Mr. Shife's February Frenzy Day 1

I donated blood on Saturday and it was not a pleasant experience.
They couldn't get a good blood pressure reading.
Since I was raised a worrier thanks to my mother's Catholic upbringing, my blood pressure was off the charts when they finally could get a reading.
Then they couldn't get my blood to flow from my arm to the bag as I guess I sat in the one place in the building that defies gravity.
The Red Cross employee thought it would work better if she jammed the needle further into my arm.
It didn't.
It reminded me of a scene from "The Big Lebowski":

 


I will try and do better tomorrow.



I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream.

Comments

  1. Egads that sounds awful. I'm so sorry. Don't you wish you could say, "May I try this on you?" I hope you're feeling better today. I guess it could have been worse, it could have been a catheter she was having issues with 😁

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    1. Definitely could have been, Peg. Thanks for flipping the script for me.

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  2. Since I frequently travel overseas to tropical countries, my blood is persona non grata with the Red Cross. I have never fought them on their decision.

    Classic Lebowski!

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    1. It wouldn't even be worth it, Ed. So much paperwork.

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  3. sometimes it just doesn't pay. and people don't know what they are doing. it takes training to be a good phlebotomist.

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    1. I am just hoping it was an outlier and the next time will be better.

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  4. Oh...that sounds horrible! I don't like needles to begin with...but thinking about them jamming it in further. The horror! But good on you for being determined to donate!!

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    1. It wasn't a good way to spend my Saturday afternoon, JM.

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  5. One of my friends just had a horrible experience giving blood and she’s one of those super donors. Sometimes you just get a bad phlebotomist. Since they can barely get 4 vials out of my arm at the doctor’s for a CBC, I would never even consider it. Feel better!

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  6. I would have run screaming ... which I would do even AFTER they took the blood!

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  7. Wow. I haven't donated in years; they don't like my blood any more. The very first time I donated was 1965, at Women's Hospital in Cleveland. My mother-in-law was having surgery, and I donated a replacement pint, in the event she would need blood. The tiny, tiny technician who drew the blood stopped at the door, turned around and said to me, "Thank you for your precious, precious blood." How could you not be a donor after that.

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    1. Yes, that would do it, Joanne. Good story.

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  8. Ohhh the Big Lebowski is a classic!
    I have not given blood in ages. Syringes freak me out completely. I have to look the other way.
    And a Catholic upbringing does break havoc in you in so many ways...

    XOXO

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    1. One of my favorite movies, Sixpence.

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  9. Since you've had covid were you giving blood to help others with your antibodies? I've heard that can make a difference for those sick with covid. Sorry it was such a bad experience! I hate when they put the needle in and then move it around - ouch!

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    1. I should still have the antibodies, Bonnie, and that did play a part in me donating. I try to do it when I can. I am up to 18 donations now.

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  10. One time I had four people trying to find a good spot in my arm.

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  11. that is scary as shit. truly

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  12. Well, that didn't sound like Fun but you sure made it sound Funny in the retelling of the experience, you have a Wicked sense of Humor my Friend!

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  13. I would like to donate, but am trying to stay out of indoor settings. (except my own house of course) My dad is doing chemo and I'm driving him, so I'm even more cautious than I was before.

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  14. Last time I donated I ended up on the floor of their bathroom.

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