Giving blood (LFGSS blood drive?!)

#22 yesterday and did a spin class and a 2100m swim today. Oof.

Spin class was ok-ish as it was mostly efforts up to 1 minute, but anything over than that and I just couldn't sustain what I'd usually do. Still a good workout though.

2nd AZ jab on Thursday so this week was always down as an easy week.

#23 today.

Another spin class and 2k swim planned for tomorrow.

Spin class teacher had hinted at doing a 10 minute interval test this week. If he does that I'll be opting out or aiming for about 80% of what I'd expect to normally do.

Booked #24 for just before Christmas. Next award is at #25 if I remember correctly.

Thanks to everyone who gives blood. OH has needed emergency blood twice in the last 4 weeks. One of you might have been the one who saved her life on Thursday.

Hope she is doing well.

Spending a few hours in hospital whilst my Uncle had 2 bags transfused inspired my donations.
Kept him alive for a few years (having regular transfusions) until c_nc_r finally took its toll.

Went for a morning appointment today as opposed to my usual after work one. Found it much quicker, was in and out in less than half an hour.

Huge respect to everyone who gives blood. I am an anaesthetist and regularly give patients donated blood products. It is genuinely life saving, a truly precious resource and one of the few medical treatments for which there is no alternative or synthetic substitute. Just saw this thread come up on the front page and wanted you all to know that you are doing something really special!

Also biscuits

That too!

Orange club. It's the only reason I do it.

Cheeky pack of Tuc and a Penguin over here

Mini cheddars. Pls.

Those are my 'to-go' snack ;)

Sometimes I go wild and have an orange and a mint.

The last few times I've donated they bring the snacks to you rather than let you sit in the tea area helping yourself which limits the scope for eating all the biscuits :(

Smashed out my first bag earlier.

Nice one. I'm off again on Sat after a failed last effort because of an outstanding Dr's appointment. Hoping they still have biscoff on offer.

I got a couple of biscoff but turned down the cheese and onion crisps, I also sat in the chair after for about 10-15 minutes as I was expecting someone to come and tell me I'm OK to leave but I think I must've missed them telling me I'm cool to go whenever I feel like it.

Last week we had juice boxes and packaged cheese and crackers. I had 3 juice boxes. It was great.
Might do plasma next time.

#24 today, managed 4 donations in 2021, booked #25 for 84 days time (although I may need to move it nearer the time).

Biscoff and mince pies yesterday - thanks tooting. It was early and I was cold so it was slower than usual but good to get it done.

Saw the Biscoff (also Tooting) but I already had an Orange Club in my hand by that point and didn't want to take the piss eating all of their biscuits.

I miss the tea area. A chat with random other donors and a proper look at the available biscuits.

I miss the tea area.

Has yours gone then?

The one at the dedicated Donor Centre at St Georges Hospital in Tooting is just as it was pre-pandemic.

I haven't been for too long (more than 12 weeks) but the last few times I was at Edgware donor centre it was drink and snacks in the chair.

Just booked 0920 on Boxing Day

I'm guessing that covid booster still counts as covid vaccine and I have to wait 7 days after donating. Can't find anything explicit re: booster on the site.