I'm a HERO (again)!

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Ladies and Gentlemen -- I've done it again! I donated my blood and saved 3 lives. -- Talk about giving of myself right?! It was another wonderful experience! My phlebotomist was an older lady this time so I assumed that meant better. She wasn't terrible, but I'm not quite convinced she was better.  There is a bit more of a bruise this go around and it hurt a bit more than I remembered. 

The bruise I'm speaking of is the large purple spot to the right. The small spot to the left next the line is where she actually stuck me!

But she was very nice so maybe that makes the difference. I wasn't quite as fast this time -- in the 6 minute range to get one pint of blood out. At one point, my blood flow actually slowed down/almost stopped. My phlebotomist started pumping the vein around where the needle was inserted and said things like "Don't you dare do that!" -- in an intense way. I felt like I was watching a soap opera starring my own arm -- my vein was flat-lining! Thank goodness that phlebotomist was there to save the day. 

I think I can improve upon my last hero experience because I took an undercover photo -- from the front lines!

Please note my intense phlebotomist and of course my blood flowing through that tube.