This is a bit silly.

[Tuckervill]

When my mid-son was about 19, I talked him into going with me to give blood. I ended up not being able to do it, because of my low iron. But he did. He was a little offended by the questions about sexual history or whatever else they ask these days (last time I gave blood they were still asking if I'd been to Haiti lately--I don't know if they still ask that anymore). So, if you don't see things from the perspective of the person who is receiving the blood, it can feel pretty invasive. That person has enough problems with needing the blood in the first place without worrying about it being tainted. That's the perspective to have.

Too bad the nurse wasn't more polite about it all, though. Please try again!

Karen

[firenze11]

I completely agree with the need to ask invasive and detailed questions about a person's sexual history, medical history, where they've been, etc. (my personal favorite on the form was the one asking if I had come in contact with monkeys). And I'm totally ok with them checking my arms for track marks. It needs to be done. Absolutely. I can't imagine how horrifying it would be to need blood and receive tainted blood.

That being said, I wasn't totally sure at the time if I over-reacted at the nurse's attitude because of a combination of nerves and excitement making me easily emotional. But I talked to my mother afterward and apparently she had the same nurse. Her reaction was "What a witch," and she's given blood tons of times. Apparently she was gruff in general and really rude about her sciatica pain. One other poor woman had the needle inserted wrong and kept complaining about how painful it was when it was in. So maybe it was a blessing in disguise I was rejected. It's funny though, a couple hours after I got home my little eczema patch was gone. Go figure.

Sadly the place was really empty. A lot of nurses sitting around. They normally get 60+ and this year I was number 23 with only an hour to go in the drive. Maybe it because of the holidays.

Anyway, I'll be back there as soon as I can. I'm too stubborn to let that woman stop me.

[Geonz]

You go girl!! That's the attitude

When I was in college 3 of my siblings and I would go out and give blood over the holidays. One of us would bring a funny children's book to read aloud while we were waiting and donating. Needless to say, they liked us - half a gallon of Good Jones Blood of various types!