Vampires, Water and The Chair

Last Friday I had my monthly plasma donation. After my pre-check workup and interview, I was taken back to the donation area and "the chair". When I saw who was standing there, I almost turned around and ran out of the building. There are only two ladies(Joyce and Karen) at the blood center who I don't want touching me however, I have never made a formal request on my chart. In fact, one time the phlebotomist who was supposed to take care of me was busy with another person and Joyce so kindly tried to step in and assist. I began shaking my head "no, no, no" behind her back that one of the other ladies suggested that she help someone else. Usually EVERY time I get one of these two ladies they botch the whole needle entry and end up digging around trying to find the vein which usually leads to heavy bruising and an incomplete draw or return.

As I am being led to "the chair" Joyce is standing there setting everything up. I am thinking to myself... "Say something... Tell them you want someone different." But do I? Oh, no... that would be rude... As I am sitting and waiting for Joyce to finish prepping the machine, I am starting to get really nervous and agitated. Now normally giving blood or plasma does not bother me... I can watch the whole needle pricking or not... but with Joyce at the ready, I was getting scared. I finally had to mentally slap myself and tell myself to calm down. Since I wasn't going to open my mouth and ask for someone else, I needed to just relax and let this happen... getting worked up about it was only going to make it worse. Plus, I reminded myself that last month my draw went perfect. I started doing some deep breathing relaxation.

As I looked away, Joyce prepped my arm, cleaned it with iodine and then jabbed that needle into my arm. She may have missed the vein as she had to do some "adjusting" and I thought for sure this was going to be like every other time that I had her. She made a little noise of victory and started to fill the vials first. I was a little amazed as there wasn't any pain this time although I made a huge error of judgement when she asked me if there was any discomfort. HA! Why didn't I just say no, everything is fine? But I happened to mention that their was some itchiness at the insertion point. Well, then she starts playing with the needle... "backing it up a bit"... "sometimes that helps"... what was I thinking??? I replied that it felt much better when she asked. Then after the machine starts to draw, she has a little gauze swab and she uses it to "scratch" by the needle "Itchy, itchy"... what am I... 2??

The machine goes thru the first draw and it is time for the first return to start. This is where I thought that it would all go wrong. To my utter amazement, the return went beautifully! In fact, the rest of the process was picture perfect. J says it is the weight loss that is helping and while I don't doubt that, I am sure that the increased water is also a HUGE contributor. That alone is enough to make me keep on drinking!

My Visit to the Vampires

For approximately 8 years (off and on at the start), I have been a plasma donor. My blood is AB- which apparently is a universal donor for plasma so they love me at the Blood Center. And before you ask because someone always does... I am not that hard up for money! I have never been paid for my donations (see the word as defined by Websters... donation - a free contribution). I don't know why but someone ALWAYS asks "do you get paid?"

Back to my story.... Today was my 40th donation. Back in November, I had asked the receptionist how much have I given so far. She said that equates to 8 gallons. It's kind of impressive to think of 8 milk jugs filled with my plasma going to help others who need it. Seriously, I don't mean to toot my own horn but giving blood or plasma is really such a simple easy thing to do to help others out. During national tragedies like 9/11 or Katrina, people come out in droves. But during the rest of the year or normal times, the donations drop off. I know it happens to me too. If I don't make my next appointment at the time of my current visit, I forget and then get the reminder call... "We could really use your help." Giving blood is easy... you are probably only there 30 minutes and can donate every 8 weeks. With plasma, the time is longer... approximately 1.5 hours and you can donate every 4 weeks. But really the time isn't that bad. I take my mp3 player with me and a magazine, then just sit back and relax for that time. Come on, all you moms out there... trust me... 1.5 hours with no kids clammoring for your attention - IT IS HEAVEN!

So I will step off my soapbox now... but seriously consider it.

It's actually amazing that I have kept going. My first plasma appointment ever, I was there for 3 hours! The machines were brand new at that location and training was taking place. Since then I have gone home more than a few times with large bruises. I have been told that I am not an "easy" stick. My veins are deep and tend to move. There are two ladies (although I was just told that one moved to CA) who could get me... the others are hit or miss and there are 2 who I absolutely do NOT want touching me!!!

Today the Debbie was lucky enough to get me. The last time we were together... my vein moved and she tried getting it with no luck. One of my favorites was called in and presto, she had me. The first words out of Debbie's mouth, "So are we going to get a good stick today?" I told her I was surprised that she remembered me. "Oh, yeah. I remember," she laughingly replied. After doing the prep work, Debbie went for it and voila! it went in... no problems! I had thought about it throughout my session and after my draw was done, I asked Debbie if water consumption helps. "Absolutely!" I told her how this week I have been pushing myself to drink more water (HEY! I am taking in about 80 oz a day now! AND I know I am doing well, because my urine has lost its color.) She said that is wonderful and that it definitely helps. I need to keep at it or at least make sure I do it for a day or two before my appointments. Damn! Another good reason to keep on flooding myself.

So today was a good day... minimal bruising, an easy stick, and 1 hour in the chair reading.