Yesterday our parish was doing a blood drive. I’m trying to get back in the habit of donating. I have no idea how many times I’ve looked through this booklet:
And I have no idea how many times I’ve filled out this form. I’m still 6’5″.
This is the worst part. I HATE getting the finger prick. I can handle a needle in my arm better than the finger prick:
Waiting in the chair with my lap full of blood bags and vials:
The iodine being wiped on:
And *POKE!* there goes the needle! I am usually a very fast bleeder, and as usual, I filled up my bag while others who started before me only were at the half-way mark.
The best part (and really, my main motivation) of donating – FREE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT NUTTER BUTTERS!
And this time they sweetened the pot by also offering a free waffle. All this, and helping to save lives. Good way to spend the morning, I’d say.
Hrm, I need to get moving on the donating blood thing too, yet I hate NutterButters.
HIT BABY SEALS???? If they carry these ticks, maybe that is what she asked you…
Have you ever had Babesiosis? – (From the Blood Donor Questionaire)
Babesiosis
Babesiosis [bab-EE-see-OH-sis] is a rare parasitic disease that is transmitted to people by infected ticks.
Babesiosis occurs mainly in coastal areas in the northeastern United States, especially the offshore islands of New York and Massachusetts.
Elderly persons and people with weakened immune systems can get severe complications from babesiosis.
No vaccine against babesiosis is available. To prevent babesiosis, avoid exposure to ticks, and remove attached ticks right away.
Joanne –
I bet that’s it!!! That makes complete sense, and it sounds like it could be it.
They say it so quick, though, that I think I’ll always stop and wonder if they’re asking me if I ever hit baby seals.
Thanks for the answer!
And Christopher – Hate NutterButters? I didn’t think that was possible!
Greg I can relate…..the finger pricks are the worst part. I donate plasma and you can do that weekly as they return your red cells back to you. I know a guy who recently hit the 700 donation mar!..that’s a lot of finger pricks!