Donate blood

So what did I do for my birthday? I high tailed it down to the blood bank to see if my iron was still holding. Last time I finally surpassed the required 12.4, but this time it was up to 12.9, which I was really happy about (I’ve been trying hard to keep my iron up).

They were happy too, since my blood type is scarce lately. I filled up the bag in 8 minutes & the nurses sang happy birthday to me, which was fun. Then I had some excellent mochachinos & cookies & went on my merry way.

On the way back we stopped to pick up an appropriate flick. (we actually settled on Sweeney Todd, but that’s still pretty appropriate).

Now I’m looking into giving platelets. It takes a lot longer, but you can donate more often.

Off I went this afternoon, feeling healthy and hopeful. Glory be, my blood sank (HOW happy was I?) and off I went with the nurse, a particularly cool nurse with red and blonde hair who I ended up discussing Italian movies, music, (and numerous personal things) with.

I was good to go, so I went with two other nurses, one of which had on a long sleeved blue shirt that matched her latex gloves so it appeared as though she was wearing long evening gloves.

The needle was swift and painless and they brought me a glove filled with hot water to warm my blood. One finger was free, so whenever I squeezed it the finger filled up and looked obscene, giving me, the nurse & another donor there the giggles.

It took just over 8 minutes to fill my bag – very quick this time. Out came the needle & after a few minutes more I was off to indulge in some Peek Freens (ah, nostalgia) and a NEW perk… fancy coffee.

I also met a frightfully interesting older lady (another donor) who it turned out released the bookcrossing book I’d picked up earlier (so it’s time to add that goal). We talked about various literature and she told me about her high school days in the 60’s and how she was going to skip her & her husband’s tai-chi class tonight. Amazing lady.

I feel great! I’m thrilled that my iron is strong again and I’ll be doing this again whenever I can. YAY!!!

– Levitated drop of blood by Steven Morton

I just made an appointment for 3:00 this afternoon, so I’m off soon. I’m really hoping the third time is the charm. I haven’t been able to donate since last January – not for lack of trying. C’mon veins!

It’s been 2 months since I last went in, and I’m hoping I’ve managed to up my iron this time. I’m going to make an appointment closer to the end of the month. That will also make it the anniversary of the first time I gave. (crossing fingers and popping another bloody red pill)

In the spirit of anti-procrastination I hightailed it to the blood clinic this afternoon. To my great disappointment, my blood iron was still a shade too low. I needed it to be 12.5 and it was 12.4.

So, so close.
I really tried.

Sigh. Bring on the vampire movies.

Hopefully I can have it up by January.

I hope so… I’ve tried hard to up my blood iron so I can donate this time. I had to wait a few days after getting my flu shot, and they’ve closed early since. I’m aiming to do this before the end of the week.

Frowny frown.

I made the appointment and made all the arrangements required to go and when I arrived they checked my iron and I failed. Sob.

Now I have to wait 2 months before I can go in again.

I spoke with one of the nurses & will make a plan to up my iron intake. I’ve challenged Markus to make an edible meal containing liver and he’s accepted.

But OH I’m disappointed.

I just got a call from the blood bank practically begging me to come in and donate again. They’re at a 9 year low all across Canada and really, really need people to come in.

I’m going to try and make it in as soon as I can. I wanted to urge everyone who’s been meaning to do this as well to go GO GO!

1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283)

My blood donor card came in the mail today. I didn’t realize that B Rh + blood was so rare, so I’m going to donate whenever possible. The next time I can go is in late March/early April. My brother said he wanted to join me, so I think I’ll try to rally up a blood party for my birthday… I feel even better about doing this now.

Done! I wish that hadn’t taken me so long, I could have donated 4-5 times since I added this to my list. It went fine. My drop of blood hung in the blue (iron test) liquid until the last second and then dropped, so it was a go.

I answered all the questions (no, no I haven’t been a prostitute since 1977) & got my bloody newbie sticker & headed off to the chair. The needle was pretty big – I think it weirded the nurse out a little that I didn’t look away, but I actually enjoyed the process, lay back feeling my heart beat & thought about how it might really help someone.

I think they took about 2 cups out, then thanked me profusely, gave me a cute little 1st time donor pin & led me to the snacks room for juice and cookies. My donor card should arrive in the mail later this week & I will definitely, definitely go back.

(Now I’m having a Bloody Mary to celebrate!)