How I did it: I made an appointment at a time that suited me.  Admittedly as the time for the appointment drew closer, I'd often change it to a later date.  Sometimes uni just clashed as well.  Then the actual day arrived.  I had breakfast (in retrospect I should have eaten a little more) and drank four glasses of apple juice.  After that, I caught the bus into the city and walked up the steps to the donor centre.  Filled out 3 sections of paperwork-some of the questions made me giggle.  Then I had an interview with a nurse who checked the paperwork, my blood pressure and took a finger prick to make sure my iron levels were high enough.  Afterwards, I was led to an open room where others were already set up to donate.  Sat in a really comfortable chair which was elevated.  The nurse then checked my veins, which aren't that good really.  Thankfully she had the same problem though, and got the needle in first go.  After that I sat there while the machine did all the work while squeezing a stress ball.  Once it was over, I was told to sit there for another 5 minutes and drink a powerade.  Next, I was led to the refreshment area where there was an array of things to eat and drink.  I sat down with my selection and began to eat, but..  then I realised I was feeling a little shaky and cold.  Felt a bit ridiculous, but I told the lady at the front desk who pressed a call button.  Three nurses came running, told me to lie down on the floor with my feet resting on the chair and put cold compresses on my forehead, arms and legs.  Took my blood pressure again, then I gradually got to sit up cross-legged and then back into the chair.  It was a bit embarrassing, but the nurses were fantastic about it. 

Lessons & tips:

• If you've got an overactive imagination like I do, it's most likely not going to be anywhere as bad as you think it is.
• Eat lots and drink lots.  I didn't, which is why I reacted afterwards.
• The machine that collects blood stops when it's taken the correct amount (yes, I was worried I'd have too much blood taken)

Resources:

• Red Cross Australia
• Fantastic nurses at the donor centre
• Prior entries from 43T members
• C. for picking me up afterwards

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Jul 28, 2011, 10:50PM PDT | 0 comments | 13 cheers