…while trying to do some good?
Today, I went to give blood. It was the first time in over a year, due to getting my tounge pierced. Now OK, I know that I’m registered up in Aberdeen. But it’s a national thing, right? My details will be on a national register, right? All I will have to do is change my details, correct?
Anyone else who thought this can join me in the ‘dumbass’ queue.
They put me through as a new donor. I was, however, told that when I get home, I can let them know how often I have donated blood up here.
Oh, dear, not a good sign.
I had to go see a nurse for a health screening, which was answer a few questions. Now, because I had answered these questions ten times before, I answered before the nurse had finished asking them. Then I was asked about a local anasthetic. I replied that, as usual, I wanted one. I was then asked if I had given blood before, and if so how often. I said ten times.
Then I got a test to make sure I had enough iron in my blood. Ususally I am stressed out about this but today, after all that had already happened, I was not that bothered. The nurse who gave me the test was more worried because she isa trainee. She asked if that bothered me and I said no. She has to learn how to do this. Besides she was quite cute :¬)
I then went to donate my pint. When the thing was put in, a local anasthetic was not used. I told the person I usually get a local anasthetic.
(In case you think I am a wimp, you try getting a bit of metal stuck into the vein in your arm, with nothing to stop it hurting, and then tell me, how much fun was it for you?)
So the nurse asked if I had given blood before. I said yes. Then someone else asked again. He also asked where, how often and when my last donation was. He wrote this on my form and said something about getting in touch with Aberdeen and getting my records sent down to me. At last, someone with a bit of fucking sense! They also gave me (as a first eleventh time donor) a list of advice to follow. One of these was ‘Do not smoke for two hours afterwards’. After the stress they put me through, that’ll be shining fucking bright.
Despite my experiences, I would still recomend you give blood. If you are old enough and have no good reason not to, you should. The blood is replenished after about two days, you get a drink and some biccies afterwards and you will be doing something good and worthwhile. For Brit readers, go here for more info. For the rest of you, find it yourself.
Tomorrow, the ‘interview’. I’ll keep you posted.
Will(iam the just given bloody (sorry, I could not resist))
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