How I did it: I donated through my school, so I was called out of class at about 9:45. I had to wait about an hour and a half to donate, which was alright because I got to listen to music and chill instead of being in class (which was pretty unproductive anyway since I'm a 2nd semester senior) and I wasn't done until lunch time. I just about drank my weight in water as I waited, haha. Then they called me.. and my iron levels were too low! However, I warmed up my hands which apparently opens up the capillaries and they tested me again and I was fine! So I donated, it stung a tiny bit (they told me it was because of the iodine, a little got in my skin) but all in all it was relatively painless. The people were all very nice and appreciative. I got a small splinter later that day, and the splinter honestly hurt more than giving blood haha. Then after I donated I hung out and ate cookies and popcorn and ice cream, feeling happy that I saved lives!

Lessons & tips: Just do it! It's really not that bad at all, a small pinch to save 4 people's lives. Drink lots of water and you probably won't have any bad reactions.

Resources: Stanford Blood Center!

---

May 28, 2012, 09:40PM PDT | 0 comments | 16 cheers