New Blood‏

Today, June 28, 400ml of my blood went to Beijing Blood Bank, witnessed by Grace, Kristine and Kimberley. As such, 400ml of new blood needs to be replenished henceforth.

This is my third attempt at blood donation. 1st was during the Bush Fire in Melbourne, January, 2009. The Australian Red Cross website asked donors not to visit the blood donation centres as they were inundated with donors. That crisis separated the priviledged donors from the willing donors. My second attempt was late April in beijing, but I was discouraged by the nurse for abnormally high blood pressure.

This is 3rd time lucky. Blood pressure was normal at 120/80. I didnt feel nervous. On to a bloodmobile in Wangfujing, comfortably airconditioned. A nurse gave us a tetrapack of fruit drink each. Kristine and Kimberley began to warm up to the treatment, climbing in and out of the converted coachbus each holding a pack of drink.

After passing a quick blood sample test, a bigger serious-looking needle was inserted into a vein on my right elbow. I chose to donate 400ml instead of 200ml. It went ok, until the last bit, when I started to feel dizzy and sleepy. Then a profusion of cold sweat. Needless to say, Grace, holding the camera, was laughing away. 5 minutes later, it was done and another 5 minutes later, we were off to Mackie nearby for lunch. The nurses advised plenty of fluids, preferably soups. I had 1 large Coke, , a Big Mac, a large Fries, shared half a coffee with Grace and then shared half of Kristine's small Coke as well. Soups can wait!

With that, I am now junior member in a different league in China. Interestingly, with that, my immediate family members are qualified to 400ml of emergency blood transfusion anywhere in China for free. Use of blood is not free in hospitals here. Next appointment is 6 months away.