Our roommate, Monica, told Karla and I what we needed to do: drink a lot of water and/or juice, eat high protein at least a half hour before the appointment, bring proof of ID, address, and social security, and be there within 10 minutes of the appointment. I did all that and more by going with Karla to see where this place was and by asking my math teacher for permission to leave 5 minutes early. He is so awesome by saying yes without me having to explain. :) I got there right on time, signed in, and followed the instructions. There was a large sitting area and some tiny rooms off to the left. I was called to go in, and they prepared my finger to be pricked. I had previously known they were going to have my blood tested, but I didn't know how. After they gave me a cotton ball to put on the puncture wound, I began to feel a little woozy. A high-pitched buzzing started ringing in my ears, making it more difficult for me to hear the workers. I managed to tell them I was starting to feel light-headed. Then they called in a couple of other doctors to help me to a room where I was instructed to lay down, and a toolbox was placed under my feet, keeping them elevated.
I was crying because I thought I'd be strong enough to handle it. I guess not yet. Therefore, they wouldn't let me donate plasma today and kindly sent me home. I wanted to sob, but then I realized that since I now know more of what to expect when doing that, maybe I'll do better next time. I think I'll try donating blood at home first, with my mother. That way, when I go back, I'll be stronger.
I'm sorry it was a scarey experience. I hope we can go together soon.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! That way, I can know more about what it's like and I most likely won't feel woozy like that again.
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