The blood donation centre was full. It was literally standing-room only, with those of us waiting our turn stood around until a cheap plastic chair became available. Perhaps it was delays. Perhaps there had been an urgent call for blood. Perhaps the events in Ukraine spurred people to donate. Perhaps, even subconsciously, it feels like a good time to donate what you can, ensure the reserves are fully stocked, and - selfishly - make a deposit at the Karma bank? Just before the needle pierced…
Continue reading →
Last time it was a mid-pandemic trip to a giant shopping mall. This time, a pre-Xmas trip to a youth centre. Glamorous! I always feel slightly boring when I answer the pre-donation questionnaire. No, I haven't been travelling to exotic locations, having sex with multiple strangers in exchange for drugs and money. I could blame lockdown, but it's unlikely I'd be doing those things anyway! Bit of an odd one this time. My blood was too "fizzy" to do the iron level drop - so they had to do it the …
Continue reading →
Two years ago, I gave my first blood donation. Terence Eden is on Mastodon@edentReplying to @edentVery nearly an armful etc. Didn't hurt. Looking forward to finding out my blood group! pic.x.com/rkpqx9huel❤️ 24💬 6♻️ 014:51 - Mon 29 July 2019 Due to a combination of moving house, and the whole pandemic thing, I've not been able to donate again until now. It was quick - in and out in 90 minutes. And didn't hurt a bit. Well, OK, a bit. But they give you as much squash as you can drink and were…
Continue reading →
