Bleed 3: True Blood

*Warning: There will be blood.*

Yeay! I did it! Twice this year already, and third time in my life. The first time I already recounted to you here and here. That is, if you bother to read the beginning of my heroic stint. ;-)

Well let me tell you something uplifting that my bleeding partner, Clive, told me a minute after I did it: Blood donors are special people because not everyone can donate blood. And the fact that you can, shows that you are a healthy person, otherwise the doctor won't give you the green light. That's priviledged indeed. Tell that to yourself every time you visit the Blood Bank.

Yes that after-thought certainly helped. I always thought I was doing a good cause, well I am, but now I realised it suddenly means more. Very heroic indeed.

Anyway.... today Clive and I did it again. Really, I don't have that many bleeding partners who could go with me as and when it's convenient. In fact, I was due to donate again last July but was pre-occupied. So today when I told my super-sporting boss that I was planning to donate blood, he gave me the go-ahead wave and said 'Good for you.'

Here's an encounter: When we walked in the room, two late-30s guys greeted us, all friendly and helpful. When I handed over my record book, they checked in the database, and looked and me and immediately launched his next conversation in full Bidayuh. Small world. One turns out to be my next-kampung neighbor and the one turns out to be someone my dad taught in primary school. See? I told you they were friendly. And when the other one looked at my report card and mentioned my age, he disbelieving said *insert vain smiley here* "33? You look younger! Are you sure? Married?" To which I smiled and said "Thank you. I know". *Insert many vain smileys here* To which the other replied after snorting at his friend "Says here in the form she's single lah. Why single? Can't find a man? Can't believe you have problems." To which I snorted and said, and here's the Bidayuh version "Duh siroh dayak, da dayak siroh aku." [which means Not looking for a man, let the man look for me]. To which the first guy replied back, "Da Dayak siroh kah? duh sebarang dari." [oh that actually literally means waiting for a Dayak to look for me, not just any man]. Haha, very witty of him. I swear Clive did not know a single word the guys were talking about. Minority talk. By the way, I am a Bidayuh, some exotic superhero huh?

Oh but I digress!

So anyway, after that little talk, which I always find to be an effective icebreaker, the guy took my blood sample. And asked for my card, so that they can contact me to assist in future Blood Donation Drive in my office space. Already networking people! I am on a drive to promote this good deed to the rest of my office mates and the rest of the 100 plus tenants in my office building alone.

Good thing this time I remember when my last menses was, and after the doctor who checked my blood pressure gave the greenlight for me to enter the bleeding room, I felt exceedingly great.

Oh and I hit a personal record of 8 minutes! Proud to be. Wow, that shows the quality of my blood. *come suck me vamp and live for another 10 years!*. If you read my first encounter, you would understand that a quality blood is important as many people who needs blood transfusion sometimes need a certain component of your blood only. But darn it, Clive did it in 7! I still lose. My next personal challenge is to finish before he does, all 450pint in less than 7. At least!

This is the good kind of high. The prick that gives you a huge level of satisfaction. Pun intended.
Next date is 3 months from now. Anyone?

By the way, if I haven't told you already, I am O+. Not many people have that type of blood - the generous donor but the stingy recipient. So if you are one, make your way to the blood bank, they are currently in really low supply.

So then, I leave you now with pictures while I recuperate at Starbucks having my Latte in Caramel Syrup. Remember folks, blood donation saves lives.

Fascination...

 

The med expert who administered me...

 Busy with my BB...

 Clive napping ... sempat!

 Covering the aftermath with protein...

 Hey donors get 'Priviledge Time Off' ... that's what it says...

A keychain and a car sticker for my effort ...

And recuperating with some really hot latte!

Bleed ... Pt 2

*Warning:  Not for the faint-hearted*  

Do you know that when you donate blood, your blood is deemed quality blood if it takes less than 12 minutes to get a 1-pint (equal to 450ml) from you? Quality means it will be much easier for blood technicians to separate your blood into parts, usually red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, since most recipients need only a specific component for transfusions. Anything more than 12 minutes and they'll just take the blood as a whole.

I got a 10-minutes record. Not bad. (I practically had to keep pumping my veins using a given grip because listening to the doctor dictating what is or isn't a quality blood actually gave me a challenge).

Here's the thing: Blood has always fascinated me. Not in a psychotic freak way, but more of like a pull of constant curiosity. I could have made a very good scientist, instead - and I'm trying not to digress here - I am not.

Was it painful? Only the initial sting when they first prick you, but if you could survive a mosquito bite, you could survive this. And then about 2 seconds of a feeling akin to a high when your blood started flowing, or maybe that was my excitement talking. *Vamps come to mind*

The needle wasn't huge... don't believe everything you hear. Imagine a tiny thumb tack, it's that small. What's huge is the drip, that's probably what you saw. But if you're going to let a tiny pin like that stop you from doing a great thing, then what can I say. Maybe it's not your thing. Cheer up. But know this: Every minute of every day, hundreds of persons need blood. Who was it that said sharing is caring? This instance, nothing is truer.

Anyway... here's the funny thing about that whole ordeal which almost didn't happen: I forgot when I had my menses. You see, the friendly doctor cum blood technician, interviewed me beforehand asking the final question, which I didn't give a thought to until it was asked. So I had to strain my brain trying to remember when my last er womanly course was because they will not allow you to donate if you're a week away from your monthly friend's visit. And I initially gave a wild guess and it was the wrong answer. And then another wild guess, and still the wrong answer. The doctor said "Sorry dik aa, come back after you've had it." And I couldn't believe I was disappointed and desperate! To cut the story short... with a red face, I called a friend to check my calendar, and phew.....! Almost stranded there. Imagine what an overkill that would be to be so excited and not have it done with.

So recounting that moment of pure bliss and pleasure and not to mention a tad too heroic for a simple girl like me who craves exactly this sort of charitable adventure, here are a few other benefits other than the obvious physical ones you have probably read in the Internet:

1. You get to meet new friends ... the blood technician and the doctor were really friendly and nice. And you feel their sincerity, not just because they probably understand your fears. And it's a great way to network too.
2. Donors get designated parking lots at the Blood Bank.
3. You get a book -  a ticket to your medical needs later. Oh, and if you donate for the second time, you are entitled to a free Hepatitis B shot... worth RM50 each in clinics or specialist hospitals. And you have to take 2 shots, remember?
4. You get a kick knowing you're doing a good brave deed.
5. And knowing I have a quality blood makes me feel real good.
6. Don't do it for the goodies or souvenirs. You're volunteers, remember? But if you do want goodies, go to any Blood Drive. Like if you go to Jimisar's Blood Drive, you probably get a car free. Who knows?
7. You can nap too, if you like. Comfortable bed and cool atmosphere, although it is too short for that.
8. You hear and get all sorts of tips from the doctor in residence. Sort of like free medical consultation, although delivered in a much relaxed way. Stuffs like that you would normally pay for in any clinic.
9. You will be on their record as heroes... No, I'm kidding. But seriously, you will be on call for emergencies like when people need your blood type and there are none. Especially if you have a rare blood type. 
10. You get free snacks. :-) Yeay.

And I am O positive by the way.

The young and pretty miss taking my blood samples altho I did tell her it was O...

 

Prick-a-pratt... needles going in, blood going out...

 

My friend ... he did his in 7 minutes! Whoa... very high quality blood..

.

On a high and steadily flowing... 

That all that came out of me?

Post-bleed free snacks ... protein. 

And this is my tiny insignificant souvenir... a hand towel.

Another three months before my next bleeding session is due. Care to join me? We could hold hands if you're scared.

Anyway, for those interested to donate or to enquire further on Blood Drive, please contact:
Blood Bank, Sarawak General Hospital
Tel: 082-276795/ 276797

Did you faint already? :-)

Bleed ... Pt 1

Do you know that if you have tattoos or ear/body piercing or acupuncture within 12 months before, you are not allowed to donate blood? Or if you have stayed in the UK and Europe during 1980 to 1996?  I know the logic behind the first, I'm not so sure about the second. Does anyone, perchance, know?

My friend Clive has been nudging me to accompany him to the blood bank. And so today at lunchtime, what the heck... I am planning to bleed for a good cause. This will be my second time after 12 years. He has been steadily doing it once in 3 months.

I'm not sure if I'm well prepped up for this as I was a bit emo last night and thus didn't get the required 5 hours sleep prior. And I think I ate shrimps around 8pm at dinner... but I made that up with midnight detox tea and lemon juice. And this morning ... well... just Milo and fibrous biscuits as I read somewhere that caffeine (coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages) are to be avoided entirely. Note that I am clearly following my own logic with this. I exercised quite regularly and my cholesterol level is stable, last time I checked. And my libido is well, let's not talk about that although it did mention in there as part of the check-list.

Clive told me the people who will be doing the bleeding are called blood technicians. And they're licensed to harvest your fluid much like organ harvesters are licensed to collect organs from organ donors. Ah it's all so clear now.

Now, if you think that donating blood will make you gain weight... Bull. You only need to know how to counter your fluid loss in a healthy and controlled manner. Well it does kinda make your appetite increase, and not just appetite for food. Now I know how a vampire and its victim feels like. But if you're afraid of blood or needles, you just have to get over your fears in your own time.

Listen to this important donation fact message: Giving blood will not decrease your strength. Not giving a thought to someone who needs blood, well, that's just plain weak.

How about you join me today at lunchbreak at the Blood Bank? Half-mad and dying to be a heroin ... before I change my mind. Wish me luck!

Just remember: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A DOCTOR TO SAVE LIVES.