I Used to Give Blood All the Time

You can donate blood every 56 days if you want...every 3 days if you only want to donate platelets. Who says you don't learn anything here. I used to donate every 56 days back when I was in the military...it was the thing to do and it got you free hot dogs, punch, and cookies. It also got you the rest of the day off, but it doesn't matter WHY you did it...just that you did. It was on my calendar as a regular thing until that fateful day.

I don't tell this story to discourage you from donating...just to tell you why I don't anymore. So, the technician grabs my arm and presses the needle to my skin...little pinch. I'm not a junkie so I'm not used to such things. Hmmm...no blood flow. He suggests that we try the other arm. Sure...I have two. Needle goes to the other arm. No blood flow. Said technician wiggles the needle around. Pain and immediate bruising occurs...technician says...OH, I think I may have hit a tendon. I agreed with him because it hurt like hell. "Let me try this vein in your hand," he suggests. Me being a human pin cushion...let him do it. What choice did I have...no arms left and I was already strapped to the chair. Blood flow happened...I got my cookies and punch...I walked out bruised and slightly bloodied.

Katharine has a story too...much more recent than mine, but I'll let her tell you someday. Until then...GIVE BLOOD because 9% of the blood distributed in the US is my blood type (more useful facts sponsored by the American Red Cross)! I promise that someday, I won't be afraid to give again!