ladysprite: (Default)
ladysprite ([personal profile] ladysprite) wrote2004-04-13 07:54 pm

Whug.

Today, I get to make up for yesterday's industriousness (is that even a word?) by being absolutely nothing but a blood factory.

I go through this every few months. The Red Cross calls, and asks me to donate blood. I think about it, remember the last time I did it, decide it wasn't that bad, really, and agree to do it again. Then the day of the appointment shows up, and I go and I bleed, and then I fall down.

It wouldn't be so bad if I were only borderline on the weight requirement, or the blood pressure requirement, or the red blood cell count requirement. But the combination of all three tends to leave me in a state where I'm dizzy, slow, vaguely nauseated, and not capable of doing much besides curling up on the sofa, watching mindless TV, and having my fiancee hand-feed me red meat and orange juice.

Tomorrow I'll be tired and wobbly, but I should be okay to work. And this summer, I'll probably do it all again. I keep telling myself that it's not worth it, and that it's not wise, but.... I *can* do it, even if it's maybe not the smartest decision. It makes me feel drained physically, but it does carry the good-samaritan ego boost, too. Right now, though, as the letters dance on the screen, I almost sort of wish I could have said no this time....

[identity profile] metahacker.livejournal.com 2004-04-13 05:06 pm (UTC)(link)
curling up on the sofa, watching mindless TV, and having my fiancee hand-feed me red meat and orange juice

For some people I know, this *is* the appeal (especially if there are cute guys serving the orange juice at the clinic)

[identity profile] outlander.livejournal.com 2004-04-13 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
If you can, it is worth it. With every new requirement the red cross puts out, fewer and fewer people can donate...which is not to say you should if you truly dislike the feeling afterwards. But if you can deal for a day of not really doing any movement, and feeling nauseous, it could be considered worth it.

I want to say something else, but every time i try and put it into words, it comes across sounding like a red cross advertisement. So suffice to say it does really help people.

my two cents. (I tend to go every nine weeks...I forget the actual eight week date, and remember about a week late. Or they call me. But it averages 9 weeks now.)

[identity profile] guruwench.livejournal.com 2004-04-13 05:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I can't donate blood for a couple of reasons, and I just wanted to say thanks to those of you who can, and do. I really wish I could, but I can't.

[identity profile] z-gryphon.livejournal.com 2004-04-13 06:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Current mood: drained

... er... so to speak. :)

Anyway, good for you.

[identity profile] oakleaf-mirror.livejournal.com 2004-04-13 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
And just yesterday, you were wondering if you knew how to relax. It'd be better if it didn't take such drastic measures, though.

[identity profile] sdorn.livejournal.com 2004-04-14 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
Anyone, of any stature or health, gets knocked down a bit by donating blood. An absolutely fabulously fit friend who does off-road biking (as in bicycling, not motorcycling) gets knocked for a loop stamina-wise. I'm much like you. And I still donate when I can.

And, for you and my fellow LJ readers who filk, there's Bleed Up a River (http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/8789/bleed.htm).

My only peeve about donating blood is the occasional nurse (maybe once every few years) who doesn't get the needle in the right place at first. Look, folks, my veins are like 8-lane highways to needles. It can't be that hard!

[identity profile] matildalucet.livejournal.com 2004-04-14 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
The last time I tried, I got dizzy enough to be sent to lie-down at the donation center. They told me that if I did it again, I'd be barred from donation, so I've been scared to try again. I'm glad that you can, if you really think you can, and hope I get brave enough to try again some day. But please take care of yourself!