I Actually Don't Like Needles

There is my guy donating blood.  This was several years ago and now he has 33 donations.  But, this isn't about him.  This is all about me !!!

I am celebrating my 75th blood donation today.  I have to tell you I am pretty proud of myself.  I have this amazing vein so every donation that I have ever given, the donor associate has commented on my vein.  At times in my life, he felt like the only compliment that I was going to get. 

The experience of donating blood seems to be a little bit different every time.  A couple of years ago, they raised the hemoglobin threshold and lengthened the time between donations for women.  I actually thought I would never reach 75 and I certainly thought my goal of 100 was off the table.  Of course, I understand the many reasons for changes in the donating process.  Our blood needs to be safe and I don't mind being inconvenienced if I am saving lives. 

My primary reason for donating blood is that there are so many who are excluded from donating blood for a variety of reasons that I think if you are able to donate blood, you should.  It is one of those things that you should do as part of your civic duties.

My partner and I used to donate together as our "date night" at 8:00 am on a Saturday.  Now, that we are on different schedules, we still donate at 8:00 am on a Saturday, just on different Saturdays.  There is no way to describe the good feeling of donating blood.  You will definitely have a great weekend!

So, I tell you, I am feeling pretty pumped, pardon the pun, after donating today for the 75th time.  And, of course, the guy putting my needle in complimented me on my "super vein".  It is a super-power I am happy to have. 

And, the research is also changing the experience again.  A couple of donations ago, a new pamphlet came out.  I noticed a new word immediately.  "May"  A donor associate "may" take your blood pressure.  It turns out blood pressure is only taken on new donors.  A small change but it eliminated the need for return donors to have this done.  Also, there is no longer an "end" of eligibility based on age.  After 71, you need a doctor's note, but research is finding that older adults are often as healthy as middle aged adults.  So, my dream of 100 is back in play. 

But, back to those who can not donate.  Like I said, there are many many credible reasons why people can not donate.  However, one thing that people often say to me is that they can not donate because they do not like needles. 

I have got news for anyone who does not donate because they do not like needles. 

No one likes needles.  I don't like needles and I have a "super vein".  But, here is the thing.  The insertion of the needle takes about a second, maybe two.  You can look away at the time.  It does not hurt.  Sometimes, it is of the same irritation of a mosquito bite, but it does not hurt.  And, here is a tip, if you concentrate on inhaling as you think the needle is going in, you likely won't feel it.  Once the needle is inserted, the site is covered so you don't have to look at it.  You can look away again for the two seconds it takes to remove it. 

I also don't needles when it comes to my annual flu shot.  But, again, it doesn't hurt, and I am not getting the vaccine for myself, I am getting it for vulnerable people that I am in contact with.  Not liking needles don't prevent me from doing the right thing. 

If you are able to do so, please donate blood.  It is in you to give. 

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