Spike Won't Bite Me !!

[debris4spike]

A couple of weeks ago I went to give blood - once I had established that it was over 3 months (by one day) since the injury to my hand  (as it was an open injury they have that rule in England) I had the basic test - and was turned down.

The double irony was that I had never actually given blood before - we have a mobile unit here about 4 times a year and I usually miss the adverts.  I had made a real effort to note this one, as I felt that, although I hadn't needed blood last December, if I had been operated on as was suggested at one point, I would have had blood ready for me.

I was told that my haemoglobin levels were a bit low.  They would do a blood test for me - but they would re-book me for their next visit in 3 months time.

Today I had a letter in the post - asking me to see my doctor and that the Blood Transfusion Service does not want my blood for at least a year.

I have tried getting an appointment - but like doctor's surgeries the world over - no luck.  so I am going to go down first thing tomorrow - at least that way I can't get an engaged tone on the phone! 

Comments

[spikereader.livejournal.com]

They are quite cautious about haemoglobin levels - their lower level is 25 I think, whereas to actually be anaemic I think it has to be less than 20. They've turned me away twice recently (both times in the summer) with a level of 23 - but no need to see my doctor.

I'm sure you'll be OK, just need to stock up on plenty of fresh fruit and veg and other iron rich foods - having just healed from your injury which did bleed for quite some time I'm not surprised your blood needs a bit more recovery time.

[debris4spike]

Yes - I was the same when I was turned away - which is why I never bothered saying anything - presumed it was still my hand, as the finger is pink a lot of the time - and I know the nerves are very slowly healing ... so to get this letter was a suprise.

Still, I shall see tomorrow(I hope!!) ... and will let you know.

[spikereader.livejournal.com]

I keep forgetting to reply to your email - have you got a spare usb connection on your PC? I can put the Buffy music on a usb flash drive and post it, and you can either send it back or give it to me when you see me at UC. And if that doesn't work we'll just have to come to the conclusion that it is your parents trying to minimise your contact with the world of Buffy and Spike. *g*

[debris4spike]

Yes, that would be a great idea - Thanks! I don't think Mum and dad will have thought about USB invasion by James!!

[cordykitten]

Good thing that they test you; won't harm to go to your doctor if they told you so.
But I don't think Spike would be so picky and not bite you ;-)

[debris4spike]

Love that icon!
Yes - best to get it checked - I so rarely see my doctor, that it would be good to remind him I am alive (I didn't see him for any of my hand treatment)

[cordykitten]

Had to use a vampire icon with my post and this one I don't use often enough :-D
Good luck for your doctor appointment :)

[debris4spike]

How can you not use that icon - you bad girl!! He is so stunning in that pic ...He just needs someone to sit with him!!!!

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

How frustrating - but sensible not to overstrain your own blood supply!

[debris4spike]

Yes - best thing ... although annoying when I had actually (for once) got completely organised ... oh well, that's me!!

[winsomeone.livejournal.com]

There's always next time for donating. I had some minor surgery this past summer and wasn't able to donate blood the next time either and I donate on a fairly regular basis. I was told it's for things like that to crop up.

I agree with cordykitten, Spike would bite you in a heartbeat. Yours of course, not his. :-)

[debris4spike]

Yes, I hadn't realised that an open cut would be so restrictive - and still leaving it's toll.

Yes - I have pencilled in next March and "I will return"!!

Thanks - Spike can visit any time ... British Blood Transfusion Service will have to wait their turn!

btw - stunning icon

[winsomeone.livejournal.com]

I have to defer credit- I've never made an icon in my life. This ones from bittenandstaked

I knew you'd like it. :-)

[debris4spike]

Thanks - and you were 101% correct!!

[re-animating.livejournal.com]

I would find a letter like that to be a little unnerving. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

[debris4spike]

Yes, when I saw the "blood people" they just said it was a case of checking so that it was on their records - Oh well, I shall find out later this morning. Maybe will explain why I have been feeling tired recently.

btw - How is your treatment/tests going?

[laura-writes.livejournal.com]

eat some red meat! I'm sure it's nothing, but smart of you to follow up. Let us know how it goes! I'll send up a prayer for you tonight. =)

[debris4spike]

Yes, I suppose that is part of the problem - I am not a great red meat lover, but I will do some shopping on the way back from the doctors later.

I have been trying to eat Marmite a lot for it's vit B due to damage to the nerves in my finger .... do you think I could combine the 2 ????

Thanks for the prayer - nice to have something positive

[kalinda001.livejournal.com]

You got a letter asking you to go see your doctor? I hope it's nothing too serious.

was told that my haemoglobin levels were a bit low
That doesn't sound good. Do you know what causes it? Or what you can do?

[debris4spike]

I'm off to the doctor later - so shall see.

Hopefully it is still just me and my body fighting my finger!! (How about that for a story line!!!!!!)

I know transfusion people have high levels to rate against - so hopefully that is all it will be ... Well, can't let Vila's motto down, can I?

[debris4spike]

No - can't look! Mind you, back in 1981 I actually learnt to take blood - did it twice, as I had to at college - and vowed, never again!! No - I leave it to the vampires now ... and the nurse at the medical centre!!