Grace Said.: My Blood Type

Each time someone asks me: "What is your blood type?" I'll usually shrug and say "I don't know"

You might be thinking, "how can you not know? Shouldn't it be on your NRIC, Birth Certificate, or Health Booklet?"

The answer is no, no NO. It is not written anywhere in my records and I honestly have no idea!

So came the day when I was asked the same question. And as I replied "I don't know", a part of me screamed out "It's enough, go and take a blood test grace!"

So I did. After my exams, I headed down to Queenstown Polyclinic across MDIS Unicampus, to get my blood tested.

Upon arrival at their lab, I clarified if it was just a needle prick, and not the other method where they had to draw blood. When they told me that is was the latter, my knees turned weak with fear, and I was so afraid!

At that point of time, I could have said no politely and walk away. But I couldn't wait any longer, and to be honest, I was sick and tired of replying "I don't know what's my blood type."

With much courage, I told them that I would like to go ahead with the drawing of blood and they ushered me to a chair and that was when the drama began.

I was told to relax my right arm, as the doctor cooed me with lots of encouragement and assurance while she began to wipe the vein area on my arm with an alcohol swab. But I was freaking out. More like hyperventilating. And each time time the doctor wanted to straighten my arm to put the needle in, I would withdraw my right arm and said "no no no no NO!"

This when for several times, until another nurse had to hold my left arm and calming me down by asking me to look at her and making deep breaths (like those that those pregnant ladies do while giving birth). The presence of the second nurse was a great help, and as soon as I was calm, the doctor began to poke the needle into my vein, deeper.. deeper..

I closed my eyes and looked away..

After a few minutes, it was all done and the doctor finally removed the injected from my arm. Happily, she held the test tube in front of me and waved if from side to side, indicating her achievement and giving me the "I told you it isn't painful" lecture.

Well, she's right. It wasn't THAT painful. I guess I am really afraid of pain. Anyway, I was told that the test would be posted to my house in 2 weeks time.

About a week later, I received a mail from Singapore General Hospital. Puzzled, I tore open the envelope and revealed the contents. It was my Blood Test!