I didn't tell you about my trip to donate blood on Wednesday did I? Do not carry on reading if you are faint of heart or queasy of tum. I won't go into graphic detail but still... I was due to donate any time around now and thought I'd get it out of the way before I finished work, then I'd have plenty of time to recover. They attempted the usual pin prick test which I warned the nurse, my blood droplet usually has a bit of trouble sinking within the allotted time limit in order to pass the test, (you would probably have to tie a brick to it.) As predicted, the droplet floated like a ping pong on the surface. "Do you mind if we have another go?" I was already there and braced for the torture so I told the nurse to be my guest. She punctured my finger again, (the same one,) and then proceeded to squeeze my finger like, well, like she was trying to get blood out of a stone. The second, much bigger and fatter droplet... also floated in the solution.
This is were they now attempt to take a sample from my arm to place in the machine that reads the iron content. I have to donate from my left so the sample must be taken from my right, which doesn't have very good veins. At this point, the nurse calls for reinforcements and in walks a very pleasant looking, very mature nurse whom I have every confidence in. This is going to hurt and I can't look, but, it wasn't too bad. The nurse did very well and she got what she needed. A few minutes later and the reading is back. I've just scraped through and I can donate. So chuffed, I'm always disappointed if I can't give.
I'm whisked through to a bed and a third nurse. My arm is prepped and we have the usual chit chat, it's a bit like going to the hairdressers. The nurse has the option of two veins, neither are spectacular examples but they usually do the job. I look away and suddenly, my arm is really hurting then begins to go numb. I'd asked could I keep my thin jacket on as I was cold but a wave of heat rushes to my head and I wonder if I'm going to pass out or vomit.
The nurse keeps asking am I okay which of course I tell her "yes," and she quickly calls over another nurse, she's missed the vein. Have to say, I'm not thrilled by the sense of urgency in her voice but I'm concentrating on not throwing up. New nurse tries to find the vein by fiddling with the needle, which makes me even more queasy but they can't find it and so have to abandon the donation as they can't try twice in the same arm, on the same day. I go back to work with a bandage around the left arm and plasters on the right and my punctured finger. The good news is that I'm told once the bruising has gone, I can go back!
And boy, have they bruised. Both are sore but I forget and am only reminded when I throw a shopping basket over the left one and get a prompt reminder. I will go back... when the bruising is gone.
I feel better today. Amazing what sleep and drugs can do.
I jogged for 30 minutes this morning as I slept late again. I'm here now with my coffee, writing to you, I did contemplate doing something today but I think I'll just go home, have a lazy day and just potter.
Mr Regular has just been over to enquire why I'm still here as I've usually gone by now. I am such a creature of habit.
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