A Blood-y Donation Disappointment

With R's upcoming neurosurgery, it was determined that I am a blood match to him. So, in the event that a transfusion is required, I signed up for directed donation. Anyone who knows me well, knows that blood draws are not my thing. It freaks me out. Not because of the needle or blood, but because it usually takes several tries before a vein is found and then it's out of the back of my hand.To prepare, I drank copious amounts of liquids and took Fluoridix to up my hemoglobin levels as they were low, 118 (sb 125). I felt pregnant again I had to pee so often! But my hemoglobin was at 131. Score!

So, with an emotional and scared heart off I went bright and early Monday morning to Canadian Blood Services for my appointment.

Wouldn't you know they were being audited that day? The audit team asked if they could follow me through the processes of donating. I shrugged my shoulders and said Sure, but when they heard this was a directed donation for my son's brain surgery...well, they changed their minds. Which is a good thing as I was a wreck.

Preparing to donate, just made this surgery all so real.

I was crying in the waiting area. Crying! Almost 40 & crying over donating blood! The poor staff! Each time someone would ask "How are you today?", I would respond with "Emotional and scared and I'll probably cry." And often the tears would start.

Dennis was my phlebotomist and he is a superstar! He hit a vein on the second try with that giant 16 gage needle. Plus, he was so kind and supportive of me crying in the recliner. Told me to go ahead and have a good cry. That R and I both are in good hands, but to let it all out.

I laughed & commented that hear I am crying to the guy who has two full sleeves of tattoos! Dennis told me he's also diabetic so used to needles. Boohoo to me!

My own personal support system at CBS. The elder gentleman next to me, who has donated 180 times!!!, told me to look at him, not my arm, and kept reassuring me that I would be okay. When he left, he tweaked my big toe as he walked by and wished me luck.

Then the 80yr old volunteers in the cafeteria section served me and took care of me to no end.

Plus, a lady in the elevator made a point of telling me she overheard about my son and wished us luck.

The people at CBS were all so incredibly kind!! To this teary, crying, wimpy lady.

Oh, by the way, my vein rolled and the blood flow stopped. So, I was only able to donate 1/4 of a unit. I was so upset. I wanted to do this for R...just in case...and was unable to do so. They should have taken blood out of my foot. Bet those are good veins.

So, here's hoping that R will not need a transfusion. Yes, the blood-bank blood is just as safe as my own, but still, I hope he doesn't need one.