give blood again

The last 5 times I have tried to give blood, I have failed the pre tests. It’s always my pulse, which is normally very high (over 85). Then I have what they call white coat syndrome. So my pulse tops 105 or so. I get turned away.

I was going to give up if I failed just one more time. But with some deep breathing, I just passed with a 100. So I gave blood again. Finally. And I didn’t give up. I always feel so good about myself for doing it. I’m an O positive hero!

Finally, a successful donation.

I asked for a supervisor. My pulse was high. We talked football and got it down to 100. Hematacrit, fine today.

Used a blood pressure cuff. BRILLIANT! I was done in 5 minutes!

I went back for another round. After all, I have O positive and the area is in desperate need.

It started very poorly. My hematicrit was barely eligible (39). I think this is blood oxygen or iron. Not sure which. Then my pulse was 110! Okay, I was nervous and as it is my pulse is usually between 80 and 90. She had to walk away and come back when I got over the white coat sydrome. But it was still 100.

Then, she had trouble finding my vein. Okay, I know they are in there and it worked just fine last time. She actually had to mark my skin. I should have called for the supervisor right there!

Finally the painful poke and I get started. I know I’m a slow bleeder, so I don’t think too much about it. She goes on break while I’m there. Okay, granted, she needs a break and I’m just bleeding at my own damn pace.

After about 12 minutes, the supervisor rushes over and tells me I’m clotting and starts moving the needle around and poking around in everything. OMG, that did it. I got so nauseous. He had to tip me back so I didn’t puke.

Sadly, it never finished. It was a total waste of time. Apparently, even though I was like 90% done, they can’t do anything without a full pint. I don’t understand that. To top it all off, I got a truly nasty bruise. I mean a whole pocket of blood under the skin. Totally gross. I figure my whole arm will be black and blue by tomorrow.

And after all that, they want me back! Supervisor and a blood pressure cuff. I’ll tell you, if may be a while.

Okay, so I’m a little bit of a slow bleeder. 16 minutes to fill the pint. But I sucked it up and showed up for my appointment today. My arm is a little sore, but I’m no worse for the wear. I’m going to try to be a regular. But for now, Yay for me!

Okay, I made the appointment. It was easy. Go to www.givelife.org. I am scheduled for Nov. 2, 8:00 AM. Will keep you posted.

I know, I keep meaning to do this. Today, I had to get blood work done – CBC Chem 7. Yeah, I can be on ER now. But that wasn’t a whole pint and it certainly wasn’t going to some poor soul in need of plasma. So I just need to make an appointment right? Can’t we do that online yet?