I thought I would write this out for True Story Tuesday. I really wish I could give blood, and I’ve tried twice. Each time was a less than stellar experience for me.
*****
The first time I gave blood was at my old job. My co-worker cajoled me into signing up since he was a big blood giver, so we went downtown from our client to go give blood. I was leary, but ready to be poked.
I got on the cot thing and was poked in my left arm and the blood letting started. Then it stopped. I’m pretty sure I got the new guy, because he was having some issues in finding a vein in my rather transparent white skin. I can EASILY see my veins, and he was having hard time finding a vein to draw blood.
Well, he got it started again, and I was slowly but surely feeling like the room was becoming a tunnel. I laid down on the cot and they gave me a paper bag to either breathe into or barf into. One of the two.
Then, the blood flow stopped again. Then he poked around AGAIN. Finally he got enough of my vital living fluid that he released me and gave me a cookie. I guess that was my reward for not hitting him??
The next day I went into work and showed my co-worker my arm. I’d say it was at least 75% black, blue, yellow, orange, purple, pinkish…pretty much any bruise color you’ve ever seen! He felt pretty bad…as he SHOULD HAVE for making me go get tortured. 😉 It didn’t really hurt, but so much blood was under my skin that it all looked like I had been in a horrible accident and surely had a broken bone. I showed it to several people just to freak them out…I’m mean like that. 😉
The next time I tried to give blood, I felt like fainting again. At least I had an experienced gal and she didn’t torture me. I haven’t signed up to do it again, but maybe someday. In the meanwhile, I will count on Brian to make up for me…he gives blood all the time. 🙂
Aren’t you glad I don’t have a picture for this one? 😉
Oh boy. I know all about that! True Story: One time I had to have blood drawn and I got a newbie too. She poked and poked and poked and I got more and more freaked. Turns out I DID pass out! I fell all the way off the table onto the floor and peed myself. I woke up to a very shaken nurse and a very strong doctor who lifted me back up onto the table and gave me a pair of scrubs to wear home. I can’t even make this stuff up! I have never been able to give blood since.
Aaaaah, Stacy!!! yikes, girl!!! Here ya are tryin’ to be a good person and donate, and down she goes!
A picture would have been fun tho… he he… 🙂
hugs.. Amy
Ughh, needles…blood….bruises….no…thank….you!
My hubbie loves to go and I am just fine with that!
🙂
Don’t feel too bad, I worked at the blood bank for almost 10 years and I gave maybe a handful of times because that was always my reaction. It just isn’t a good thing for me. I have the translucent skin too but my veins know when I am even thinking about donating they roll and hide. Fun Times!
So funny. I have white skin and clear as a whistle visible veins too, but no one can ever seem to find them, either! LOL I would just let Brian do the blood giving for you from now on.
I can’t give blood because of my heart condition. Secretly, I’m a bit relieved by that. 😉
Oh for the days I showed up at our high school blood drive and they turned me away because I wasn’t 100 pounds. SIGH.
And I kinda sorta was sad about it, because I assumed I’d faint and then I could skip Trig class. No such luck.
Though one of our early True Story Tuesdays was about a blood draw that went wrong.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who has that reaction! It’s almost as hard holding it together when your kiddo is bleeding, no?
Thanks for joining up – I know your kids are gonna love these later 🙂
Give blood/??? Who me???? I THINK NOT…
needles!!!!! YUCK!!! If I wouldn’t do it for a high, why would I give blood “O” why “O” why…
I’m such a wuss!!!!
I can’t give blood either. The thought of it makes me queasy. I have no problem with needles putting stuff into me, but taking blood out? I mean, I just…oh boy, now I feel sick. ;o)
I tried twice to give blood. The first time, I fainted half way to a pint. Second time they called me because I’m a universal donor. I kept squeezing the ball they gave me to get the blood going, until I got a pint out. Then it took two hours before I could actually stand up and walk out. I was dizzy for 3 days, and they marked my card “do not call”.
I think they thought they were going to have to put it back in!! 😉
Oh my gosh! That guy needed to go back to training 101. Geez! I don’t think I would have gone back for a 2nd torture session.
I think it might be a Celtic skin red hair thing cos the same thing happens to me when I get ANY blood taken at all. I always lie down for blood tests now and I have been lucky the last few times that I have had old experienced ladies who are obviously familiar with thin veins and translucent skin :-)As a result of this weakness I never give blood either 🙁 Now though I don’t have to feel guilty as people who have lived in the UK between X and Y years (can’t remember exactly which ones) aren’t allowed to give blood in Australia because of Mad Cow Disease.
Yikes! I get very queasy around needles too…and, they ALWAYS have trouble finding my viens too – I’ve gotten to where I just start with the specialist…So, I’ve never given blood…maybe some day I will try though even though it freaks me out!