Have You Ever . . . Even Once?

I don't know when or how I first stumbled upon Murr's blog, but I'm awfully happy that I did.  She's got a wry (this may be the first time I've ever used that word [and it feels good]) tone that I thoroughly enjoy.  Most recently she wrote about giving blood and that made me thing about my years of blood donation.

I gave for a good long time, twice a year usually, from the time I first realized I was eligible.  I just thought it was an important thing to do.  Because I've always had low blood pressure and rolling veins, it wasn't always an easy thing to do.  But that didn't stop me.

Until one night in May.

I went down to the church and gave my blood and skimped a bit on the juice and pretzel table because I needed to get home.  It was the night of Sherry's junior prom and because we had excellent rhododendrons, the crowd was gathering at our place for pre-prom photos.  I sure wish I had a digital version of one of them because those kids did look good.  So I hurried home and we hurried about getting things ready and then standing around for this pose and that pose and kibitzing with the other parents who had come over for the photo op.  And it was warm.  At last they were all in their cars and off for a lovely evening.  The parents dispersed and Joe and I headed down to the pub for our dinner.

It was crowded and we couldn't get a table right away, so we were standing at the bar.  And it all caught up to me.  And I said, "I don't feel right."  And down I went.  I passed out.  In a bar.

And that's the last time I gave blood.

Hey -- go read Murr's post, won't you?  It's better than mine.  And give blood.  If you can.  And don't skimp on the pretzels and juice.  Trust me.

Nancy, NP


Comments

Nancy said…
The same thing happened to me in a restaurant. I rushed out after donating (no juice or cookie) and it caught up with me. I learned the hard way that it is important to have some juice, a cookie and sit down at the donation site for at least five minutes. I think it is now required.
Memories of racing with my RN friend to see who could pump out that 500 ml fastest. We always sat there and schmoozed since we worked in the medical field at the time. Key West is quite small and only had one hospital which made it an everyone knows everyone town. She and I still depend on each other despite parting when I left KW in 1992. Giving blood felt good, looked good on our performances at that hospital and gave us a chance to contribute.

Eating a bit after tho—super important. Thaks for reminding me of these memories.
Janet O. said…
My one experience left me so sick--even before I got off the table, I haven't dared try again. My daughters tried giving and felt fine until the next day, which they spent in bed. They thought it was a fluke and tried again another time--same story. Women in our family must not have enough to give. The men, however, can give and never skip a beat--and I'm grateful that they do.
pcflamingo said…
I used to donate religiously every however many weeks you were allowed to do it until my severe insomnia was diagnosed as restless legs syndrome which is made worse by anemia. So my doc put the kibosh on blood donation. I had my 10 gallon pin and everything.
Unknown said…
I did just the same once except I went after work one day after skipping lunch to fit in some grocery shopping - I ended up not even leaving the donation place but on the spare bed with my feet raised - what a clown - I did continue to give blood until medication put a stop to it - still makes me sad that I can't continue - one of the little things you can do to help the world go round at little cost to yourself
Susan said…
Although I'm sure it was embarassing at the time, this incident has made for a great story. Bet your kids have never let you live it down!
Nancy said…
I gave up giving blood...the last three times I went I was turned away and sent to my physician...
first time dx with high blood pressure
second time dx with thyroid nodule
third time dx with type 2 diabetes

That was it for me...I couldn't handle anymore problems...
Lori said…
Too funny, although I'm sure it wasn't at the time.
Penny said…
Funny story. I would love to be able to give blood, but don't meet the minimum weight requirement. Have had the experience though when having blood drawn. I've definitely learned to eat before I go.
Anonymous said…
I too have VERY low blood pressure - sometimes registering DEAD!! Can't give because of medical condition but when they take it (like yesterday) can't find vein, slow, almost painful, very black & blue today at site, and big lump!!! Ugh!! Will be working as an auxilliary at our local hospital probably in the blood bank ward because I feel it is important and I can serve in this way - can't give but can help take! Your CA cuz
Anonymous said…
When you have hard rolling veins, it is difficult to give. When it took two nurses to hold my arm down and one of them was swishing the needle back and forth chasing the vein, that was my last visit. I had my five gallon pin by that time. Thanks for sharing and for the link.
cindy
Murr Brewster said…
Thanks for the link love! I think I'm through donating though. I'm out about 17 gallons so far, and I did recruit my husband, who never donated before because he's a giant sissy about needles. ("If they could just take it with a knife...") Plus, they quit serving Krispy Kremes. Oh, the humanity.

Anyway, my neck still hurts from hitting the wall. Bother.
Tanya said…
I gave blood until one time they turned me down because of blood pressure. Well! If they don't want my blood, then fine! I actually took offense! I've watched my diet awhile now... I wonder if they'd take it again.