's like you're there....then time just sort of leaps.

[persephone-kore.livejournal.com]

I think when I've passed out before I was pretty sure it was about to happen. *looks rueful*

[my-own-petard.livejournal.com]

You know, I never have any trouble giving blood--apart from the fact that my vein is difficult to find. So unless the nurse is very, very good, I must endure multiple stab wounds (which is a bit stressful). Still, I never get woozy or faint or anything.

Sadly though, it is a moot point. A thing of the past. Lost generosity. I lived in England during the Mad Cow Years, so they no longer accept my blood. :/

[persephone-kore.livejournal.com]

I have another friend who's been rendered ineligible due to the Mad Cow business.

My veins, at least, seem to be readily accessible. This may mean that the average ornery housecat could easily kill me, but at least I only have to get punctured once.

I'm hoping I will get the hang of not being woozy, eventually.