Brando's Blog

I gave blood to the Red Cross today. Whoo, what an experience! They didn't have any trouble getting a vein, unlike that traumatic hospital trip. I did just fine. It was kind of wierd squeezing the ball while there was a needle in my arm, but bearable.

When I got up I didn't feel any differently. However, when they made me sit at the food table it hit me. I started feeling sick to my stomach, big time. Then I started feeling really light headed and faint. I saw stars and the whole nine yards. Not a comfortable experience. Ten minutes and a big piece of candy later I was feeling okay again.

Now I can hardly tell the difference. They could tell I have been eating a ton of veggies because of all the iron in my blood. They put a drop in a cylinder of liquid to test iron content. If you float then your iron is too low to donate; If you sink you're good to go. The nurse said "Sinking like a stone!" when she put my drop in.

All in all it was a mildly unplesant feeling when I did it, however afterward it was very gratifying to know that my small discomfort may save a life. I'd do it again anytime.