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I gave blood for the first time today, and I did not faint.
Yes, I know, I've been eligible for well over eight years now. I'm a wimp sometimes. But yesterday I noticed that there was a drive today, and it turned out to be very close to lab, and so I ate a nice solid breakfast, and when I arrived this morning I walked over and... tried not to think too hard about it, actually. I have inadvertently thought myself into dizziness over some really stupid things before. Hence the report of not-fainting as an accomplishment.
I love the little "First time donor. Please handle with care!" sticker. It's very cute.
When they checked to make sure I wasn't anemic, it reminded me of checking to see if an egg is bad. (Well, they dropped the blood into a liquid and watched to see if it sank!) That reminds me, I have milk to use up. I should make boiled custard.
I did get dizzy during the donation, and wished it wasn't necessary to keep moving the little thingie they gave me to hold/squeeze/turn in my hand, which felt weak and a bit half-asleep. I really wanted to avoid thinking about that arm (even though the lady poking my vein was very nice and only made one hole, unlike a few of the stories I've heard). They put my head down lower when I asked, and put an ice baggie behind my neck and turned the fan on me. I'm afraid I babbled. *eyeroll* Like I said, I'm a wimp sometimes. What seemed to help the most was when they brought me a Sprite -- cold, sweet, and something else to think about.
At one point I was trying to think of something to sing, at least mentally, but I couldn't seem to come up with much in the way of lyrics. When I was reflecting on this during lunch, what should pop into my head but, "There is power, power, wonder-working power...."
...If I remember this, I will end up giggling next time.
Further notes for next time:
Drink more ahead of time. (But take appropriate steps afterward, as full blood vessels are one thing, but I can't imagine a full bladder being the good sort of distraction.)
Try sitting up earlier, in order to fulfill the observation period before freezing.
Bring my own snack, in case there isn't anything appetizing available.
Try to sound less frantic; it's embarrassing.
Yes, I know, I've been eligible for well over eight years now. I'm a wimp sometimes. But yesterday I noticed that there was a drive today, and it turned out to be very close to lab, and so I ate a nice solid breakfast, and when I arrived this morning I walked over and... tried not to think too hard about it, actually. I have inadvertently thought myself into dizziness over some really stupid things before. Hence the report of not-fainting as an accomplishment.
I love the little "First time donor. Please handle with care!" sticker. It's very cute.
When they checked to make sure I wasn't anemic, it reminded me of checking to see if an egg is bad. (Well, they dropped the blood into a liquid and watched to see if it sank!) That reminds me, I have milk to use up. I should make boiled custard.
I did get dizzy during the donation, and wished it wasn't necessary to keep moving the little thingie they gave me to hold/squeeze/turn in my hand, which felt weak and a bit half-asleep. I really wanted to avoid thinking about that arm (even though the lady poking my vein was very nice and only made one hole, unlike a few of the stories I've heard). They put my head down lower when I asked, and put an ice baggie behind my neck and turned the fan on me. I'm afraid I babbled. *eyeroll* Like I said, I'm a wimp sometimes. What seemed to help the most was when they brought me a Sprite -- cold, sweet, and something else to think about.
At one point I was trying to think of something to sing, at least mentally, but I couldn't seem to come up with much in the way of lyrics. When I was reflecting on this during lunch, what should pop into my head but, "There is power, power, wonder-working power...."
...If I remember this, I will end up giggling next time.
Further notes for next time:
Drink more ahead of time. (But take appropriate steps afterward, as full blood vessels are one thing, but I can't imagine a full bladder being the good sort of distraction.)
Try sitting up earlier, in order to fulfill the observation period before freezing.
Bring my own snack, in case there isn't anything appetizing available.
Try to sound less frantic; it's embarrassing.
