Day 48/365: Lessons Learned

[nanila]

I gave blood yesterday afternoon, and then in the evening we went out to celebrate the bloke's birthday with a nice meal. We had booked a babysitter and we optimistically told her we would be home around 11:30.

We were home at 10:15 pm.

It turns out that those leaflets at the blood donation centre aren't kidding when they tell you you should not drink alcohol for 24 hours after donating. I had never gone againt the advice before and I never will again.

Likewise, the bloke was determined to enjoy the night out despite severe jet lag. His resolve was dampened at the first pub we went to after the meal, where he struggled to keep his eyes open.

At least the food was good!

Comments

[tree_and_leaf]

I tried that once when I was twenty. It was a bad idea then and I dread to think what would happen now....

[nanila]

Yeah, it was pretty terrible. I didn't have all that much wine - I mean, more than was strictly necessary but not enough for a hangover. Despite drinking lots of water when we got home, I woke up in the night, got up to refill my water glass and nearly passed out walking down the stairs.

[omnipotent]

Glad you're okay. I had an acquaintance pass out from drinking after giving blood.

[nanila]

Thanks. Yeah, I definitely won't be doing it again. Didn't actually pass out, but see above reply...

[chickenfeet]

I once went running the day after giving blood. Not such a good idea either.

[nanila]

Yes, I was going to try to get to the gym this weekend, but now I reckon it can wait until Monday.

[ironed_orchid]

I'm glad the food was good.

Hope you feel better after a decent night of sleep.

[nanila]

Definitely much better the following day, thanks. Even came down to London for a surprise party because it just so happens that one of my best friends has the same birthday as the bloke!

[soliano]

The older and more out of shape I get, the more the donation effects me. Doesn't stop me from giving. I thought they used to say no alcohol for 4 hours. Might be wrong. I stopped listening to the directions a long time ago because I had heard them so many times.

[nanila]

I was chatting to a chap who had been giving every four months for 20 years, and he said the same. He used to be able to give without any forethought or particular care of himself afterward. Now he has to drink a litre and a half of water in the hour or so beforehand, and continue to drink a glass of water or squash every half hour until bedtime.

I think the advice has varied over the years, as has the permitted time between donations. When I first started giving, it was eight to twelve weeks for women, depending on your fitness levels and weight. Now it's sixteen weeks!

[soliano]

They suck the blood out of me every 8 weeks. No wonder why I feel like Dracula's date.

[mysterysquid]

Oh dear!

[nanila]

It was all a bit silly and I won't do it again.

[ljravengirl]

aw, but it IS kinda funny. Except for the part where you probably don't have enough date nights and this would've been one.

[nanila]

We tried to have a date night, we did, we did. And you are absolutely right that we don't have enough of them, so I think we were both extra disappointed that this one didn't quite pan out how we'd planned.