give blood.

today I got to experience giving blood in a 3rd world country.

it was started out to be as horrifying as you'd imagine.... but it turned out to be a rather great experience.

A lady I know found out that she is super ill and in need of blood, I happened to have the same blood type, so off I went.

You go to the Grenada General Hospital, a hospital on a mountain beside a 300yr old fort.

The Phlebotomy lab was in an old building, up a super sketchy set of stairs (where was my camera?!) and in a small room with no air conditioning.  It was at least 90 today.
At first I wanted to run, literally. 
Visions of fainting and AIDS popped into my head..... but the nurse was super nice and put me at ease (even after I stepped on the scale and got a shock)
She used brand new, very sterile needles and was honestly the greatest phlebotomist I have ever had (I've probably given/had blood draw around 10x)  and at the top of my waiver form in big letters it said IT IS 100% IMPOSSIBLE TO GET AIDS FROM DONATING BLOOD.
I didn't feel the needle go in or out.  No pain.
I filled my bag quickly and easily while enjoying hearing the local ladies gossip about who was on Oprah today.

Then the bad part came.
Vita Malt.
Its the drink they gave me after I gave.....
the most disgusting thing I've ever put to my lips. 
and I had to drink it, I needed the sugar & the "vita"
I've actually seen people walking around Grenada drinking this stuff like they like it.
insanity.

If you're in Grenada please, please consider giving blood.  They said they are always in desperate need, and I personally know one woman who is right now.
And remember her and her family in your prayers tonight.

results are in...

don't ever get a fungal infection on your skin. 
ugh.
I'll move to Canada if I can avoid this heat/humidity related infection forever.  (Lee's been pushing this thought lately)

I went to pick up my blood test results today.  I waited a half hour (when I thought it was just going to be a hey you're fine here's your script for a pill bing bam boom)
I had a meeting at 11 and was assured I'd be done in time.... not so much.
I was finally called back by the nurse at 10:45 and he had just enough time to tell me my blood test was a bit abnormal & I'd have to wait to see the Dr.
great. 
I said I had to leave for a meeting but I'd be right back to see the Dr.

While in said meeting(s) I of course completely freaked myself out and convinced myself I had leukemia or some other horrible disease...

I went to wait for Lee outside of his lecture and made him go back to the Dr. with me b/c if I was dying I wanted my husband there with me.
turns out it wasn't that big of a deal.
My lymphocytes are high & something else was low... but could be just because I have a little infection somewhere or sickness my body is fighting off (dag-on nurse for making me worry)
My liver function is perfect & my iron is good & I'm not pregnant.
fabulous.

that is until I get to the pharmacy to get the pills (that I have to take everyday for 3 MONTHS)
and the girl behind the counter looks at me and says "Do you have enough money for this with you today?" ummmmm I hope so..... "$331 per month"
eeeesssssssssssh.
and I need 3 months. that's $1000EC - $400US
for some fungus medicine.

and to get a blood test you pay per thing they test.... so that cost $135EC.
the appointment was $50
the cream I've been putting on my skin was $20.

don't ever get a fungal infection.
not only is it expensive................... it lasts for months!