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! :)
~~~~
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!
That’s awesome! The only time I donated I passed out in a bathroom a few hours after! I tend to do that quite often, so I don’t think it’s my thing but I’m impressed with your accomplishment!
I really want to know my blood type! I’ve asked my primary doctor in the past and he’s told me “you don’t need to know that.” Ummm, what? Maybe it’s time for me to look into a new primary. I’ve never given blood but I would absolutely consider it- needles don’t bother me but I get lightheaded from losing even one vial of blood (when getting my cholesterol tested) so that’s caused me to shy away from the idea. Thanks for the inspiring post- donating blood is definitely something I should think about and pursue!
I’m A+ blood type — easy to remember : )
I gave blood just about 2 months ago at work. I’ve never had low iron or hemoglobin, but I felt SOOO weak for WEEKS after giving blood the last time. My running was so hard and I was so tired. I really do feel it was due to giving blood :(
I do know my bood type!! I’m AB positive (rarest type!)
I have assisted with many a blood transfusion in hospital, they are VERY common. You did a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Sadly, I have an autoimmune disease which is currently preventing me from being able to donate blood.
OK, first, I love that you had to wear stilettos to give blood. Knew I liked you.
Second, this made me take a fresh look at blood donation. I used to give frequently but had a couple of bad experiences with inconsiderate “needle administrators” that actually left the inside of my elbow scarred! They thought I would be a “slow bleeder” (WTH???) and so used a BIG needle. I got frustrated after the second time nobody listened to me and butchered me. Now, that was here in the states, and I know it was just an unfortunate couple of incidents, but it kept me from going back.
I do remember how good it felt knowing that I was helping someone. I think I need to try going back, maybe to a regular blood center and not those “event driven” ones where everyone is in a hurry.
Thanks for the nudge (as always!)
Congrats!! It’s been a while since I donated, so I’ll have to get back on the horse.
way to go ange!!!
i have donated pretty often in the past year or two. my mom always had too high of a pulse, so she never could, but she has that under control now and has been asking me to go with her. it’s been fun, and i enjoy doing something that i know is helping others out there.
the last few times i’ve gone my iron has been on the low side, they have had to spin it to get it to pass. i’ve been starting to drink some green monsters myself now :) so i’m hoping next time it’s higher!!
Good for you for donating!!! And congrats on passing your test :) Yay for GM’s. I am not able to donate blood due to a thyroid problem. But my brother is VERY VERY active in blood donation and runs a drive every year at his school. GO HIM!
Hi Angela,
I’m a fellow canadian living in Vancouver and i’ve been an avid reader of your blog for quite a while now! I love your enthusiasm! This was the first time i’ve ever felt the need to comment haha. I’m 22 and I’ve been donating blood regularly since I turned 17. Save for a year after I pierced my ears, and some time away due to travelling, I donate every 65 days. And I have the same issues, my blood is on the low end of that hemoglobin thing. There were a few times I got rejected and I remember feeling so down because I couldn’t do my share to help! However, I still keep going back! I’m due to give my 25th unit of blood in January! woot!
I think its a marvelous thing, and that no enough healthy people participate in so I think its great that you’re setting a wonderful example for others!
Jessica
Thats awesome of you to donate during the holiday season. I have been turned away every time ive tried because my iron is too low. Hopefully soon ill be able to. its been on my list of things to do for a long time now and its kind of disappointing not being able to.
have a merry christmas, to you, eric and your cute kitty.
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.