Friday

I Tried

Wednesday,our school had a blood drive for the two year old grandson of one of our district principals.

Initially, I did not sign up for it. The one & only time I have given blood, I got incredibly ill. Any other time after that, I was too anemic.

But, one day, my children may need the kindness of strangers to live. How can I ask for their help if I don't do what I can to help someone else's child? So what if I'm able to give and get sick? I guarantee my little sick to the tummy feeling is nothing compared to what this baby is going through.

So I signed up. And worried. Not about the needle. That doesn't bother me. But what if I get really sick? What if they find something horrible in my blood?

By the time my appointment came, I knew I had worked myself into a state of probable high blood pressure. Which is just my hypochondria surfacing because I've always had low blood pressure.

I was asked a couple of questions, had my temperature taken (96°, I was COLD), and then finger pricked. Luckily, before we went any further, the technician waited for my results. You have to have an iron content of 38 to give.

Mine was 35. I thought I'd feel enormous relief since I'd worked myself into a state. I felt sad.

And then got fussed at by everyone for not taking any iron supplements.

12 comments:

Melissa said...

I tried to give blood once in high school. My fear is needles. I made it all the way to the gym. They pricked my finger. I almost fainted. Mom told me not to sign up to begin with, but I didn't listen because I wanted to help people. Long story short, I've never given blood.

Jamie Dawn said...

You are iron deprived. I'm joining that chorus of people who fussed at you:
Take some iron and bump up your iron content!
Okay, fussing is over.
Lord help that little child who is ill. I am glad people are responding and giving blood that will help not only this child, but other people in need of it.
You tried, and next time your iron level will be up to snuff.

Anonymous said...

At least you tried. That's better than not going at all.

Now, you can sit back, relax, and take some iron!

Maggie said...

That would SO be my luck, too. I have to admit, I'm right there with you on the getting sick, so avoiding giving blood thing. I know I should be better about that.

Anonymous said...

Well crap. I'm always anemic as well. I haven't tried in years. Maybe it's time to take a pill and get pricked.

Did that sound dirty?

Forgetfulone said...

I have never given blood. I have passed out before when they took blood for a test, and I get light-headed thinking about it. I wish I felt differently, because I'd like to help, but I just can't bring myself to try. Give yourself points for that.

littletoesandcheerios said...

When I have a lot of blood taken these days I get very faint. I am not afraid of needles, but now I too worry about feeling sick. Maybe it was meant to be that you could not give it.


I did not weigh enough in high school to give blood. Ah, the good ol' days!!

marky said...

I can't give blood either b/c I have had 3 transfusions and one of them being in a foreing country.. I am grateful to anyone who donates for sure..but don't let yourself feel badly that you can't there are many other things that you can do.

Patois42 said...

Good for you for trying. I've tried before. Apparently, I'm a slow drainer. Blood drives kick me out for taking too long to suck any blood out of me.

Debbie said...

I'm always too anemic to give too. But my husband does. I figure that counts for both of us!

Tales From the Eurovan said...

You tried and that counts! I took iron after my kids were born, but I haven't done it for a while! Let me know if it gives you more energy after taking it!
Take care,
Julie

Misty DawnS said...

Oh gosh, my iron would probably be really low... hmmm, now you've got me wondering.