Well I went and now I'm really upset. This might be long, I'm sorry. I think I need to rant. At least I'm not anemic. I got through to the nurse to do the physical and she was horrible. She asked me what I drank with breakfast and acted like drinking coffee and water was like drinking poison. (Even though it was decaf) and told me I needed to drink juice. I'm sorry I'd rather eat fruit and drink water than drink sugar -y water. And I drank juice when I walked in the door there.

Then came the checking of my arms. I told her about the sample I gave Thursday for OneMatch, the bone marrow registry. And she treated me like I had lied to her and kept asking me what it was. The nurse I spoke to on the phone was pleasant and said I was a-ok to donate today having had the sample taken Thursday and didn't treat me like an idiot/shady drug addict/liar. I understand the serious caution they need to take but jeez. Then my other arm was checked. It has mild bit of eczema an inch+ above my elbow and vein. She acted like I had some horrifying rash and told me there was no way I could donate. The American Red Cross states on their website that as long as the vein is free of a rash the donation is ok. Go figure.

I was so upset I went to my car and cried until my Mom finished donating. 2007 has been my worst year ever. I had a brain tumor scare that lasted over 6 months and caused me to withdraw from Grad school. I'm now back living w/ my parents waiting to try to get back in school but found out I have to reapply completely. I felt like this was a good way for me to end the year on a happy/good note and overcome a big fear. Sigh.

Anyway, I'll try again when I can. Sorry for being so rant-y, but I wanted to update you after all that wonderful advice. Thanks again for helping me out earlier and helping me work up the nerve to even go.