Anyone interested in saving lives?

Yesterday, I donated blood for the first time. It was quite an experience! Working at hospitals throughout my career, I was frequently in proximity to blood. The smell alone seemed to make me queasy. I was also under the mistaken belief that I was a blood type that was not in high demand. That kept me from thoughts of donating. Taking headache medications (for decades of migraines), cannabis and CBD I thought also excluded me. My experiences yesterday cleared up a lot of my misconceptions.

My medical history nor existing supplements are a deterrent. And I am O negative, a universal and much needed blood type. This was encouraging news for me. Once I got my hurdles cleared and understood the value I was giving, I was all in and ready to go. My nerves were in check and I found I was not as nauseous being around the blood. Then the process began. I tolerated the needle just fine. It was amazing to me. Perhaps I was going to be better at this than I had always imagine. I can’t recall how long it took before I begin to feel very lightheaded and a twitching in my eye. As the phlebotomist walked by, I mentioned my symptoms. She elevated my legs, and all seemed good for a while. Some time later a new wave took over and I was brought a beg just in case I was going to vomit. Thankfully, that did not happen. Instead, I passed out. From afar I kept hearing my name, first it was exceptionally low and then it got progressively louder. Coming around was rough. I was immediately hit with overwhelming lightheadedness again. Some Gatorade to drink and ice packs to cool my body slowly started to alleviate my distress. Unfortunately, I was next with a struggle to keep my bowels in check. Apparently, I had entered that potential diarrhea phase. Despite staff telling me this was all very normal, I found It all challenging and embarrassing. Not to mention that I did not witness from any of the other donors in distress. They all seemed to tolerate the experience well.

Eventually I got myself together and was able to get home. Lots of water and rest eventually brought me back. Within a few hours I was almost normal. Despite my experience, I am eager to give again. It seems hard to believe, yet I think I can prepare and train myself to get better at the process. Perhaps donate earlier the day and eat iron rich food a few days prior. I can also dress differently to avoid getting overheated. Knowing that I have a rare and much needed blood type, I feel an incredible opportunity to give back and to potentially safe lives

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I’d be curious to hear other experiences and suggestions for making the process better.

Those interested in donating: Donors | BioBridge Global