Saturday, January 17, 2009

A Milestone

I did something I've never done before today.

I gave blood.

So, as you can see, I haven't had sex with a prostitute, a man, been in Africa, or Great Britain since 1980. Although, I'm now unbelievably curious why they would add Great Britain to that list. Did they have some sketchy blood inspection procedures throughout the 80's and 90's?

Anyway, today, I helped ensure there is at least one more pint of whatever my blood type is.

14 comments:

  1. I can't give blood. I'm too small. :(

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  2. Great Britain has to do with an outbreak of Mad Cow around that time period. The guy isn't allowed to give blood because he lived there during that time period. Fun times, right?

    I've given blood before. A few times. My wbc is too high to give it anymore, but I think it's a good thing to do if you can.

    Did you get a hot nurse?

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  3. As MK says – though to be exact it’s vCJD (variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease), the human form of BSE, that’s the cause of concern. In the UK itself no one who has had a blood transfusion since January1980 may donate blood.

    Obviously (though I wasn’t aware of it) other countries take the risk more seriously even than that, and are making the assumption that people visiting the country may have eaten contaminated beef.

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  4. something about contaminated beef is just funny..

    so what if you have been to Great Britain, but not eaten meat?

    OR.. what if you have swallowed cum of a Great Britain meat eater?

    ok..sorry.. I'm bored working at the clinic

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  5. I've given blood a few times (for the record, I'm O+), but it's been a few years.

    I always loved the "Have you had sexual relations with a man who has had sexual relations with another man since 1975?"

    "Since 1975? No. It was 1973, I believe."

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  6. I give it all the time. Blood, not it, so to speak.

    Good for you. I bet you caught a cheap buzz tonight.

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  7. The buzz was indeed cheap. Who knew one could get drunk off of just one Yuengling?

    Simon, they asked me if I am related to anyone who's had that Jakob whatever disease. I could've given a better answer if they asked me if I was related to anyone that had Mad Cow disease. I could've said "no," instead of "not that I know of."

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  8. You are a better man than I. I have a hard time seeing blood leave my body for simple blood tests...actually giving away what to me seems vast quantities is absolutely out of the question.

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  9. I haven't given any in a while, well not by choice anyway.

    Suppose I better make an effort after I get over the flu.

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  10. Another example of something in life where giving is so much better than recieving!

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  11. Yeah, I'd rather donate a pint of blood than receive a pint.

    Luna, I've witnessed 2 C-sections, and had a baby throw up in my mouth. While I hate the needle prick, losing a pint of blood in a medical environment is one of the least gross things I've ever done.

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  12. I don't mind seeing blood leave OTHER people's bodies - just my own. I am a mom of 3 boys, Steve - trust me, you don't have the market cornered on experiencing gross/bad stuff ;) It's not the gross I mind - I'm not grossed out by it at all, I am freaked out by it. It's my life force leaving my body!

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  13. Last time I gave blood, I filled the bag in 5 minutes (that seemed kind of fast) and then I was ruined the rest of the day, so drained I went home and collapsed. Now I think I have an out because of my diabetes (Im' not sure) But overall it was an ok experience.

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