Searching and Rejection

I got a call about a week and a half ago. The blood bank wanted me to come in and donate whole blood. I didn't think my blood type was all that rare. (it's B+) I agreed to come in this morning. I've donated quite a few times over the years. I had to take a break after I got my tattoo. (1 year) Another after I had dated a man from africa. (1 year) I'd rather they take precautions so it didn't bother me.

This morning we sat down to do the quick check up to make sure I was healthy enough to donate. My blood pressure was actually better than last year! I am a little heavier, but I'm choosing to believe it's muscle. It was my iron levels that knocked me out. I was a little low, below their accepted levels by 2 points. I was surprised. It's never happened before. We discussed it and think there are a number of reasons it could be low. I just finished my monthly cycle and I'm a heavy bleeder. I also have had a constant level of stress the past few months. Last but not least my diet has been crappy the past week or so. I made an appointment to donate next weekend and have this week to bolster my iron levels.

I'm compulsive, so I came home and did a bunch of research on anemia. My being on the low side does explain my low energy levels the last couple of weeks. It also explains my being extremely cold even with my space heater pointed at my feet. I also learned it can impair your mind making you a bit slow. Dry skin (check!), apathy (check!) and other less defined symptoms.

I'm going to eat iron rich foods with the exception of liver. Any sort of liver. I don't DO liver. But I will increase my grains and beans. I read that pumpkin seeds are also a good source, and I love those. More fortified cereals and a multi vitamin with iron should build me up quickly. I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor which may or may not happen before I try to donate again. We'll see if he can give me any help as to where this is coming from.

The searching part also applies to my spending 3 hours going through bins looking for my divorce decree. I know I have it somewhere. I'm tired now, so I'll have to save the under bed exploration for tomorrow. If that doesn't turn up the papers I may have to drive to Napa and get a copy. I hope it isn't a huge process. If you request it online it can take 6 months. I have 30 days to respond to the IRS. This is bullshit that just because my daughter isnt with me over half the year physically that I don't support her equally (or more so) than her dad.