Give Blood

I've always wanted to donate blood. This "want" started way back in my uni days but my fear of injections (and procrastination) set me back from doing it. However... I finally called up the Blood Donor Centre about two weeks ago and booked an appointment.

It was nerve wrecking! As soon as I saw the little gadget that was going to poke a needle in my finger to check my blood, I freaked!

What a prick! Literally! I was so glad when it was over but it had only just begun!

The girl decided to switch from my right arm to my left. Wha... what was happening? Then, I saw the needle! It was MASSIVE! I thought that I'd be clever and watch the needle get injected into my skin but as soon as I saw how thick it was, I had to turn my head away.

At one point, the blood flow was low and the machine started to beep. Waa, I swear, I was so afraid that they'd have to pull the needle out and find another vein to poke it in. But thankfully, all I had to do was squeeze the stress ball.

It was such a bizarre experience. I could feel the warmth of my blood flowing through the tube that was resting against my wrist and I swear, if I were a fainting type of person, I would have probably fainted from seeing the blood slowly building up in the bags.

I found out later that it was because the lady had poked the needle in at a high angle which caused added pressure against my skin. I was so close to pulling the needle out because it was giving me such discomfort but I pictured this very ugly bloody scene similar that of Quentin Terentino's movies and resisted.

By the end of it, I was so nervous that I could barely breathe properly. I went to get some food and when I finally sat down and my breathing slowly stabilised, I saw this...

That made me feel better. It placed everything back in perspective. It reminded me that donating blood was for a good cause. And I did my part however minimal it might have been. As to whether I will donate blood again? I believe that I will... when I am ready.