You can scratch that off the list

I donated blood today. It all started last year when I got in on Manic Mommy's virtual blood drive.

At that time I signed up for the Brighten Lives program and vowed I'd go as often as I was eligible. I donated in January, March, June and then when I went in September, my iron was too low. Shortly after that, my back drama started and blood donation took a backseat to my health.

The 2009 Virtual Blood Drive is in full swing, so what better time for me to get my butt back to the blood center. I get to participate in the blood drive, I was entered to win Blackhawks raffle tickets at the blood center, I got to mark off an item on my 52 Things list, and I'm SAVING LIVES.



It doesn't get any better than that. (Well, unless of course, I win that 6 day, 5 night stay at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.)

Well that was fun

As I mentioned earlier, today was my appointment to donate blood again. Knowing this, I made sure I picked out a 3/4 sleeve top to make things easier. I also make a mental note as I'm getting ready to grab a juice from the kitchen fridge, a yogurt from the garage fridge -- and yes, can't forget the milk crate and empty bottles because today is milk day.

I get my juice. I get the crate/empty bottles. Get in the car, start my drive in and realize - SHIT! I forgot my yogurt. I figure, oh well, at least I've got Lean Cuisines and Smartones in the freezer at work.

I eat lunch around 12:30 -- and start drinking a bottle of water as well. I leave the office at 1:40 and get to the donation center at 1:55 for my appointment at 2.

I was gone for nearly 2 hours. First of all - there was a new girl training - so it took her longer to do everything, and then someone else was observing to make sure no mistakes were made and no steps were skipped.

I finally get all hooked up, and I'm flowing nicely (my last donation took 7 minutes). They say "She's just about done..." and I'm feeling woozy.

They notice - and ask - and I tell them and immediately they are scurrying around and I've got several people around me, and I'm slipping further away.......

They are trying to keep me alert - asking me questions - telling me to cough - all while putting ice packs on my neck, on my forehead, holding them against my cheeks. They bring over a fan and aim it straight at me.

And I'm just barely hanging on -- trying to concentrate on what the hell they are saying to me -- but am having a heck of a time because my head is fuzzy and who the hell sucked all the moisture out of my lips?

They are asking - how do you feel? How is your stomach? All the while my stomach is rolling and rolling and rooooollllllllling............

And I'm still halfway between conciousness and passing out and I can't get back even though I'm at war with my body to just straighten itself back out.

I'm still queasy, still hanging on the edge of conciousness and I've still got a fury of people milling around me asking me questions. They are asking me if I am queasy, if I am nauseous .... yes, yes, YES!!!

Next thing I know, I've got a big clear plastic garbage bag opened up and in front of me like a feed bag. I am still hanging on the edge, but I am able to think clearly enough that I DO NOT WANT TO REVIST THOSE SWEDISH MEATBALLS.

Finally, my stomach starts to settle down, my body starts to return to normal and my color returns. It was a good 10 minutes and probably the longest 10 minutes of my life. It was awful.

Thankfully lunch stayed down, and so did the water, juice and cookies they pumped me with afterwards. I had to stay there longer for them to make sure I was okay - and trust me - I was in no hurry to do all that again, so I obeyed.

I'm entirely wiped out, though. They asked me if I was tired -- and why, yes, I am. VERY. One pint of blood, and a sixth of an hour just hanging onto conciousness.......yes, I'll have a nap please.

But you know what ..... on May 14th, I'll likely be back there, donating again. Only that time I'll remember to eat more than just a Smartone before I go in.

Brighten Life

I just booked my next appointment (March 19) to donate blood, and I joined the Brighten Life program, committing myself to donating once a quarter.

Really - it was that easy. Be brave, save a life ... donate blood! You'll be amazed at how warm and cozy it makes you feel inside.

Pint Lighter

I donated blood! And I'm still alive! A pint lighter, but alive nonetheless. I donated once before in my life, and that was 10 years ago. And this time I didn't pass out either!

A couple fellow bloggers are bribing readers with prizes, so I decided - what the heck? It's not all about the free food, or cold hard cash -- but you gotta admit -- that helps!

So, I conned my boss into going along with me (being the chicken shit that I am!) and we get there, fill out the paperwork, go back to get the vitals done and come to find out, her iron level is .4 under what they need.

I just squeeze by myself, seeing as how I'm feeling fine but am running a low grade fever of 99.4 (the cut off - 99.5 and I would have been S-O-L).

So, I'm alone in this, but my boss comes back with me to keep me company, and capture a photo of me giving away my precious life juice.

It was the fastest and easiest thing ever - honestly - I'm not sure why more people wouldn't do it. I may just go back in 8 weeks and do it all over again!

It took a whopping 7 minutes to fill up that bag.....fast enough that the woman says to me "It's still really warm!"

Gee, thanks!