Foo - Donated Blood Today

I donated blood to the Red Cross today. They could not find the usual veins on either one of my hands first. This had happened to me once before in Canada too. I guess my veins are just not large enough. I need to start lifting weights to make up for this.

They finally found a tiny vein and poked me. It took a good 2 minutes of fiddling before the vein gave way to the needle. Even then the flow was on/off and was rather slow. The nurse/doctor had to hold the needle in place the entire time. When we were done about 75%, the bloodflow suddenly stopped, so he had to poke me some more, fiddle with it and remove the clots. It hurt. In the end, I was happy that my blood wasn't going to be wasted.

Total time: 19:24

Quite an experience. Thought I would share.

I used to give blood then they took me off the list because I lived in spain from 1981 to 84. Good on you for giving.
When I was an EMT I used to look at all the blood wasted at crash scenes, it all leaked away.
Steven

I give rather frequently, but if you have that much difficulty, you should probably find something else that you can do to help others. It really shouldn't be that hard on you, and if it is, you shouldn't push yourself. I have a problem if they try to use my right arm, the vein always collapses. I let someone talk me into it every 2-3 years, and it always happens, leaving them poking me about and me about to pass out. From now on, they get the left arm or they get nothing.

Before last year (when i started cycling and doing triathlons with increasing regularity) i was donating 3-4 times a year after i finished college. Nowdays i only dontate in the winter, after september when all my events are over. I'm up to 10 or 11 units now, well into the 1 gallon club. :D I'm glad i have good veins. I donate for the t-shirts. I have enough to cover 1 weeks wardrobe. :lol:

Just don't go for a ride after donating... Seriously...

Before last year (when i started cycling and doing triathlons with increasing regularity) i was donating 3-4 times a year after i finished college. Nowdays i only dontate in the winter, after september when all my events are over. I'm up to 10 or 11 units now, well into the 1 gallon club. :D I'm glad i have good veins. I donate for the t-shirts. I have enough to cover 1 weeks wardrobe. :lol:

Just don't go for a ride after donating... Seriously...

Second

I won't go for any kind of hard ride after donating, but I generally have no problems riding the next day. Same day is a cruise if I go, but I'm also a Clyde, so it probably isn't going to effect me as much as it would if I were 30 lbs. lighter.

I won't go for any kind of hard ride after donating, but I generally have no problems riding the next day. Same day is a cruise if I go, but I'm also a Clyde, so it probably isn't going to effect me as much as it would if I were 30 lbs. lighter.

after donating it is time for a liter or so of red wine to help body replenish blood:)