Yesterday, I voluntarily allowed a stranger to stick a metal Slurpee straw needle into the bend of my right arm and extract approximately 10% of my blood supply. For me, this is a big step in overcoming one of my fears because the idea of allowing someone to take a bagful of blood from my body through a large needle is not something I look favorably upon. Needles are a definite phobia of mine.
As it happens, my wife is on a first name basis with most of the vampires personnel at the United Blood Services donation center in Goodyear, AZ because she goes so frequently to give blood. After her last visit, she decided that I should participate in the blood-letting donation process, so she ever-so-generously scheduled an appointment for me. There’s nothing like getting up in the morning and having your wife greet you with a kiss and an, “Oh, I forgot to tell you that I signed you up to give blood. Your appointment is today at 1:15.”
Naturally, I tried to weasel my way out of it, but Heidi guilted me into going convinced me to go by reminding me that my giving blood could mean another chance at life for some poor soul in some hospital somewhere. Eventually I decided I should just man-up and do it.
So I did.
To be honest, it was a surprisingly pleasant experience. The new donation facility in Goodyear is very nice and the staff are all remarkably personable. After they ask you a list of simple-to-answer questions like, “Have you ever paid to have sex with a man from Sierra-Leone?”, they sit you in a reclining chair that would be perfect for watching a Cardinals game, and gently slide the needle in your arm while you squeeze and release a section of PVC pipe in your hand. In all honesty, you can barely feel a thing.
After about 15 minutes, they let you relax in their canteen area where you are free to replenish your strength by sipping on free Capri-Suns and munching on Famous Amos cookies. Not a bad deal.
As I sat there for my mandatory 20 minute rest period, I wondered what percentage of people have ever even darkened the door of a blood donation center. The pandemic fear of needles alone probably keeps a large portion of the population away, but what about everyone else? I figured that this question gave me a perfect opportunity to try out my new blog poll widget. Weigh in won’t you?
Loading ...And since we’re on the subject, why don’t you take a few minutes to find the blood donation facility in your area and schedule an appointment for yourself? If you are one of the weenies like me individuals who won’t go because you hate needles, I challenge you to face your fear for the sake of someone else’s well-being. I promise that it’s not as bad as you think. If you do decide to schedule an appointment, I’d appreciate it if you leave me a comment letting me know.
Here’s wishing you a fabulous phlebotomy!
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