Chicana on the Edge

Mentioning the unmentionable since 2004

I Failed
written by Regina Rodríguez-Martin
July 10, 2010

It’s the easiest way to not feel like a failure, but I failed anyway. I had an appointment to donate blood this morning, but I’m not going. I failed to drink water and hydrate.

As I posted last time, it’s not easy for me to give blood. Maybe it’s because I only weigh ten pounds above the minimum requirement for giving blood, which is 110 pounds, or maybe it’s because my body is just weak and unstable. But if I haven’t eaten well and pushed fluids for 24 hours before giving, donating blood is difficult for me.

I forgot to drink extra water yesterday, so I’m going to be a no-show today. I have failed.

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6 Comments

  1. Mick & Cathy

    Didn't realise there was a minimum weight requirement for giving blood, not sure we have that rule but could be wrong.

    The important thing is you are giving blood, doesn't matter you missed once, the fact you intend to do it matters most.

    Failures are the ones that don't give it.

    Reply
  2. TomL

    Okay, then, if you insist…

    (clears throat) "HA-ha. Loser."

    Feel better now?

    I gave blood this morning, partly thanks to your reminder. Should I admit that I missed TWO consecutive opportunities to donate? (One missed appointment, one blood drive at work.) The main reason I manage to donate with any regularity is because they chase me down as soon as the recovery period expires (I'm B-negative, which is in short supply).

    Reply
  3. Regina Rodriguez-Martin

    O Tom, come on. It's ME.

    Reply
  4. TomL

    It's called "Get back on the horse."

    Nobody cares that you missed an appointment. It happens all the time. Somebody will care a whole lot when you save their life. Look forward to feeling good about that, instead of beating yourself up.

    Reply
  5. Regina Rodriguez-Martin

    Yes, but that doesn't erase the failure.

    Reply
  6. Cat

    Can you just reschedule for sometime next week and get yourself ready between now and then?

    Reply

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