August 10, 2010 has been the date that I have been looking forward to with much anticipation all summer long came. However, this day, rather than providing me much joy and fulfillment, left me feeling sad and useless.
You may find this rather strange but think what you may. I have always had a desire to donate blood. Strange, I know. This summer I decided this would be the year that I would fulfill my long awaited desire. My dad reluctantly decided to go with me. We set the date- we would go right after work on the 10th of August.
Seriously, I have been looking forward to this day all summer long. I know what you are all thinking...I need I hobby...But let me finish here. I am so interested in blood. I remember when I had to get blood taken when I had mono- I was so enthralled with watching the blood leave my body. (Am I completely altering the opinion you had of me?- I am a little weird- I know) And I have always desired to give blood-just think one little pint could possibly save someone's life.
Today: August 10, 2010: I have been talking about donating blood all day today. I told all my coworkers, the children, and even my boss. I was so excited. After work my dad came and we drove in together. The red cross gave me a pin and sticker that said I was a blood doner. It was even better than I had imagined. I proudly place the pin upon my shirt. My dad was then called in the back- where he donated blood for the first time in his life. Then my name was called. So many different emotions came over me both fear and excitement. I proudly walked to the back room. I sat in the chair. I gave the nurse my licence and some personal information. She then asked for my finger. She proceeded to poke my middle finger. Then she spoke, "Oh sweetie you can't donate blood" I was awe struck- what? I thought they would be so very grateful for my blood- now they were rejecting me? She proceeded to ask me if I wanted to get retested. Well of course I did, perhaps she didn't realize that this was the day I have been looking forward to all summer long. Another nurse came over to me- and once again I was pricked in the finger.
The big let down: "Honey- you don't have enough red blood cells we can't take your blood." I was crushed. What exactly does that mean I asked. She explained to me that I was anemic and she continued to say that my blood was worthless, good for nothing, and they wouldn't take it if it was the last pint of blood on earth- ok- maybe not all that... But let me tell you that was truly the biggest let down ever...
You forget to tell the rest of the story about coming home and lasping into hysterical sobs...J/k! PS I don't think you are weird :)
ReplyDeleteOnly u would be let down by something like that! Love ya my melancholy sister! Lauren
ReplyDeleteAww...poor thing!! My dad has been donating blood...I wanted to the last time but we just didn't have time for me to fill out the paper work. The problem with me is that I am enthralled with seeing other people's blood leave their body but not my own :)Good for you to try!
ReplyDeleteEat lots of protein {cheese, meat, etc...} at least the day before. I also take B12 vitamins the day before, too. I have to do the same thing plus drink lots of water to keep my blood pressure high enough. Once I was told I couldn't donate because my hemoglobin level wasn't high enough AND low blood pressure. :)
ReplyDeleteaww..Brooke, you aren't weird! This is the sweet side of you! :)
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ReplyDeleteBrooke,
ReplyDeleteI can't donate blood because I had heart surgery when I was baby. My Brother in Law was religious in doing, every 6 weeks in donating blood. He has always done it. Then his son at the age of 17 had brain cancer. He needed blood routinely, until he died. Basically you never know when you or someone you love needs it. I am so proud of you.
Eat more green veggies and meat. That should help. keep trying
Aww! You just made me so sad. It has always been a *big* dream of mine to donate blood someday, too. But when God gave me my illness this spring, my neurologist told me I am a hyper-anemic. There goes that dream... *tears. Well, hey, at least I can empathize!
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