True Blood

A week ago, while waiting for the elevator ride to the 7th floor, I noticed that there was this blood donation activity by the Nursing Division.

I was curious since I wanted to donate blood again since 2 years ago. I even promised my friend that I will do it again for her, although I did not give any deadline ...

Anyway, I proceeded to the area, all by myself, with my bag and transcriptions. Blood pressure was around 110/90 (I think) I was weighed (55 kilos minus 2= 52 kilos - that's what the nursing student told me after I was weighed.)

I filled out the form and then waited for my turn to be pricked.

After my finger was pricked, blood was dropped in this container with blue liquid.

Then, I was told I could not donate because my hemoglobin is just enough for me.

I was curious and I asked why. The girl from Red Cross told me that it is common for girls, considering that we have our monthly period. I see.

I was wondering since this is my first to be refused from donating blood. The first two years ago was without any hitch.

The other one was way back in 2003. I was asked to donate for the brother of one of my closest friends since we had the same blood types. It was my first time and I was excited. I did not have any doubts since I do not have any tattoos. I also do not drink and I do not take drugs. I was also feeling healthy that time.

So, off I went to St. Luke's (my first time there!) Everything went smoothly. I found out that time that one  cannot donate if he weighs less than 50 kilos. I was at 52 kilos at that time.

I laid on one of their beds. I thought that I would feel the blood coming out from my body. I didn't feel anything and after a few minutes, I discovered that one bag was almost full. After eating and drinking lots of fluid and visiting my donee, I went back to the office to finish some stuff for our Christmas program.

The second time was in 2005 (I think). The baby/toddler of a friend of my housemate needed blood and my housemate knew I had the same blood type. This time I went to Makati Med. It was a Sunday. I didn't get to meet the baby/toddler. After donating, I went back home and started to cook for our dinner.

It was just too bad that on my third try, I was not allowed to donate. Hopefully, next time!