Friday was my latest appointment at Vampire Inc (actual name, VBS). I flunked last Sunday (a local church) due to a high pulse (my doctor is not concerned, so neither am I). My pulse Friday was an acceptable 81. All other signs were right in the groove (except - I will talk about that later).
The pre-donation check went very well. All signs good. And everything was kopecetic. But this was the first time I donated at this particular site. I just started working on that side of town last fall, and of course, I had been giving at the local church. And of course, they do love my blood type!
When I sat in the chair, there was already a lady in a second chair, and she was about to get stuck. She was stuck, and then they started working on me. Or I should say, Ms. Rolling Vein. I should tell new readers that this is not my first blog on giving blood. Being on JU for almost 6 years, it would be kind of ridiculous to not have done so before since I have given (officially to Vampire Inc) 113 pints and unofficially (since they lost lots of donations) over 150. And while I do hate the needle, I am not allergic to them or faint when I get stuck. IN fact, I have only "woosh-banged" once! (Previously blogged). So it is just a hatred of needles (I am a failed drug addict). But I digress.
Ms. Rolling Vein stuck me. And I knew this was a screw up! I am experienced. She said the vein rolled. Yea right! Almost without exception, the phlebotomists love my veins! Nice and big and easy to stick. She just blew it. Before she told me, I knew she had. I am lucky in that it has only happened a hand full of times, but I kind of know when they are good, average and bad! This one was bad.
So she started digging. Any blood donors out there? If so, you know what I mean when I say "digging". She started to dance the needle around to find the vein she missed. Apparently she finally found it (yea, see the bruise? Why the bruise? ).
So my blood started to donate. Then she turned her attention to my neighbor. A woman with a "stink face" expression. Ever seen George Lopez? if so, you know what I mean. Anyway, this other lady was not happy, and her blood stopped flowing. Why? Ms. Rolling Vein had stuck her! But she got her going again.
Now me. I usually fill a bag in 5 minutes. 10 minutes later, Ms. Rolling Vein says I stopped. She did all the stuff (except digging) to get it going again, but as I was about done, she accepted my donation (they do the tubes before the actual blood). So they accepted it.
I do not know what this woman's problem was. But being an expert on the subject matter, I know our problem was her! And I just thank god I got a pint out because of her 'tude. When I say I am an expert, I know when someone misses my vein. Fortunately for me, it has been only a handful of times! Out of 150? Yes, I am fortunate. Most of the time, you know they are going to miss it when I hear them say "your veins are so good, no one can miss them!" And then they do!
So this is just a gripe about a phlebotomist that a tude. I hope she gets over it. She screwed up 2 pints (mine and the lady's). But I think the people who need it got good blood regardless. I know if I go there again, I am definitely not going to let her stick me!
And I know that a bad stick takes a lot out of you! I was snoring by 10, and did not get up until 7! Well, I guess that is the silver lining. Old farts like me treasure a good night sleep! I usually do not sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time, so yea, today I am perky!
let's see, 113 officially is 14 gallons and a pint. I am shooting for that 200 number now!