Friday, June 12, 2009

Blood and music

VBS is over. We were all pretty sad. They had SO much fun and I hope I can find another locally for them to attend.
Today we had a local blood drive. I tried giving blood twice over 12 years ago and both times passes out. I have bad veins for donating or drawing blood. Ask my husband. He almost passed out watching them try to get my iv's in during both pregnancies. One took 11 minutes and the other 15. Yeah, VERY unpleasant. But, in honor of our daughter's birthday (and the promise of a free meal and free child care and live music), I decided to donate. I went in and felt that queasy feeling come over me but went ahead and signed in. A few minutes later they called me back. I said, "Before I answer anything I have a question. See, I have tried twice to donate blood and both times got sick and passes out because they could not get my veins. The first time I was stabbed 3 times and the next time 4. That is what makes me sick and pass out. If you don't draw the first time, can I walk out?" She said yes! So, I went ahead. Very rapidly I found myself lying on the table and feeling pretty scared. The lady checked both my arms and called over another lady. She checked both my arms and called over a man. He checked both my arms and called over another lady. She came and said, "Oh, man, this is crazy hard but I know I can do it." I was NOT feeling confident. She prepped me.... and for the first time in over 30 years of living blood came the first time! I was so excited! I am still yucky around blood and started feeling ill just thinking about it, but about the time I was truly not feeling well it was over! They sat me up and I waited for the tunnel vision and blackness. Nothing, nothing nothing! I gave blood and did not pass out! I was SO happy and excited and just hope that it gets used! I did feel sorta queasy and made sure to keep hydrated, but now I feel fine! Yea!!!! I can go back again around the time of our youngest daughter's birthday! It was so nice to give and be able to show our daughters a free way to give when they are much older!
So the music part.... after I donated we were enjoying the free food and live music. There was a man playing guitar and the youngest said, "This music is so pretty I just wanna dance and listen. Mommy, when music is on the radio do people just slip up into the ceiling and sing?" Isn't that adorable???? When I was little I was always scared to ask to rewind music on a tape because I thought it meant the singer was sitting there singing it over and over! Kids are great! And, we are another day closer to my hubby coming home!

6 comments:

Trinka said...

I'm so glad the blood donation went well! I am the SAME way with them finding a vein. They always start out with, "this won't be a problem, I can see one." Then it goes downhill from there. :) I always come out with two black & blue arms!

Someone told me that God designed our bodies such that when we're scared, our blood vessels sink deeper in to protect themselves. Don't know if it's true or not, but if so, I'm living proof. :)

Kristan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristan said...

Hey, good for you. I'm donating tomorrow; doubles I hope. That is where they take it out separate it and put back the clear part. It takes about 45 minutes, and you get real cold because the blood going back in is cold. I am lucky though, I have huge veins (you can't see them, but there is a curious little freckle that marks the spot.) I always tell them about the freckle and the hidden vein and they are always impressed with it. They don't believe me at first. I also don't seem to feel the pain of a needle stick. They plunge in that big ol' needle and I feel nothing really. With Olivia it took 15 minute, because it was a nursing student. It was ok. It was uncofortable but not really painful. It just took a really long time. I guess I make the perfect guinnea pig!

Anonymous said...

Just read the bogs of the week.
Glad the girls had a great VBS frog time. Wait til they look for frogs in the stove, their beds and the refrig. Sent you an e mail
tonight. Tried to call Wanted to sing happy birthday to the birthday girl. Does not seem possible she is six.
Enjoy the week end.
PeePaw

Unknown said...

Wow, I am so impressed that you gave blood! I have horrible veins that no one is EVER able to find! (Except one time--in the back of a moving ambulance, of all places!). But because no one can hit one of my veins without trying 3 or 4 times in various locations, I have never been brave enough to even try to give blood. Kudos to you for your courage and commitment!!!!

Allison said...

I'm so glad that the donating went so well. Was the last time that you donated blood at Lee? Remember that time that I almost passed out there? I haven't tried since then. I don't know if I ever will again. After almost passing out last time, I don't know how well I'd do again.