Technically I didn’t donate blood but instead donated plasma for my very first donation. I don’t plan on completing everything on Anna & Tess’s list (as some are personalised to themselves), but I am choosing certain things from their list and participating where I can. This one I believe is the most important on the list, as it is helping save lives.
Donating blood or plasma is something that I’ve always wanted to do but probably been a bit scared to do before now. I’ve always been scared of needles, something that Jill would of attested to. Although in recent years I have come to find that taking blood doesn’t bother me just injections. In fact the last time Jill was in Mackay, we were discussing Covid shots, as she was getting one before she returned to Tanzania. She told me that the President at the time didn’t believe in Covid so vaccinations weren’t as available. She also later told me that the President, ironically died of suspected Covid! Due to my fear of needles, I was putting off getting my Covid vaccinations until it was mandatory. But after my Grandad was put into an assisted living home in the lead up to his passing, flu shots and Covid shots became mandatory to visit. I ended up getting 4 shots (flu & 3x Covid) in the space of a few months, and I need not of worried as none hurt at all. I was so proud of myself that I messaged Jill as per below. (I had to keep in the seperate conversation about her ‘drag queen’ eyelashes because it’s just too funny.)
As a first time donor I wasn’t too sure what to expect, so further below is my experience. Thank you to Jill for inspiring me to do this donation. It should not of taken a tragic event to motivate me to do this, but it’s nice to know that she is still helping save lives through her ripple effect. And who knows, maybe my donation may spark a ripple effect with one of my family or friends which will further continue it too.
My experience:
As a first time donor, I actually did book in for a blood donation, but when I got to the donation centre they asked me if I would consider donating plasma instead if I had the time. (Blood donation appointments take approx 1hr, while plasma donations take about 1hr 45mins). I did have the time, so I agreed. My appointment started with an online questionnaire, following this I had a conversation with one of the staff there about any medical conditions/medication. When I told them about my frequent migraines, this turned into a pretty extensive conversation, including them calling their doctor to make sure I was ok to donate. But I reminded myself to have patience, as at the end of the day they are just looking out for my best interest, especially as a first time donor. Once they got the green light, they took my blood pressure and did a quick finger pin prick to check my iron levels and I was good to go. The donation itself only took about 30mins. I donated 596mls. It’s quite amazing how they take blood out and remove the the plasma and the return your blood with saline. The saline was the worst part only because it makes you cold! After they took out my blood, I didn’t realise that the machine automatically puts it back in without them having to do anything. I only realised the process had started when I began to feel cold. The staff could not of been nicer throughout the entire experience, providing me with heat packs and yummy snacks. Apparently they can’t offer blankets anymore because of Covid, but strongly suggested to bring a blanket of my own next time. I felt fine during and after this experience and will definitely be donating more in the future.
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