pixiecrinkle: (Default)
pixiecrinkle ([personal profile] pixiecrinkle) wrote2004-08-10 04:29 pm

(no subject)

Okay, so apparently, I am not cut out to have my blood drained in the interest of public health.

I went up for my appointment at 2:15. I was quite nervous, but by the time they got me hooked up, I was pretty calm. A woman from another department (Mary) was next to me. I warned the nurse that I tend to pass out, and she charged Mary with keeping me alert, so we chatted about the project we're both working on.

About halfway through, I got a little dizzy, so they tilted me back so I was lying down. I was fine for the rest of the donation, but afterwards, I was super dizzy. Then, they tilted me back up when I asked them too. Bad idea. I passed out about 10 minutes later. Apparently I was telling them I was ok the whole time, but I was completely passed out. I remember none of this I came to and was laying back again and burning up and sweating. So after another 20 minutes or so, they sat me up again.

After another 10 minutes, I came close to passing out again, though I was able to warn them sooner this time and they leaned me back before I did.

Finally, after another 45 minutes or so, I got to go. They were packing up the equipment and inventorying. The head nurse told me, "Honey, I know you have good intentions, and I appreciate that, so don't take this the wrong way, but maybe you're just not cut out to be a donor." I think she may be right. It's not close to normal to need that long to recover and had I been there earlier, I would have been cutting into their time with other donors. And since this has happened all three times I've donated, with increasing severity, it may be time to cut my losses and quit now.

Two hours and fifteen minutes later, I'm back at my desk, but I still don't feel 100% okay, though I don't think I'm in danger of passing out now. There very well be a migraine in my future. I'm really ravenous though, so there may be Chipotle in my future this evening.

I did really well with the needle though. At least I've proven I can do that part.

[identity profile] wonderfroggy.livejournal.com 2004-08-10 01:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh dear! It was actually nice of the nurse to say that to you to assauge any guilt for not donating in the future. I hope you avoid the migrane and enjoy the chipotle. What is chipotle again?

[identity profile] pixiecrinkle.livejournal.com 2004-08-11 07:54 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, part of me thought she said it so that she wouldn't have to deal with me again, but I don't think that was so. I think she was really looking out for me.

Chipotle is a pseudo-healthy, pseudo-mexican chain that is, unfortunately, owned by McDonald's. However, they are one of the most veggie friendly chains in existance -- they tell you that there's rennet in the cheese, and they don't mind when vegans bring in tofu sour cream. You can get enormous burritos, and great guacamole and margaritas in plastic cups.

Doesn't look from their site as if there are any in Canada yet. I figure it's only a matter of time, since they've built nearly 30 in Columbus in the past two or three years!

[identity profile] wonderfroggy.livejournal.com 2004-08-11 08:16 am (UTC)(link)
Looks yummy!! Too bad it's such a huge chain. One thing there isn't much of in Canada is good Mexican food.

But isn't chipotle some kind of sauce or something too?

[identity profile] pixiecrinkle.livejournal.com 2004-08-11 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
I think it's a pepper. And it's also really fun to hear midwesterners pronounce. :-)

[identity profile] qe2.livejournal.com 2004-08-10 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
You get major props for giving it a shot. Now you can go do something entirely else whenever the Red Cross appears on your bow bearing "Blood Drive Today" signs, and feel good about it!

erk

[identity profile] qe2.livejournal.com 2004-08-10 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
giving it a shot.

Semi-pun NOT intended. Sorry.

Re: erk

[identity profile] qe2.livejournal.com 2004-08-11 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
;-)

My pleasure.