The Journey of Persistence: My Blood Donation Story

Hey peeps,

Just a story time: Back in early January, I tried to donate blood again, and once again, I failed due to insufficient hemoglobin (HB). Why do I say "again"? Because in the past, I've failed for the same two reasons—either low HB or low blood pressure (BP). Blood donation has always felt like one of those simple yet powerful ways I could help others. Every time I step into a donation center, I know I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. But every time I get rejected, it feels like a little part of me is let down. And honestly, that disappointment has been a familiar companion.

If I recall correctly, the first time I donated blood was back in 2017. I was able to donate three times in one year without any issues, although I did experience a bit of dizziness a few days after the donation, which I think is uncommon. Usually, dizziness happens right after the donation, which is why it’s important to take time to recover afterward. If you don’t, there's a high chance of passing out. I was lucky enough to never pass out, but for quite some time, I did feel like my head was "melayang-layang."

But yeah, after my first year of donating, I had no issues at all, except for that tiny dizziness (which might have also been because I spent a lot of time on the computer). However, in my second year, I started having problems with low HB or low BP. I didn’t understand why, because I’m an obese person, weighing 80kg, and I have no issues with eating. So, I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on.

Anyway, let me tell you a bit about the procedure during the pre-donation. First, you need to fill out the form and check your weight and blood (which I always failed due to low HB). You’ll find out whether you can proceed to see the doctor. The doctor then checks your BP and conducts a short interview before giving final approval.

So, I told the doctor about my concern during the procedure, and the doctor explained that my condition was likely due to my body not being used to the donation process, even though I had donated several times before.

When the doctor said this, it hit me in a strange way. I had always thought of my body as this solid, reliable thing, but it was clear that even the body we trust sometimes needs time to adjust. That realization made me more patient with myself, even though I was still frustrated.

From 2017 to 2023, I’ve only been able to donate six times, with many failed attempts. Almost every year, I try and fail. And then, in early 2024, it happened. I went in, filled out the forms, got my blood tested, and—surprisingly—I passed! I remember standing there, almost in disbelief. It felt like everything I had worked toward, all the failed attempts, finally culminated in that moment. It wasn’t just about giving blood—it was about proving to myself that persistence pays off. I made it to seven donations! Seven!!

Here’s a picture as proof! I also got the certificate (a rare item)!

Even though the road to donating blood has been full of ups and downs, I’m learning to embrace the journey. Each attempt, each failure, is a step forward. So, I’m not giving up. I’ll keep trying, and with each year, I’ll get one step closer to making this a regular part of my life. If you're facing something similar—whether it's health struggles or other setbacks—just remember: sometimes, persistence makes the biggest difference. You may not see it now, but every try counts!