Blood Donation

I've always wanted to do this but I never did. I was lazy and kind of scare. But I decided to do it because I always want to give a helping hand. I want to help people in need.

When we got there, had to sign in then do these questions and then waited. Then screened by someone and then waited again. Then donated.

I wasn't nervous during the whole process. The thing I was nervous about was when they were screening me and have to poke my finger and when they inserted that needle in me. I know there will be some kind of feeling so I was a bit nervous.

I was surprised the poke finger didn't feel as painful as I thought it would be. I was scared I would jump from the poke but I didn't. It was just a poke but when she squeezed my finger for blood, I start to feel something. Not painful but you know...

I was happy I finally get to sit on that super uncomfortable chair to donate (we should go to the oak one next time). It felt fine, wasn't painful. But you know...that feeling again haha. My hand was so tired from squeezing that ball but it was good.

During the donation, my machine kept beeping. I'm not sure why but the lady said "strange, you have a good vein too". I wasn't sure what was going on. In my mind I was just thinking don't stop now! I came this far and you tell me I can't donate? I was a bit disappointed at that moment. Felt like NO, I can't help someone??? (wow, I'm actually tearing just by typing this part, I'm too emotional...) I guess it's because I wanted to do this for so long and you tell me I can't?

But the lady was turning the needle to make it work again and it was going well again. Then after a bit it was beeping again. I actually thought, is it because I'm not that healthy? The lady asked if I didn't drink enough water. I did but I think I was hungry that's why. When I got off work, got home, my stomach was growling and I was eating and drinking.

After I was done, got the needle out. I started having weird stomach feelings and my head was a bit dizzy. So I had to lie down for a bit. Yea, I think I was too hungry. After a bit of resting my stomach growled again. Felt better after the apple juice.

When we were at the eating area. This super nice men came to talk to us. He was funny and nice. He gave me a sticker and told me to put it on so I did. He was telling us the reason for that sticker and he said one of them was if something happens to you and paramedics are there, they know you donated blood. Even the people beside us said they never thought of that as a reason. They thought it was just a sticker. I also got a "I'm new" sticker in the beginning. I also got a "1st" pin hehe. He showed us this 450 times one. I'm thinking is that possible? I guess they start really young then.

Yes, I will do it again. I will remember to eat like a pig next time. I want to help as much as I can.

My finger was bruised after...

Sometime in May.