Blood donating
Overall I was very impressed with the whole process. I attended the Ratu Spa (large ink building facing the beach between the Bali Rani Hotel and the Febris - about opposite with the Green Garden) as requested at 1500 and I, along with about 20 staff gave blood.
I was first interviewed by a lovely GP who took my blood pressure (here we go - but much to my surprise it was normal and good to go) and asked me if I felt well at the moment and had I had lunch today. A brief medical history was taken and then to the next station where my Blood Sugar Level was taken.
Now this I was concerned about - I have done this for years on others but never had it taken myself so I was worried about the needle - didn't feel a thing - my BSL had to be over a certain level or I was not allowed to give blood. All good so on to the next station.
Here I got to watch the process for a few minutes as I had to wait a turn. While the spa photographer was taking a stack of photos - after talking to the staff it seems I was somewhat of a novelty as I am the only outsider they have every had come to the spa to give blood.
I then laid down on the bed and handed my arm over and it began - within ten minutes (I have good veins) it was all over and I had given a bag of blood BUT I have an allergy to alcohol on my skin so no alcohol wipes for me and the staff were happy to comply with this BUT I also have issues with the tape that they used to hold the cotton ball afterwards as it actually hurts more getting that tape off later than it does to give the blood. So I refused tape as well. The person (can't recall what they are called - well I can but can't recall the spelling) who drained me of blood was very good - he should be he does it for a living - all day every day! But he wouldn't let me go till I had stopped bleeding and every-time I thought it had stopped it started again - did I tell you I had good veins?
Anyway all good - I eventually stopped bleeding now they staff offered me a cold soupy type thing with beans in it - sorry but after taking in the green colour I decided that it was certainly not for me. I assured them that I would eat an ice-cream at the beach - which I did and I was good to go.
I was given a card with spaces for a future 44 donations (great reason to book another trip) and 10 days-worth of vitamins for my blood replacement. Shh - never touched them. I was back on the beach near art markets within an hour eating an ice cream - I was not made to wait my turn as the staff all wanted me to go first so they could watch.
Would I do it again? For sure as I am RH B negative which is less than one percent of the population in Indonesia - all you do is ring Metta 081 855 2299 (who speaks fabulous English) and she told me that if I couldn't make the spa they would come to me - but since I am trying to give a donation to help why would I make them go out of their way to get my donation it was far easier for me to go to them.
I think I have covered everything but if anyone has any questions I am happy to answer.
I hope this inspires someone else to donate while here!