Everyday hero

(My apologies to KT - she's been waiting for a post - and I am posting a story she's already heard...go back to bonding with your parents!)

I finally made it to my first blood donor clinic at work since I started there (6 months ago already!?!?!). Now, I don't know if you donate - but if you can - do it. I have been donating for years, and this past January when my best friend needed three blood transfusions during childbirth - I was SOOO happy I was contributing to the blood bank - and so was she. She even mentioned it when I spoke to her the next day - "I saw the blood hanging there and hoped it was yours!" How much sweeter can one get when talking about blood??

Anyway, being a frequent donor, I know the drills quite well. I even knew what to say to my old Canadian Blood Services staff to remind them about my "special" qualities... I'm no ordinary woman...

A funny thing though this time - a few nights before, I was at a comedy club, and the comedian made almost the same joke I make when you're filling in the questionnaire with the nurse... you say "no" to so many things, it makes you feel like you haven't tried anything! Anyway... I warned the nurse that I have a low resting heart rate. And she just did a partial smile and went along with her business. And then the big ol' 47 came across the screen and she said "Oh my! You weren't joking!" Nope. That was after running down three flights of stairs...

Then my vampire nurse - the one who was going to take my blood - he was prepping me, and I gave him my usual series of warnings. I was already squeezing my hand and he said, oh there's no need for you to start yet... Me: If I want you to find my vein, yes... He checks... I then tell him - my veins run really deep, but they flow fast, so take your time finding it before you have the needle in there. He had almost the same reaction as the other nurse, the polite, 1/2 smile that is really saying, don't tell me you know your body better than me little blood donor... Well... Of course, he is going in for the vein (a little cocky) and couldn't find it. I know, some of you don't want to read these details - but when you have a needle in someone's arm it is not the time to go rummaging around looking for a vein. So, I told him that he had to find it or get out. So, he removed his needle. And then offered to try the other arm. And I said, OK, but are you going to listen to my warnings this time? This isn't the first time I've donated, or had a nurse who couldn't find my vein. He said he was going to call on another nurse. I warned her, she felt my vein and said, yep, I know exactly what you mean. And ladies and gentlemen, it was like butter. She was so smooth. I hope I get her every time!!

Best part - I donated with my left arm, my slow arm - and was done in 7 minutes! I think my fastest time with my right is 6 minutes! I was really impressed.

As I was leaving I passed the male nurse - Digger - and told him he can try again next time...