Give blood.... save a life!

I had a goal for the month of January, to give blood. So when the Red Cross showed up at my place of work for a blood drive I didn't hesitate to sign up.

I gave blood in honor of my father-in-law who is battling leukemia right now. He was an avid donor, going in when ever he was able to donate. He would give plasma and double red cells, the whole bit. He had to stop giving once he found out about his cancer and now he is on the receiving end of the donation by getting blood a few times during the week.

My last blood donation did not go well. It was way back in 2005 but I remember it like it was yesterday. I have passed out before.... this was not new to me but this time was different. I started feeling not too good and then poof.... I am in dreamland. Thinking I am in bed having a dream only to wake up to people standing over me. I couldn't remember where I was for a minute or two. And it took a long time to recover. I vowed that I would never give blood again. My body just can't handle it.


Fast forward to today.....

I read up this time on donating. Did my homework! I ate spinach, raisins, red meat, and chicken to get my iron levels up. I got a good night sleep and made sure I was plenty hydrated. This was going to go well!

My appointment was at 10:00 and I was on time. I ate a good breakfast and even had a banana before heading down to donate. Going through the tests and questions was a breeze but my nurse had to comment on my shaking arm while she was taking my pulse. I didn't even know my arm was shaking. I made sure to tell everyone how this usually goes for me and of course, why I was donating again.

I had a young male nurse sticking me with the needle, which he needed help. My veins hide and he mentioned that I have deep veins. Nope.... they just hide when they know they will be poked. LOL!

Stick went fine and I was donating. About 2 minutes into it I started getting that feeling. It always starts with bad feeling in my stomach. I started taking nice slow deep breaths and asked them to lay me down. I was filling this bag no matter what!

Laying down seemed to do the trick and I was well on my way. The needle hurt a little but I didn't say anything because the last time that happened to me they stopped the process and I didn't want that to happen today. Half way through they had to move the needle around because my blood wasn't flowing good enough. I almost dropped the ball I was supposed to roll around a few times. Good times.... donating blood!

After a little over 16 minutes, I was finally done! I made it.... and filled the whole bag! I took a little longer to recover since I was laying down during the donation. Drank some juice, water, and ate some nuts.

But I am feeling pretty good! Very proud of myself for getting over the trauma and trying it out again. And guess what... I am saving someone's life and that right there is an awesome feeling.

So today I will be taking it easy and won't be working out. And I will probably have a nice battle bruise to show for my bravery. But I did it. And I checked off another goal from my January list!

Here is a picture and proof of my donation from today.......



Have an awesome day spark friends!