My 1st Blood Donation
Yesterday I visited the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) that’s located near Outram Mrt Station to donate my blood for the 1st time. I garnered my courage and went there with a friend.
First up they took my temperature before letting me in due to the H1N1 scare. After that I had to answer a questionnaire of confidential questions before the doctor checked my weight and blood pressure. There was also a hemoglobin test that I had to take twice because my iron level did not make it on the first test.
It’s my 1st time donating blood.
Donating blood is painless and it did not take much of my time but the aftermath did. After donating 350 ml of blood, I thought all was fine till I felt giddy, broke out in cold sweat and felt like vomiting. The nurses were worried as I looked so pale that they had to call in a doctor. Meanwhile they kept me comfortable on the chair with blankets and a plastic bag just in case I really vomited.
The nurse tied my arm with a purple arm band.
My blood pressure took a dive and I had to remain there for half an hour to an hour till it was normal again. They almost sent me to A&E (whatever this is) for a drip if my blood level did not return back to normal. I felt a little bad for making my friend wait and troubling the nurses while I try to recover, sorry. :-(
After feeling better, I went over to the food corner with my friend to claim some free food. It’s part of their initiative to thank people for donating blood.
A free set meal per coupon.
I also took photos of the little boards regarding blood donation while I rested at the table.
Click on the above thumbnails for a pop-up larger version.
With a never give up attitude, what’s most surprising is that my friend and I went to have frog porridge at a nearby stall before heading home but I’ll leave the frog porridge account to another day instead. On reaching home in the evening, I felt like vomiting and was pale so I rested on my bed till past midnight before wondering around for an hour or two like a nocturnal animal before hitting the bed again.
Take home pamphlets and iron tablets.
Today I woke at noon and am feeling much better already. I think my blood pressure is finally right! However, I’ll be taking an iron tablet a day for the week. Overall I’m glad to have donated blood though the aftermath is not that pleasant. Hopefully I won’t feel like vomitting and feel faint should I choose to donate blood the next time. (:
i only have curry puff n milo the other time !
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It was very nice of you to donate blood :) Someone’s life will be better because of you :)
I am sorry to hear that the consequences of the blood loss were so negative – it sounds like a hypovolemic shock :( One of the things that might help alleviate the problem to some extent is looking away from the needle at the time of blood drawing.
I am glad you are feeling better now :)
A&E: Accident & Emergency department (in hospitals).
What bard said.
Also I guess since you are so slim donating that much blood for the first time might had some consequences. :p
At least you are feeling better, though rest over a few days is recommended.
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I commend you for donating blood. I have yet to do so and hopefully I can conjure up some courage when the time comes. I’m a bit timid about it ever since my doctor drew about 2-3 tubes of blood for a test and I almost fainted. They used smelling salts so I didn’t completely black out. It was scary..I seriously thought I was going to die because I never fainted before. I was also dehydrated since it was at 9 am and I barely had enough time to eat breakfast. Drink lots of water as well.
Good to hear you’re doing well. The purple arm band is pretty cool!
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i remember last year u commented on my blog how u wated to donate blood as well. and u finally done it! hurray!
btw i need your help. check your e-mail. thanks!
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hehem good for you!!
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Hahaha, it was the first time I donated blood too this year! It was months back, a drive was held in school which I took part in. I got the sticker, green arm band, and as much Oreo cookies, Milo and Graham biscuits I could eat! >.<
I was offered to donate blood again a few days back, but I couldn't because I didn't have the time and my NS checkup is just around the corner.
Good Job Hyn!
If its true and you really are a slim and trim person like Panther said your aftermath may be due to the loss of blood volume.Sure 350ml dont sound like much but you need to remember that you only have aroun 4 Liters of it in your body and that those are spread throughout your whole body.
Over here the people have to rest a certain time after donating blood to avoid consequences like these.You get free snacks afterwards aswell ^^
I dont donate blood though.Im afarid of Needles ^^;;;;;;;;;;
Congratulations for donating blood! It’s never too late and every pint of blood goes a long way in saving precious lives.
Hope the first experience didn’t put you off donating blood and may you return to Q001 (Bloodbank@HSA’s collection number) in 3 months and continue the good deed! :P
Hi all, thanks for your comments.
I’m doing great now with no side effect; even the needle mark on my arm has vanished. My blood pressure should be back to normal since I have not experience any giddiness so far. Everything is looking great for me and I’m glad to be able to help someone in need. Perhaps I can join the regular donors the next time when I want to donate blood. (: