Monday

[ksmith]

A few weeks ago, I signed up to give blood today. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but next time I will rethink the prospect of needles on a Monday morning.

Instead of the usual pint, I opted to be hooked up to the apheresis machine so I could donate two units of red blood cells. It was a different experience. I felt the tingle around the mouth because of the drop in blood calcium, and was given a few Tums to munch. Felt a little lightheaded, so they elevated my feet. But I felt better after some apple juice and Oreos, and within thirty minutes, felt better than I usually did after a regular whole blood donation. Interesting. I would do it again.

Came home to find a hospital bill for a recent procedure. My insurance should have covered it, so I called. Yes, they cut the check, but it hasn't been mailed yet. So tomorrow I need to call the hospital and tell them that someone else's check is in the mail.

One more med test on Wednesday. Suffice it to say that I am not looking forward to it. Medical March has been a long month. It's even slopping over into April.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

The apheresis machine sounds interesting, how does it work? I've never heard of it. I haven't given blood in a couple years. Used to have no problem, then bam. The last two times I gave I felt oogy and lightheaded and generally sick. I haven't been back, and I feel guilty about it because I'm an eligible candidate for giving 'baby' blood.

Jody in PA

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

It's a single needle device--if you google, you can find descriptions of the procedure. Over the course of 5 cycles, it draws out your blood, then filters out the red blood cells and returns your plasma along with some IV solution. It takes about 30-35 minutes and extracts two units of red blood cells.

I always feel a little lightheaded when I donate. But like I said, I felt woozier afterwards with the whole blood than with this.