give life just try not to pass out

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

I had given blood once before, back when I was in high school. I did fine that time. I can remember babysitting that evening and feeling like it was a little difficult to keep up with the boys but nothing major.

Yesterday I went and gave blood. I was more worried about my vein rolling as they sometimes do. Luckily it didn't and I did totally fine. I didn't even know I was giving blood. That is until the last couple minutes. The girl had just taken the needle out of arm and I was holding my arm above my head like they make you do. Suddenly I was sweating profusely and I realized I couldn't really make out what anyone was saying. My mom, who was in the chair in front of me, happened to look back at me. I kind of heard her say, "You alright?" I remember smiling and kind of shaking my head. Just as the black spots I was seeing were getting larger they lowered my head down and raised my feet up. One of the ladies asked if I was feeling warm. I mumbled, "Erm...yeah, hot". Within probably 15 seconds though I was better.

After a couple minutes of laying back I went and ate a couple cookies and had some juice. I really was feeling alright. My parents (who looked like they could run a marathon) were worried about me driving home. To appease them I said I would walk out with them but really, I was fine. I had gotten about two steps out the door and started to see those darn black dots again. I quickly sat down on the step. Needless to say, my parents drove me home.

So I almost passed out. Twice. But I did found out that I have an excellent level of iron. That my blood type allows me to donate to anybody! And I got free cookies and juice. Plus now I know what it feels like to almost pass out since I've never been that close to fainting in my life.

The almost fainting thing was just a small price to pay for possibly saving someone's life. You can give life too.

Labels: about me

posted by kimberly, 7:41 AM