First timer blood-donor. I expected the volumes of paperwork. I didn’t expect the pin-prick to test my haemoglobin levels (silly, me). So as I held a bit of wadding to my finger, I waited for the machine to spit out my number. I felt optimistic; it had been ages since I’d been diagnosed as anaemic.
The number had to be between 12 and 16.
I got 12.2. So I only just scraped through that stage.
Then they led me through to the lines of squishy, vinyl long tables, with people attached to cables and I felt like I was talking into a Brave New World set. I went over to ‘my’ attendant.
“That headrest might be a little low,” I said. “I get dizzy.”
The attendant looked up sharply, then looked over my chart.
“You have Menieres Disease?”
“Yes.”
“Only diagnosed in November?”
“Yes.” I knew where this was leading. “But I feel fine today.”
She dropped the chart, leant on the table, and held my shoulder. “Still, I strongly advise against donating blood. You must look after yourself first. We take half a litre. That is a lot. You’ll then walk outside in 40 degree heat, and you will drop on the footpath and have an attack and will spend the next week in bed, unable to look after your little kids. I am a district nurse and my best friend has Menieres. It’s not worth it.”
I admit, I got a little teary. I made some feeble protests. But I knew she was right, and the one thing I don’t need right now is to get sick again.
So I walked out of there, sans bandage around my elbow, to the curious glances of the other givers.
So, to re-cap: bugger.
7:13 am
They are very health consious.
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7:51 am
It’s admirable that you want to help others, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to. I know it sucks, but sometimes, it’s the thought that counts.
You’re still a rockin’ humanitarian, Karen.
8:25 am
The thought was there and they are right, you need to look after you first.
Good on you for trying to donate though. We need more people like you.
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8:55 am
First time I went I was 11.8 so couldn’t donate. The second time I went was fine, then I became anaemic so haven’t been able to donate since. These things happen.
Perhaps you can use your experience to con a few others who it wouldn’t affect into donating on your behalf?
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10:30 am
Well done on your desire to help. I think Bettina has a great suggestion about having others donate on your behalf. Good thinking.
11:13 am
I’m no longer allowed to donate blood because I lived in England during a certain time which means I might somehow have that Mad Cow Disease.
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12:38 pm
That’s nice that they’re looking out for the health of the donors and not just taking blood because you fit within the figures. Disappointing, yes. But good all the same.
To be honest, I’ve never even tried to give blood. I used to be anaemic and now I’m on regular medications which preclude me….sadly I’m glad to have the excuse as the very thought makes me want to throw up.
So I take my hat off to you for being willing.
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5:02 pm
Well done Karen! I read last year that just over 500,000 people, or 3.5 per cent of the potential donor population – actually give blood. For some reason we all expect blood to be at the hospital when we need it. What a pity more people don’t follow your lead.
9:58 pm
Good on you, it’s the thought that counts
A pub manager I knew used to make all his workers donate blood (unless they were sick) as often as they were allowed. He got the nickname Drac lol 
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10:42 pm
I commented at the other post first - it was an inspired gift and now you are encouraging others to consider - well done.
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10:13 am
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1:17 pm
As it should be hard, but I echo what others said - thank you for trying. Perhaps you can donate some of your time to encourage others to give blood.
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. During my treatment, I received 10 blood transfusions (about 20 pints), so I know the importance of donating. Although I am now clear, I can no longer donate since I had the cancer. But I strongly suggest others do, if they can - it’s selfless, painless and you may help someone else’s life. What’s better than that?
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7:24 pm
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4:19 pm
I have only given blood once. It was when there was a shortage of blood in a nearby town because of a tornado that hit the town. I went with a friend who is at least 10-15 years older than me. She was finished in less than 15 minutes and had to wait on me. For some reason, it took an hour for them to draw my blood. I have no clue why but I haven’t wished to repeat the experience again.
9:18 pm
I have tried several times myself and each time have been turned away, occasionally told to go and see my doctor who then tests my blood and says don’t worry. There’s just that grey area in between which I seem to be in. I’ve pretty much given up trying now.
But when you get through that first pinprick and into the “Brave New World”… I’ve been a little teary then and made feeble protests myself. And “curious stares” is probably putting it mildly!
But everyone is right. The thought does count, and you do need to take care of yourself first.
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