A couple of weeks a go a friend (and neighbour) who answers to the name of Mark informed me that there was a blood donor session on in Kendal on the 28th May and he was going if I wanted to join him, he continued with ...or are you too scared to commit! That last comment was like a red rag to a bull and I immediately went on line to register.
So how did it go...?
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| I don't look very impressed - but I was fine - HONEST!! |
It was surprisingly quiet! After all the form filling I was taken through to another room which was divided into pods and my blood (Middle finger pin prick) was tested for iron levels (which were reassuringly good!), more questions to answer and then I was taken to my reclining chair!! If nothing else blood donation gives you a good excuse to lie back and do nothing for 10 minutes! Before I knew it the needle had been inserted (no pain!) and I was left to drain! Mark must have super fast flowing blood or mine's lazy as he started after me but was finished before me!! When my buzzer sounded I was slowly put in the upright position (well my chair was!) and I was directed to the refreshments area where I was reunited with Mark and offered a drink of juice and a biscuit! I wasn't allowed coffee as it was my first time donating ... didn't understand this logic! Since this was Mark's 10th time donating he was allowed a cup of tea and got a nice little pack containing a snazzy badge and a certificate for his troubles. Only another 9 times and that could be mine!!!!
Anyway after a further 10 minutes resting I was allowed to go .... oh but wait ... not before making another appointment!! It now appears I am giving blood again in September!
I have always had great respect for people who donate a bit of their time and endure discomfort (which I now know is minimal!) to help save the lives of people they will never meet. I actually enjoyed the sense of satisfaction I got from knowing I've done something completely selfless and beneficial and if any of my near and dear ever need blood I know I've done my bit to help!
Check who your captain is here!
Donation 2: 15th October 2012
Well I braved it again - and gave blood tonight for the second time! I cancelled my September appointment because I thought it was too close to me running the marathon! I decided my body needed all the blood it had to get me round the 26.2 miles
So the new appointment was for today! It was very, very busy and after an hours wait, I was eventually called through and had my iron levels tested (which were good again!). Another 20 minutes wait followed before I was taken to the relaxing reclining chairs. The very, very young nurse tried to locate a vein on my left arm and then decided to change to my right. I became slightly apprehensive when I was told my veins were very thin and then the young nurse had to ask a colleague for advice on which vein to go for! However, I need not have worried she didn't hurt me at all and I was soon enjoying a cup of coffee and some bourbon biscuits!
All in all not a bad experience - even with the long wait! It was a good excuse to sit in peace and quiet with my book people watching!
I came away with another appointment in February!
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