No, this isn't some baseball post about my infactuation with the Cubs.
I simply mean that there is a first (and third) time for everything. Yesterday I experienced something for the first time in my 31 years. I finally gave blood. Somehow over the years, I managed to conviently bypass the entire subject. Not even Coach Stewart could sway me in my Jr. year with enough bounus points that I could easily miss the entire second semester of class (and still pass). Nope, I never even considered it. I am terrified of needles. My sweet sister has given me a few flu shots while sitting on top of me. The time had come. A sweet little patient of mine was in dire need of A+ after a recent surgery. So..... Sheri (a coworker of mine) and I mustered enough courage to make the trip to Medic yesterday. We were both first-timers. I won't go into the yuckiness of the needles and such, but we both were very brave. I actually finished my donation in less than 5 minutes. I made my way to the refreshment counter and poured myself a nice cool glass of OJ.
This is where "there's a third time for everything" comes into play. I started getting that static tunnel vision and knew I was going down. I knew because I have passed out twice before in my life. (Thank-you xray school) I tried to get myself to the floor so that I could lie down, but I must have failed. When I opened my eyes there were like ten people around me. I was severely embarrassed!
My sweet friend Sheri saw me through to the end. I was very thankful she was there.
Why does drama seem to follow me everywhere?! Oh, by the way, even though I felt pretty rotten most of the night and a bit today, this experience did not waver my intention of donating again. There is a severe blood shortage. What better gift than the gift of life? I was amazed how many coworkers I saw at Medic donating for this little girl. It really warmed my heart. People never cease to amaze me!
7 comments:
Hi Erika! I'm sooo glad you left a comment on our blog...now I've got you linked to us. I'll be able to keep up with you guys-Yippee! Looks like you are doing well and being incredibly brave! Sorry for the not-so-smooth first time donating experience. Ha. I have only donated once in my life, too. I'm O neg, so as the universal donor, I should donate more often. My blood pressure stays low naturally, and I got woozy and dizzy after giving blood, too. I did not totally pass out, but it was close enough that I have not been brave again since college! :)
I'm thinking we MUST get these kids together to play at a park soon. What do you think? We'd love to see you.
Well, I just looked up the scoop on my blood type and after reading your story, I have been convicted to muster up the nerve in the future and donate.
Great Job! I am proud of you for pushing thru your fear! I would probably faint too. I have only fainted once before and its a weird feeling.
When will you be making your brave plane trip?
I'm proud of you!! I was a first timer last year...and I wore my first timer sticker with pride. It feels good to "give life". I almost donated a second time, but when they got to the question about could you possibly be pregnant I thought...it is possible that I could be pregnant...so I left without giving blood. Good thing too because I was pregnant!! So I "gave life" to Eli instead ;-)
hope all is well!! ~alicia
hello??? where are you?? just wondering how your little wooly bugger is doing :)
I'm with Alicia! How are you?! We really need to get together sometime SOON! :) Thanks for the tip on deleting creepy comments. I followed your advice and it worked. :)
missing your musings...
You write very well.
Post a Comment