Blood Donation - A Good Deed @ HSA

Super outdated post. 

Thinking back, I wouldn't have the courage to do what I did during Chinese New Year. The idea of contributing back to the society in whichever way that I was able to, warmed me but definitely wouldn't have been a breeze without hanging out with best company and because of that, I was fearless and could go to great heights like this.... a definite lifetime experience this CNY N yes I was super free cos' I had to go on compulsory leave.

First timers need to (1) register , (2) fill up a questionnaire to make some declarations and acknowledgment of your intentions (some questions were quite personal).

We were (3) given a "Be Nice to Me" sticker :) I thought this was really sweet.

(4) Was called for the 1st "stapler" prick on your forefinger. This is a quick test to check N see if the iron level in our blood is suitable for donation.

Started tearing even before I was being pricked again for the actual donation. This was really embarrassing for a grown-up like me cos' I was facing a row of other donors. The Filipino nurse who attended to me was terrified n asked me not to tell her supervisor she bullied me. Another nurse handed me some tissue. I was like…. too weak to react or back-out by now. I guessed J was shocked to see me crying… He was really worried but kept encouraging me and assuring me. (5) I was ready for the big needle on my arm. It didn't hurt much though….. We had to press the rubber ball to escalate the 'pumping' process. I gave my 1st smile :) I think the bag was filled up by 5 minutes. I thought it was gonna to be like way more than that. Phew… that was quite a breeze…...

until….. the nurse pulled out the needle. 

All of a sudden, I couldn't think properly. My head starting spinning, my hearing was obstructed, I felt weak, my heart began to thump so fast…. I felt I was dying. I was freaking scared and worried of this reaction I have but I was too weak to think, let alone speak. I heard J calling out for me on my left and alerting the nurses then...

I passed out.

I guess I didn't pass out totally cos' I could still vaguely hear some faint voices and J telling the nurses I fainted or something. 

Horrifying equation: 9/10. I thought it was the end of me. 

Thank God I regained some strength to open my eye and moved a little at a time… I was told to just rest. Then they elevated my lower body up so some blood can flow back to my brain. I felt faint because of the sudden blood level drop in my brain. Apparently, this is not uncommon for 1st time donors. 

My palm was "bloodless", I felt so damn cold and broke out in cold sweat unknowingly as I realized my back was all wet. Think I lied there to recuperate for half an hour or more. Cry cry cry… How did Logan do this so consistently at HSA????

I was given the green light to move n we had 2 free souvenirs (HSA Notebook + Stress Ball) + coupons for refreshments. :p

This was the 1st time I've appreciated food so much. It was like God's sent.

The hot cup of Milo + Red Bean Soup… with our mee siam + curry puff was extremely comforting and tasty in a 'unique' way.

I thank God & J for bringing me to this experience which I would never forget in my life. Though with tears, I felt the joy in giving and in return, receiving, and walking out with a smile knowing that I have in my own capacity, given the helping hand to a needy. Though a bag of blood is meagre to be even counted as "MUCH", at least it helped make up to that 0.0000001%.  

For a good few weeks, I was really weak. To think I could pant climbing 3 flight of stairs up my office (a daily thing which I have been doing for the past 8+ years, no joke). I don't think I will go donate blood anytime soon cos' I'm frail and I couldn't really get back my health more than the stipulated. 

I didn't know so many of my friends have at a point of their life donated blood till I related my story & posted the pic! ^_^ U guys are really brave… at least U didn't cry & feel weak like me. :P

The joy in giving is so indescribable and just lights up your spirit from within. Try blood donation if u can or if u have not tried… I honestly do not think anyone would FEAR blood donation.

Thanks J for being there to calm me n initiate this kind deed that we should do this Chinese New Year :) Happiness from within is priceless n really sweet. 

Give Blood, Save Life.