The Story of a Fainter

I had blood drawn today in order to continue the investigation of "Why Chris and I Aren't Having Children."

I couldn't eat for 8 hours before the the test so I was extra weak before.  I have been blocking this from my mind for the last few weeks so I wouldn't think about it. I didn't even give it a thought until the nurse called me back. And then I saw she had 4 vials. 4! I convinced myself that it wasn't all for me.

So, we informed the nurse that I was a fainter and that I had never given blood before. She was really good at distracting me. I kept my eyes closed and made me talk. I hardly felt the needle go in but I could quickly feel the blood draining from me and my skin getting clammier and I was getting more light headed.

When she finished, I just went out. Luckily I was already laying down. Then I woke up to someone moving my legs. I told them to stop and then I realized it was the nurse and Mom.

I have no idea how long I was out for. It couldn't have been for more than a minute. But, I warned them it would happen. I don't know if she really believed me.

It was as bad as I expected. I knew that the needle wouldn't hurt, but it is feeling all the blood drain from my head and feeling like I am going to faint. If anyone has ever fainted, you'll know what I am talking about.

I was even a little bit closer to maybe donating blood. But I am backtracking on that now. One pint is so much more than 4 vials!

Maybe it will be better next time because I know this isn't the last.

Needles

"The Texas Department of State Health Services will be available to administer the flu vaccine to all NISD employees and their families Monday, September 20, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. "

The first time I read this email two weeks ago, I freaked out. I could feel my face getting warm and my stomach start to church almost immediately. If they had told me I would have to get a shot to teach, I might have seriously considered it.

As soon as I could calm myself down, I ran into my teach teacher/mentor's room and asked her if we were required to get a flu shot. She assured me that it was not required. Hopefully they don't change their mind. Because I might just freak out.

Last time I got a shot, I fainted. Literally. I was 16 and I was getting my tetnus shot. I always tell myself that I won't watch. When it comes down to it though, I can't tear my eyes away. I watched the needle go in and then come out. Then I turned to my dad sitting next to me and fainted.

So no, I don't think I will be getting the shot. I'll need someone there with me and it is a long drive.

What scares me

When I went to my interview last week, I was really nervous the days leading up to it. By the time the interview arrived, I had mostly calmed myself down. I had told myself that if I didn't know how to answer a question now, there was nothing I could do about it.

So I went into the school and introduced myself to the secretary. She had me take a seat while the panel prepared for me.

I was fine for about a minute, and then I realized where I was sitting. Right next to the nurse's office.

I started freaking out a little bit.

You see, I am afraid of any doctor's or nurses office. And blood and pain. Go here if you need a reminder. I am pretty sure I have only been to the nurse's office a handful of times in my school career. And never voluntarily.

I remember in kindergarten I refused to go to the office. All the time Mrs. Gibson would ask students to go to the office for various tasks and these kids agreed and even volunteered! If I was asked, I would say no.

Why? Because to me The Office=Doctor. And I was scared of it. I eventually realized that wasn't the case, but my fear of the doctor has not gone away.

And that was the most nerve-wracking thing about my interview. Sitting next to the nurse's office.