On Monday I gave blood for the first time in 2013 and since I began my 45 in my 45th challenge.
Years ago, I had given blood through corporate-hosted drives in the building where I worked so it was easy and accessible. (And I got a long lunch and free cookies.) But when I left that position about 10 years ago I did not make any effort to continue donating. Going back to my original challenge concept, I am going above and beyond "convenience" and seeking out opportunities. And just before I decided to do this challenge, I started giving blood again.
The first time I donated in 2012 the Red Cross had an RV outside Petco, who was sponsoring the event. My husband, who had never donated blood but wanted to, agreed to join me. We found it funny that Petco was a sponsor - lots of silly jokes were made on our drive there about human-puppy transfusions. (OK, my sense of humor is not what you would call "high brow".)
We did not prepare, I thought I knew all about it, I was a veteran. We planned to have dinner on the way back, so had empty stomachs. We did not drink plenty of water that day. Yeah, not a good plan.
So after we gave blood, we did not feel great. And as soon as you say that, (which you should if you are at all shaky), all the phlebotomists go into crisis mode - putting your feet up, wet towels on your forehead, etc. We felt really dumb but couldn't stand up to do anything about it! Of course, we recovered. The volunteers told us what was needed to do next time. Since then, we make sure we are well hydrated and fed, and I always have a nice hamburger or roast beef sandwich for lunch because my iron count is often borderline. It is so simple to be prepared and avoid that feeling!
Now I sign up around every 56 days (the minimum eligibility time) at a local community club. This week I had no issues, and I have had none since the Petco drive. I recognized some of the volunteers and phlebotomists from previous drives and they recognized me. I keep telling I just don't know if I make the 110 lb minimum weight and they keep playing along like it's funny. :)
Donation takes about an hour from sign in to cookies. There is a quick written survey, a verbal survey with the phlebotomist who also does a finger stick and a blood pressure check, then a short wait for the next table. (Daytime appointments are a slightly shorter wait than after 5, if you have the choice.)
The actual blood draw takes about 10 minutes and is painless other than the needle being inserted, which is no biggie. (These guys are experienced pros, after all.) And it's nothing compared to the good feeling at the end, a great sense of helping someone.
The better I hydrate, the faster I fill the bag. They suggest 16 ounces of water during the day before donating, which is one sports water bottle. My husband is a better water drinker than me so he "wins" the race more often. (Yeah, we're even competitive about bleeding.) When you donate, you are giving one pint of blood. You have about 10 pints in your body. Then they ask you to relax for about 10-15 minutes and have free cookies and juice. (Keebler is their cookie supplier so I always look for the Fudge Stripe!)
If you are considering giving blood but have fears or questions, the American Red Cross website is a great resource. It gives eligibility requirements, has a first time donor info page, tells you what they do with the blood and more fun facts. It even addresses a fear of needles. You can also make an appointment and track what you have given.
One last tip - if you run cold, like me, wear long sleeves that can be pulled up or bring a jacket you can keep over your shoulder on your draw arm while you lay still on the table. The locations are kept cool because there's a huge supply of donated blood there that has to be kept at a low temperature.
If you haven't given blood before, or it's been a while, consider making an appointment. There's lots of drives in most locales every week. According the the American Red Cross, 44,000 blood donations are needed daily and
someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
Be there for them!
*If you have no interest in the Twilight saga, you will not get this. Sorry. :)
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