Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood.
Yup, I finally passed the hemoglobin test and was able to successfully donate blood today! :D :D :D :D
Note: If you don’t like blood you may not like some of the pictures below.
Just so you understand fully how much this means to me, let me explain…
I used to work at Canadian Blood Services.
In fact, I paid my way through my undergraduate university career by working 25 hours a week for 3 years at CBS while I was in school. It was a great place to work and I got to meet a ton of inspiring people during my time there.
However, there was always one problem….
I always failed the hemoglobin (iron) test!
Your hemoglobin levels must be high enough to donate blood or you are turned away. During my time at CBS, I was tested countless times and turned away each time as my hemoglobin failed to be higher than 12.5.
I knew deep down that the reason I was failing my tests was because of my poor diet. I didn’t give my body the proper nutrients it needed. I starved myself. I ate nutrient void foods.
I felt a void inside when I could not donate blood, but it took several years for me to finally get on my road to health.
In the past couple years, my diet has changed dramatically. Not only did I go from vegetarian to vegan, but I started being aware of the nutrients and amounts I was getting. Early in 2009, my doctor tested my blood and told me that my iron levels were great. Further tests this summer revealed the same.
I knew it was time to get back on the horse!
Today, I called up Canadian Blood Services and I made an appointment. Having worked there before, I am especially aware of how much blood is in need during the holiday season. The donation rates are often really low because people are traveling and busy doing other things.
I admit, I was a nervous wreck driving to the clinic.
What if I didn’t pass? What if I couldn’t give blood? I wondered.
I made sure to drink a lot of water and eat a big lunch right before I left. Water helps the blood flow and food helps with recovery and prevents dizziness and nausea.
I was anxious, anxious, anxious.
Then, the moment of truth:
I PASSED!
THANK YOU GREEN MONSTERS WITH COOKED SPINACH!!!!!!!!! ;)
I had a HUGE grin on my face that could not be removed! I was going to donate blood- that is, as long as I passed the series of questions…
After answering questions in a booth, and then more with a nurse, it was time to donate. I had the sweetest clinician attending to me. I told her how I was vegan and I was so happy I passed the test. She asked me a ton of questions about veganism and the time just flew by. It was only about 15 minutes for the actual donation part!
Notice that you don’t even ‘see’ the needle! It was covered up:
They ask you to squeeze a ball or balled up towel to get the blood flowing.
The whole process was painless! It takes 15 mins to donate 450 ml of blood (1/2 pint).
There is a tiny prick when the needle goes in but it was nothing. I barely knew I was giving blood!
Afterward, they ask you to put pressure on the entry point and stay on the chair for 5 minutes (10 mins for 1st timers).
Easy as pie!
A couple FAQ’s:
How long does it take to replace the whole blood taken during donation?
The plasma portion of a donation is replaced within hours, the platelet portion within days and red blood cells in about 56 days. This is why blood donors cannot give more often than once every 56 days.
How long after donating blood should a donor avoid strenuous activity?
Donors should avoid strenuous activity for about 6-8 hours after donating blood.
The whole process, start to finish, took about 60 minutes, but that was mostly because I stayed and gabbed away at the refreshment table for 15 mins. :) Met some lovely people!
I came home and did a little jig of happiness! What a high I felt.
I concluded that donating blood is very similar to running in a race:
- You need to pre-fuel (Lots of water and food beforehand!)
- Lay off the booze…completely ;)
- You will urgently have to pee right before you begin
- Your heart will race
- You will tear up (on my drive home- what a sap!)
- You will grin uncontrollably when it is over
- You totally get to veg out the rest of the day- you need to rest!!
- You will have to urgently pee immediately afterwards
- You will consume lots of food and drink afterwards
- You will eat dark chocolate in massive quantities because you deserve it (oops!)
- You will wear your favourite shoes (note stilettos above!)
It may not seem like much to regular blood donors, but for me today was huge. I have been waiting for so long to do this, and to be able to do it is just an amazing feeling.
I always picture myself in someone else’s shoes and imagine if it was ME who needed the blood. It is such an easy thing to do, but it saves lives.
You can be sure I will be donating every 56 days from now on! :)
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Have you ever donated blood before? Were you ever rejected because of low hemoglobin levels?
Would you try out blood donation?
Do you know your blood type?
For those of you looking for a way to make a difference I encourage you to consider donating blood. Obviously it isn’t for everyone due to religion, personal beliefs, or health conditions, but for those of you who can and would like to, I say give it a shot. It is SO easy, painless, and yes…FUN. I really had a fun time and I met some cool people. It was like a social hour…just without the cocktails! ;)
Also, a tip for women: If you have problems being rejected due to low iron don’t try to donate when you are menstruating or immediately after. Wait until the 3rd week of your cycle if you can.
I don’t know my blood type, but I will when my donor card arrives in the mail.
Still nervous? Watch this video showing you the entire process from start to finish!
Canadians: You can find a clinic near you by clicking here.
Americans: Click here for more info.
Brits: Click here for more info.
Off to make a big dinner! hehe
Coming up: My 10 in 2010… I will also be telling you what life changing experience I signed up for!
I’ve always wanted to donate, but unfortunately will never be able to. I’m not sure what the rules are in Canada, but in the U.S. if you were born or even traveled outside of the States for more than 2 weeks in the 80’s you can’t donate. I was born and raised partially in Germany. I always feel bad knowing that I can’t help people in that way. Congrats though!!!! I always love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to help somebody in anyway, (and in your case, save their life).
Stay awesome,
Evey
Congratulations!! What a rewarding feeling to know that you can give blood, that your body is healthy, and that you’re helping people. I have to admit, the thought of having my blood pumped for 15 minutes literally made me queezy while reading your post.. my eyes saw spots for a minute even! So I will have to get over that before I can donate. You were very courageous. :)
Hmm… someone mentioned their doctor told them they don’t need to know their blood typer. And that’s correct – it is not important to know your blood type. And definitely not necessary for your primary care physician to order the test just for your own curiosity.
I would like to mention even if you know your blood type, should you ever need a transfusion, your blood will be drawn prior to the transfusion and typed (A, B, AB, O) and also tested for the Rh(or “D”) antigen/antibody (where the + – comes from), there are many antibodies your blood will be tested for. In reality, to be transfused with cells of your own type and RH factor isn’t sufficient enough. If you’ve ever been pregnant or been transfused before, there could be other antigens that must be absent from cells you are going to be transfused with.
Additionally, once the lab has your exact blood type figured out, your blood will be cross-matched with the donor cells in a test tube. This will simulate the interaction of your blood with the donor cells before they are actually put into your body. Each time you are transfused, your “blood type” test results are only good for a period of 3 days or so (varies by policy). Sure, the records are kept on file, however when you need blood again, say a week later, your blood will be tested all over again for the “type”…etc. Seems complicated, and it is…but it’s a very serious deal.
So, to make a short story long…no one really needs to know their blood type, though it is interesting! Especially when you know your parents, or your spouses and childrens. It’s neat to see how the types work out based on the recessive/dominant genes.
Thanks for the clarification!
I am a regular donor, and you’re right-it is so fun and it totally is social hour! I love the ladies there. One is this really elderly lady who is as sharp as a tack and hilarious! I had one bad experience a few years ago and thank God, my fears to go back went away. If anyone else has had a bad experience, bring a loved one with you, don’t look at the needle, take deep breaths, and be honest with the person taking your blood. Once you get over that one bad experience, it is so easy to keep going back! I’m 0+ :)
Love the shoes!!!
I gave blood when I was in college. I was at the borderline of the allowable weight (and had been turned away before for being too light) and was really happy to donate blood. I was fine walking back to my dorm, and I climbed up into my bed (I had the top bunk) and felt okay. I was resting comfortably when I decided that I was thirsty, climbed down, poured myself a glass of water, set the water down on the counter and passed out on my dorm room floor. I proceeded to faint twice more- once that afternoon several hours later doing laundry, and once again in the evening.
I’m not sure if I was just too light or if that’s my reaction to giving blood, but it has prevented me from giving blood again- mainly because I would have to drive to give blood. I don’t think I should drive in case I faint while driving.
It’s too bad because I would like to give blood. I just don’t feel that it’s safe for me to do so. :(
It’s not just you. I know some pretty big, 6′ tall men who faint when giving blood. Giving blood is awesome! But not if it makes you pass out.
I’ve donated before when people next to me pass out or start throwing up. Not pretty.
It’s great that you give blood! I’ve never done it before, but I want to. Merry Christmas!
Hey, congrats! I too used to fail in college. I definitely don’t fail the iron test now, but I do take prenatals still.
We’re regular blood donors…the rest afterwards is key! I’m usually very sleepy.
I have never donated blood before – and I don’t know my blood type. I would like to be able to donate blood, but I am am scurrrred!
Congrats Angela! I am a big fan of donating blood and try to do it every 8-10 weeks. I am also a vegetarian and sometimes my iron levels are too low, but it hasn’t happened in a while.. I agree that it’s a very positive experience and it’s awesome that something so easy and relatively painless can help so many people!
I’ve donated blood here in Saudi before but never anywhere else. I would have done it for free but they paid me a lot of money to donate, isn’t that crazy?
I am absolutely tickled that your healthy, vegan diet INCREASED your iron levels and made it so you were approved for donation. So many people think that we sickly vegans are low on iron. ;-)
Congrats on being a first time donor!
Congrats on being a first time donor!
I always wanted to give blood but ended up doing it only 1/2 a time, lol. First, I was too young. Then I went to costa rica a few times, which is on the list of Malaria countries even though there is no malaria there. After that I finally went for my first donation. After about 100ml I almost passed out and it took me an hour to get back on my feet to go home again. Too bad it was so little they couldn’t use it. They really need the whole bag for the blood. If you don’t fill it up completely they can still use it for the plasma. but the amount wasn’t even good enough for that haha. I already feel lightheaded when they need my blood for exams. Even though I really don’t care about the needles and the blood, my bloodpressure somehow drops as soon as they get the tiniest amount of blood out of me haha. I read that drinking water helps, so I am going to consider giving it another try and fuel up beforehand.
what a great post!! I have donated a few times, but I still don’t know my blood type…seems like something that I should know.
congrats on not just helping others, but being healthy
Good for you, Ange! I have to admit, I have been far too nervous to ever donate blood. In high school, I used the excuse that I was under the recommended weight (I was a little short string bean), and now I am just too scared. Maybe your post will inspire me to donate blood the next time I see a blood drive advertised! (Maybe I should add it to my Fitness Bucket List?)
Awww, good for you, Ange! That’s so awesome. Love the jig of happiness – haha :)
I’m the universal donor type, but that last couple of times I’ve donated have been disasters. I won’t go into detail for fear of persuading others not to donate – because one time it was my fault, and the other time it was the volunteer’s fault. One of these days I’ll get back to it, though!
I also donate blood, it’s such a great way to help people and isn’t as terrifying as people seem to think.
A woman who once thecked my hemoglobin told me that some people don’t eat red meat (shocker), especially women which is really bad for the blood. I then replied that I’m a vegetarian. HA! So much to “you have to eat meat to donate blood”. What a lie!
Good job Ang! I have donated in the past but from travelling to certain countries in the past few years I haven’t been able to but should be able to soon! This was a good reminder for me to get back into doing it!
What an amazing story. Great job, Angela!
This is so great! I have been turned away the last 2 times I went to donate because my blood pressure was too low. The last time, the nice tech told me to drink a soda and eat some chips before coming in to help raise my blood pressure.
It makes me happy to know I am helping some one in need:)
Way to go! I need to do that too. Now I’m inspired!
You are lucky that you had a good person. I’ve given blood and it hurt like heck.
I used to donate blood all the time and then the US put a stupid rule in place that said I couldn’t because of how long I’d lived outside the US. I think the rule has changed and I want to try to donate again the next time they are here.
My husband and I have both been regular blood donors for years! He has gotten mugs and certificates for multiple gallons donated…I forget how many.
Since 9/11 I would go every 8 weeks like clockwork…but then I started being rejected for low iron and so I haven’t been back since last year.
Maybe I will go see if the green monsters did the trick for me too!
Thanks for the motivation to send me to the blood bank to check…and yet another great and creative post.
Congrats! I admit I have been slacking off on giving blood — I need to get back into a regular schedule. I did test too low for iron once (I don’t eat red meat, and I’m always right on the edge) and I started crying! The poor technician’s like, “Uh, you can try again in three days…” heehee! Which, of course, I did!
About a month ago, I gave blood for the first time. Every year for Christmas, my family donates something in honor of my grandparents as their Christmas gift. Since my grandpa needed multiple blood transfusions this summer, we decided to give blood. I will continue to give blood as often as possible.
I actually never thought about this until I read your post – I also tried to donate blood in college and was turned away because of my low hemoglobin. During my pregnancy I consistently tested as borderline anemic. I had to take iron pills, and even they didn’t really elevate my levels much – my doctor finally told me it was probably just a natural state for me. But now, I have been drinking green smoothies with tons of spinach practically every day for the past 6 months. Your post is now making me wonder whether or not this has changed things – I may have to make another trip to the blood bank to check it out!
Way to go on giving blood Angela!! Obviously, by your exciting post, it felt wonderful :)
I always have low iron (since I was a kid), so it has never been an option for me…but after your post, I may add it to my 1001 things to do list and see if I can pass the hemoglobin test at least once!
Have a very safe trip to the East Coast and a Merry Christmas!
Congrats on being able to donate! That’s awesome.
I’ve never donated as I am kind of borderline for the minimum weight requirement; I’m probably just over, but I’m prone to hypotension so I fear the combination would make me faint! My fiance donates regularly, though, and I think it’s great.
Wow . . . good on you for donating blood! I have always wanted to but Ive been scared. Im glad you posted all those pictures, it seems far less daunting now. I dont even know my blood type, but I really would like go and donate blood. I hear the commercials all the time, and some of them make me tear up a little. It really is the best gift you can give.
I’ve tried to donate 3 times and was able to donate 2 out of the 3. The first time I fainted and the second two times I nearly fainted – they had to tip me upside down, but I made it. Any tips for that? I’d like to donate again, but I’m so scared to faint. I don’t look at it or anything! It’s so weird. But I do know I’m AB- !!
Wow, look how many people you’ve inspired! That is so great. I have been meaning to go over to the hospital near my work and donate. I’ve only done it once before, a couple of years ago — previously I was too nervous because I’ve always been terrified of needles, but I figure since I’ve managed to tolerate multiple tattoos and piercings I can sit through a few minutes of blood-letting. It still makes me really squeamish, but I want to make an effort to do it a lot more often. I’m O+, which I didn’t think was all that common but it seems like a whole lot of commenters are my same type.
You make donating blood so inspiring! I have always been too nervous to even attempt giving blood, assuming I would pass out or something completely unexpected. But I really do want to give it a try sometime in the future when I can work up the courage! Way to go!
Giving blood is one of my favorite ways to be a good citizen. I go every 8 weeks and it makes me feel better than practically anything else that I can do for my fellow people! Cheesy, I know! I was so excited to read that this is important to you too. Most people think that I make far too much out of it’s importance! Thank you for posting about this topic — you make SUCH good use of your blog!
Congrats on getting your iron levels up!! That speaks volumes for your diet :) And I think giving blood is just absolutely fantastic–you have no idea how many people can be dramatically helped by you taking the time out of your day to donate!!!
I’m so proud of you! I give blood every 60 days, although I have to wait six months since I pierced my nose. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to give blood, it’s so quick, and you never know who you could be helping!!!
Congrats Angela! it’s a great thing for sure and a great feeling to contribute! I went thru a few years where our blood drive folks asked me to stop trying. I have low bp and at the time had low iron…I had a very hard time recovering but now…esp after the baby…I must be eating much better becasue my bp is still very low but A+ on the iron and everything esle. I love getting the stats on your cholesterol. I am dontating again in January but as tired as I’ve been I need to pay great attention to my blood iron and make sure it’s all good so I still can!
I am AB+!
Wow that’s so great Angela! Congrats on being so healthy, and being able to contribute to the health of others :)
Vegan and healthier than ever! good for you ange!!
This is awesome! I can’t give blood because I’m anemic and on freaky medications that make my blood kinda crappy… but if I’m ever healthy again it’s definitely something I would like to do. I’m great at getting needles now!
Good for you! I donated platelets for a while… it’s quite different. lol
Congrats Angela!
So funny to read this as I gave blood yesterday evening for only the second time. Such a good feeling! I’m a little woozy this morning but I may have by accident had a couple of festive drinks last night. Baileys doesn’t really have alcohol does it?:) Its practically a health drink;)
Here in Ireland the cut off for Hb is 12.5 so I’m getting away with it at the moment. This is quite high for me as mine usually hovers around 10 or 11.
Please remember to mention donating to friends because you never know! Yesterday I told our secretary that I was going to donate after work and he decided to donate for the first time. Then he mentioned it to a co-worker who didn’t have transport to the centre and she came with us so that was 2 extra donations just by word of mouth!
I haven’t given blood in such a long time, and I use to do it all the time in college. Thanks for the reminder!
I love to donate blood and try to do it every 2 months. The last time I went I was rejected due to low iron. I am hoping that with all the green monsters I have been taking I get to donate soon. :O)
So glad you got to do it, it feels SOOOOO good to help others.
Hugs
Congrats on your first blood donation! It’s truely a wonderful feeling giving such a physical aspect of yourself back to the community. I remember being so happy after my first donation as well. Previously, I kept on getting turned away due to the places I traveled to (they make you wait around a year! D: ) So this fall, after finally staying put for the summer, I was given the ok to give blood. I remember walking into the clinic around lunch time (several hours after eating breakfast and not eaten lunch yet) and being told that my blood pressure was too low! Ack! I thought I was going to get turned away again, but luckily, they told me to eat/drink at their provided snack area (originally intended for resting AFTER donating blood) before donating my blood. So I actually spent 30 min eating and 10 min actually donating blood. lol! Then a few weeks later, I got my blood donor card with my name and blood type printed clearly on it (I’m type B rh positive). I remember being as proud as a peacock and flashing the card to all my (rather bemused) friends. haha :D Hope you’re excitedly waiting for yours as well!
All through college I tried to give blood, but I was always rejected for low iron counts. I stopped eating red meat, poultry, pork, etc…when I was 13 (I still eat eggs and seafood), but instead of replacing the meat I wasn’t eating with something else, I just kind of skipped protein altogether – expcept for what I might happen to get through the other random foods I was eating. After college I started paying more attention and focusing on getting enough protein. I’ve been giving blood every 3 months for the last 2 and a half years! I’m lucky that my company hosts a blood drive every 3 months (as soon as we’re eligible again), so I go down to the lobby on my lunch break to give blood.
Also, My blood type is A Positive. And so is my husband’s and every single person in both of our immediate families (including my parents, step-parents and half-siblings). Knowing that makes it very personal when I give blood. Because I know that if anything were to happen to them, I am contributing to the blood supply that could save them.
I’ve never given blood – mostly because I’ve never been able too . If you’ve been pierced/tattooed within a certain time frame, you aren’t eligible. Plus, every time I’ve ever had blood tests, and they only take a few small vials, I almost always pass out (not because I’m afraid of seeing blood/needles, but just from the whole taking of the blood). I know I would be a good donor (O negative blood type – the universal donor), but it’s not something I think I could do. I’d rather be an organ donor.