Donate Blood. Save a Life.

I’m going to brag on myself just a little today! This past Wednesday, I was able to donate blood for the first time! It was a little scary, a little uncomfortable, but I’m also really proud of myself.

If you’re someone who gives blood regularly. I applaud you. Seriously. It might not be a big thing for you to do, but for the person who receives your blood, you are a superhero. If you haven’t given blood before and are interested, here’s my story.

History

I didn’t give blood through high school and college for one very specific reason. I actually didn’t weigh enough. I’ve always been tall and thin, a part of my genetics, and it wasn’t until I got into my 30s, really, when I got to a point where I was able to give blood. Also, I’m not the biggest fan of needles! I’ll get my flu shot every year and get blood drawn for my physical, but I don’t like it. I think it’s more psychological than physical. Because if you’ve got a good doctor, it doesn’t really hurt. I don’t want to watch what’s happening, but I want the doctor to talk me through the steps. The good thing for me is that I don’t faint around needles, I just don’t want to see it.

And then were the times I just made excuses. Anytime we had a blood drive at work, it never seemed like the “right time.” Sometimes, I actually had things going on like meetings or tasks to meet a deadline. Other times, I made excuses – I haven’t been drinking enough water, it’s inconvenient, whatever.

Making the Decision

So finally, I decided I was going to give blood. I’ve had a few situations with family and close friends (who are basically family) in the past year or so where I know just how much a blood transfusion has literally saved their lives. With COVID, you actually have to schedule an appointment, so I bit the bullet and finally scheduled an appointment at a blood drive about 10 minutes from my house.

My Experience

I was anxious going in, but the phlebotomists were all really nice. It was a little different for me because I literally didn’t know what was going to happen at each step and clearly these people are professionals. They don’t take too much time to explain what’s going on, but you can tell they know exactly what they’re doing. But, I got through the hemoglobin test – which actually hurts a little! And got to my donation table (is that what you call it?). I’ll tell you, I didn’t look at my arm the entire time, but the actual donation part took maybe 10-15 minutes. It was really quick. Plus they were playing music, which definitely helped keep my mind off what I was actually doing.

Then, I sat up at the table, got my bearings, breathed a little, and felt well enough to walk to the refreshment area. I sat down, opened a juice box. Because honestly, as an adult, there are very few acceptable times to have a juice box. And about halfway through, I started getting lightheaded.

Feeling Faint

I’m thinking to myself that it’s all in my head and I’m going to be fine, just give it a minute or two. And then I started getting that hot, clammy feeling, so I tipped my head between my knees and waited. Let me tell you wearing a mask when you’re feeling faint is not a great feeling.

Eventually, (it felt like forever, but was only maybe five minutes), one of the phlebotomists, saw me all hunched over. And then three of them brought over a folding cot, got me into a horizontal position (knees up), and applied cold compresses to my head, neck, and wrists. I never actually fainted but felt silly anyway. At this point, they were all extremely nice and so helpful. I felt ridiculous, but they assured me it was no big deal!

Results

I’m not going to say I felt great after giving blood because who likes feeling like you’re going to pass out? But, I felt accomplished! The next day I felt drained (pun intended), but seriously, just really tired. Which some people feel after giving blood. And as I think back, I most likely got up too fast from the table. I have low blood pressure as it is, so this shouldn’t have surprised me. I’ll get lightheaded getting off the couch sometimes!

Overall, I’m not sure that I’ll be giving blood every eight weeks as they suggest. But, I think I’ll definitely do it again. I mean, to feel a little faint for 10-15 minutes, is nothing compared to how many people feel who truly need a blood transfusion. Maybe next time, I won’t get so lightheaded either!

I strongly encourage you to check out the Red Cross website for more information. Donate blood. Save a life. If you can’t give blood, there are other options to help as well – monetary donations, volunteer, host a blood drive, etc.