Saturday, February 13, 2010

Blood drive, take two

After the last blood drive experience, I wasn't sure I wanted to try again. But we needed a cheap date last night, so off we went. Romantic!

I'm happy to report that this time, I didn't provide any unusual entertainment for the technicians. No gushing blood, no running for ice packs. No bruising, either! (I tried the hold-your-arm-straight-up trick, and it seems to have worked.)

I did learn one important thing, though. When they poke your finger to test your blood, and they ask whether you want them to use your right hand or your left hand, it would be smart to remember what you need those fingers for. I told them to use my left hand, thinking that I'd need it less afterward because I'm right-handed. Then today I got out my cello for some practice time. Ouch! The place they stabbed me is right where I need to push on the cello string. I got through about half my practice and had to stop. At least my lesson isn't for a few more days.

2 comments:

Lisa said...

I'm tellin' ya, that "hold the arm up above your head" trick works. Another tech told me, last week, "No bend, no bruise" (i.e. don't bend your elbow for a while and it won't bruise.) I'll try that, too. Anything not to look like a heroin addict every time I have to get a blood sample drawn.

Holly said...

I am glad that your blood experience went so much better than last time. I have no good advice, since they won't even take my blood. (mission in Europe, hence the slight possibility that I might be a carrier for mad cow disease. . .find that hard to believe since I didn't eat any red meat while there. . . )