Give blood. Give life.

One of my birthday wish is to be able save someone by donating blood, but the timing is off so I decided to wait for the right time.

And then it came...last week one of my close friend texted me if I knew someone who has type A+ blood because her mom will undergo some operation, I was thrilled because I knew this could be it. I replied to her that I am a possible donor and I'll meet her the next morning in the hospital. She gave me all the details and after that I prepared myself.

Here's the timeline of my experience as first time blood donor: 

• 10:00am     Arrival at the hospital
• 10:30am     The nurse handed me a confidential form for me to fill in
• 10:45am     I was instructed to go to the industrial medical service department for the   physical exam.
• 11:15am     I passed the physical examination and the doctor told me that I'm fit to donate..now back to the blood bank!
• 11:30am     I fall in line again in the blood bank room and submit the form back to the nurse.
• 11:45am     Nurse got a sample of blood in my left arm, and the truth is,  both the rubber and the prick hurts. Well, I have to endure it...its for a cause...=)
• 12:00nn      The nurse came back and told me that I passed the 1st screening test; but I still have to wait for 2-3hrs for the result of the 2nd screening test. According to her this will determne if I'm positive to HIV and/or Hepa...quite scary huh! But I understand  them, because we have to protect the receiver...the purpose is to save them and not harm them.
•  12:20pm    I went to the nearest mall to take my lunch and found myself in...where else...Jollibee!..beeeeee....hehe...Kidding aside, I am very nervous, I hope I passed the test. I really wanted to do this. 
• 1:00pm      After lunch I bought some fruits and decided to go back to the hospital and visit my friend's mom first. She just celebrated her birthday and she told me that her only wish is to be cured and go home. Some of their relatives are there and we talked and laugh while watching TV.
• 2:30pm     I bid goodbye to them and went back to blood bank to check the result.
• 2:45pm    The nurse told me that I passed the 2nd screening test....yipeee!!!...thank GOD! My wish is granted and I could help my friend's mom.
• 2:50pm     I sat at the lounge chair and the nurse started the procedures at my right arm. The needle is scary though, but the nurse is good...because I didn't feel anything while she's inserting the needle. She gave me a rubber ball to squeeze in every 5 seconds. I'm not scared now, I even check the flow of my blood and I took some pictures.
• 2:58pm     The 500cc blood bag is full and as soon a she removed the needle, I felt dizzy. I was instructed to sit for at least 10 minutes and they gave me water to drink. My right arm looked pale, but after 10 minutes I could see it going back to normal.
• 3:20pm     I'm done...so I texted my friend that I'm released at blood bank and on my way home. I'm hoping for her mom's fast recovery
• 4:00pm     I'm home! The procedures at the hospital took a while but it's all worth it!

Helping is a divine feeling. I would like to do it again, maybe after six months if I'm healthy. Below are some of the shots that I took:

Here's some information about blood donation for your reference (taken at Red Cross website):

Who can donate blood?

You can donate blood if you…
- Are in good health
- Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
- Weigh at least 110 pounds;
- Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
- Pass the physical and health history assessments.

Preparation before donating blood1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty food.
5. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.

Steps in donating blood1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register and honestly and complete the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. A physician will conduct a blood donor examination.
5. Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated (either 350cc or 450cc) will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.

What to do after blood donation?
1. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
2. Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
3. Refrain from strenuous activities like:
a. Lifting heavy objects;
b. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or
c. Operating big machines.
4. Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
5. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
6. If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours.
7. If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.