"Ms. S said you'd give blood if you were at the continuation high school on Tuesday..."
It was odd to get a call to work the next day at 5 PM. It was even odder to be called to cover the teacher who was running the blood drive. But then again, of course she couldn't be in class and run the blood drive...
I've subbed for Ms. S quite a lot recently. She told me about the blood drive a month ago. I did say I would volunteer, but it was likely that I wouldn't be on campus that day. Turns out I was wrong.
I did remember the promise. And it was a day of work. So, I took it.
The reason I've never given blood before doesn't have to do with a fear of needles or the sight of blood making me faint. I've just had really bad luck when it comes to having blood drawn. For example, the last time I had to have blood drawn for tests, it took them eight tries to find a vein.
Eight. Tries.
Yes, I got stuck eight times. I felt a bit like a pincushion at the end of the day.
So, I wasn't sure what was going to happen at the blood drive. I promised myself that I'd let them try twice.
I got through all the intake paperwork. I went to lie down. And the nurse went looking for a vein...
Turns out I needn't have worried about getting stuck twice. After two blood drive workers failed to find a vein, they let me go.
At least I tried. (This is what I keep telling myself. It isn't making me feel any better about it, though.)
Kudos to you for even trying. Every time I've ever had blood drawn, I pass out or end up feeling sick later in the day. I don't deal well with medical anything. And attempting it during a work day? Umm … nope. Glad they gave up before you; I'll take your word that it's no fun to be a pincushion. :(
ReplyDeleteI've only come away feeling slightly metallic...
DeleteI'm a member of the Gallon Club, I've got very good veins, and I'm O+, I'm in demand. And when I donate, I really appreciate the volunteer who brings me juice and cookies afterwards.
ReplyDeleteMy point is, there are people who are not physically able to donate, for various reasons. They find other ways to help. And that's just as important.
That's great. I take it you give blood frequently.
DeleteI haven't given blood in a while, good reminder to do so. At least you tried, that's what counts!
ReplyDeletebetty
I remember once this nurse trying to find a vein to put the IV in-it took something that many times also. I ended up calling her Vlad the Impaler. She ended up getting another nurse who had no problem. I can't give blood because i have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I commend you for trying since that is not an easy thing to get through
ReplyDeleteIt's not the blood draw that gets me. As long as I look away, it's just a slight pinch. But yeah, it sucks getting stuck a lot.
DeleteWell, you were there and if two experienced people couldn't find a vein, I really don't see how you can blame yourself in any way. Let it go, sugar.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for trying. I was told not to come back for the same reason. They always say how much they need blood, but then they turned me away (Sean gives me weekly injections at home to treat my disease, so I'm used to needles). I was willing to be stuck however many times, but they were not!
ReplyDeleteAt least we have the excuse of having tried. I guess that's something.
DeleteOuch! Thankfully my problems giving blood didn't have to do with finding veins. I wonder where all yours are hiding.
ReplyDeleteAt least you tried, it's never fun if they have to poke you more than once *sigh*
ReplyDeleteNope, not fun.
DeleteSo sorry for the letdown. I have the same problem. Worse than the ordeal is how all the phlebotomists want to tell me what the veins are doing. "Oh, it's rolling away again." I don't mind a little pain or the needle but don't tell me crap I can envision. The last time, I kindly warned the gal to please keep details to herself. Need to have blood drawn again in a few weeks. Joy. Be well!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's what they always say! It rolled away. LOL.
DeleteDon't you hate that? ~grimace~ It makes me feel queasy.
DeleteYou are a woman of your word,
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I always wonder about these things, do you know why some people have (is it smaller veins) and others, like me have these large veins that stick out all the time...... which I hate.
Part of it might be that it's under a layer of fat. I don't know. Maybe someone else does and will chime in?
DeleteAww...so sorry you had to go through all that. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI have crappy veins too! It's not what keeps me from giving blood though. I have never given blood. It just irks me that the Red Cross sells the blood that is donated! Shouldn't donated blood be free?? I know...operating costs and all. But it irks me. I would donate if a loved one needed it! Or a friend!
ReplyDeleteThis drive wasn't through Red Cross. It was for a local hospital, I believe.
DeleteI so don't do needles and they always have trouble getting a vein on me, too. I figure I give back to the world and help people/animals in other ways so we call it good. lol That was nice of you to try :)
ReplyDeleteThey have an easy time finding my vein, but only in my left arm. The right arm's veins are a mystery. lol
ReplyDeleteI don't think that's unusual. They asked me which arm they should look at. Since it didn't matter, we started with one, then went to the other, and found no veins in either.
DeleteIt is really nice of you to make the effort. I haven't ever given blood, because I'm afraid my body will strike back and give me a migraine (which can happen if I get dehydrated or don't eat or sleep enough). You'd never see me on a Survivor-type show. I wouldn't last 5 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI can not give blood, either. Seems my veins "shut down". I also have very small veins, and I have to ask for something called a "butterfly needle" when they have to draw blood. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI have experienced the butterfly needle, too. I still have a scar from where they drew blood out of my hand (the only place they could find a vein for that particular blood draw). When I was 16...
DeleteYIKES.....8 tries? That is crazy. They always get me on the first stick, if they don't, then I am asking for someone else. I have easy big veins so like I said, if they did not get, then they are NO GOOD at their job! I used to give blood all the time but since I end up giving so much when I go to the doc the last few yrs....I stopped.
ReplyDeleteCount your blessings. The comments are ranging from like you to like me--about half and half.
DeleteI'm exactly the same. They told me not to bother coming back. Even when I have to give a sample they can't get blood. Last time the nurse had to ring the lab to see if the paltry amount she managed to extract would be enough!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not the only one :)
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