Vampires

So, Vampire's as my mum calls them. 'Them' being the nurses for the blood donation service, were at our local community center tonight. My husband was all booked in for his appointment and as I have been thinking of donating for a ages he has been hassling me about going with him. The last few occasions I wasn't eligible as I'd had tattoo work done, but this time I was free and clear. I debated over it a lot though, I am a pretty squeamish person and I don't cope well with needles - I've felt faint just having a blood test, so was very anxious about giving away an entire pint, and preferably doing so without humiliating myself in the process. 

But after the events with my Grampy over the last few weeks, what possible excuse could I have to warrant not going down there and growing a pair? Several people helped save my Grampy two weeks ago with their donations. So at 3pm I decided that was that, I was going to go, and at 4.30 I walked through the door of that community center and I filled out the forms. Within minutes I was called forward to do the sample Iron test, and at this point I was half expecting to be sent home. I am vegetarian, and a poor example of one if I'm honest, I rarely eat any vegetables that contain iron, I obviously don't eat any meat, and I don't take any vitamin supplements either, but my little sample sank like a lead balloon and it was only a matter of minutes before I was hailed into the chair. I was so anxious I was shivering all over to the point that the nurse asked if I was cold, however she had no problem finding my vein - which I knew they wouldn't, I have very clear juicy ones. Before I knew it the needle was in and I was pumping my way towards my first pint! In fact once it was over, the surgical tape being removed hurt more than the needle had. I did however come over a bit woozy, and felt a little hot and sick, to which the nurse tipped my chair almost upside down to get the blood flow back to my head. After 5 minutes and a glass of water later I was okay to go and sit at the refreshment table. I have proudly showed my Dad my war wound since I got home, and told my mum, they were both amazed! I am very chuffed with myself if I'm honest, and looking forward to finding out my blood group, plus I have booked my next appointment for March to do it again, so no turning back now!