BLOOOD.

Today I donated blood for the very first time! I was really hesitant, and I really dislike looking at blood or getting needles, but I knew I was doing a good thing and I really wanted to donate and help someone in need.

This 'want' of mine to donate blood started earlier this week when I saw an ad in the Metro. Canadian Blood Services said this time of year is when people miss or don't show up for their blood donation appointments, since everyone has their head wrapped around consuming, buying presents, decorating the house and just getting ready for Christmas. I really wanted to do more 'giving' this year, not just giving gifts to friends or family, but to those out of the 'norm.' Giving my time, money, and in this case, my 'blood.'

I didn't even think I be able to donate because I found out from my last body check that I have low blood pressure. If you don't have a 'normal' blood pressure, and you donate blood, that means you may have even lower blood pressure post-donation (seeing that 610ml + 40ml (the sample) of blood is taken out of you) and this isn't good because you may feel faintness or nauseous after. So when I got my blood pressure check, it was quite low (80/59 and they needed at least a 90 for the 'above' number) so the nurse told me to go drink some juice and get some sugar in me and after 15min they would check again. So I drank two juice boxes and ate two Oreo cookies, but I was scared this may not be enough, so when I was in the washroom (and when I was the only one left in there) I did some jumping jacks! I didn't want to come all this way and be half way through the process and yet, not be able to donate, so had to do everything possible xP! Fortunately, in 15 minutes, my blood pressure went up to 91! Success!

So overall the process went pretty smoothly. I found out that sometimes I feel light headed when I bend down and stand back up because of my low blood pressure. Also, this time of year is when blood is needed the most (how ironic its the month with the least donors) due to more parties, accidents, etc... and even though I dislike blood, needles, hospitals, it felt good to give. The process took about an hour and my veins being small and hard to find, they ended up filling the whole bag of blood despite taking 16minutes (average is about 10 minutes). Oh and the best part of all, free food, and hot soup!

If you have time, go donate, you never know whose life you will save =)