Giving blood

Yesterday I donated my 50th pint of blood. Because it was my 50th, I got a card. A new gold donor card, badge and certificate will be coming in the post. I don’t care about the card, badge, or certificate. But hopefully they encourage others to keep donating.

I’m happy to give blood, but my autism means that I find it difficult. There is a form with a series of yes/no questions. Some questions instruct you to ignore the next question if you answer no. Sometimes I miss that, answer the next question, then feel bad because I’ve filled it in wrong.

But if I leave the next question blank as instructed, the nurse will check with me, then fill it in and initial it. Then I feel bad because I didn’t fill it in.

There’s always a radio on in the donation area, which makes things difficult. Also, people keep asking me if I’m OK. I know it’s not small talk, it’s a medical professional actually checking in on me. But I find it difficult in exactly the same way as I find small talk difficult.

After the donation, I have to sit and have a drink and snack. I understand why, but I find it uncomfortable, especially if someone tries to engage me in conversation.

As I said, I’m happy to give blood. I just wish it was a bit friendlier to my autism.