How did I pass the preliminary round?

So, it’s exactly a year since my last blood donation. Seems like I’m not pretty healthy this past year. Whoah. Sometimes you just can’t accept it and tell yourself that you’re okay. However, the fact is still the fact.

The goodie bag

Alhamdulillah, I made it through preliminary round this morning. My HB is 12.6 and the doctor said it’s okay to participate. I’m still kinda nervous when they check my tension, but I have no previous trauma during that phase (probably because they stopped me on HB checked before I made it to that tension table. lol). 

I still can’t believe it when I was laying on that shaky bed, facing disturbed looking paramedic. She complains how my office pushed to start early in the morning, that she had to be in a hurry. Well, it’s kinda weird because Indonesian Red Cross Society (PMI) is supposed to feel happy with enthusiasm. In my office, there is always a long line of people queueing to donate their blood. And it’s not because they’ll be given snacks. I mean, who’d be happy to receive instant cup noodle. I’m not (and I give it to my colleagues in my unit). Most of them are happy to share because they believe it’ll benefit their health. Furthermore, the cross coming to office saves a lot of our time.

In another small thought, judging from the number of people willing to blood donating, how come there is still blood shortage everywhere? just wondering.

Anyway, aren’t you curious how I pass the preliminary round? Here're some tips for those who’s not confident with their health (meaning lack of sleep, lazy to work out, love junk food and coffee):

1. don’t drink coffee since yesterday. Coffee is one of the reasons that your HB gets lower and lower. 
2. Eat a lot. I don’t usually eat dinner (not because of dieting, I’m just lazy and sleepy when I got home, okay?), but I took a portion of rice (or any staple food you like) at night and also more for breakfast. Drink a lot of water also helps.
3. Sleep. It’s not easy for an adult to sleep early. there are so many things to do, right? But, take a night of 7 hours sleep (8 is impossible), and you’ll see the different.
4. do not stress. The poison in my head thinking out loud of possibility being rejected has created a burden to me. People in distress is not healthy and they can’t perform well. So, get a distraction, talk about another thing. I’m lucky to have to think about the meeting scheduled after the blood donation that I kinda reduce thinking about the preliminary round. XD

If those tips above is not working, then I suggest taking a rest. It means your body is really really  not well. Hope you’re getting better soon