Yes, I'm glad I didn't throw in the towel when some bad labs led my center's medical director (a nephrologist) to suggest she close my file. I think my bad results were due to various types of experimental artefact. In any case, all my subsequent re-do's were perfect. Overall, I'm a big fan of not giving up, and getting re-tested.
On the other hand, though it should go without saying: if I thought that I had a real problem with hypertension, kidney function, or something, I would have really strongly considered finding some other way to contribute. I had no death wish, and have a large family to support.
In fact, specifically about BP: my wife and I had a discussion many times about temporary spikes. I claimed (I think correctly) that (apart from having to sprint to the lab [see above]), much of the reason for some high-ish BPs was my quite significant stress over getting approved and being able to donate. I kept saying that, if only I didn't worry so much, and face such a long, rigorous testing process, my BP would be normal. And my wife countered that, if my BP goes up under stress, that's a true fact about my body, and should not be explained away. What if I have, say, job stress down the road, and suffer hypertension? As much as I
really didn't want to admit it during the testing process, she did have a point.
In any event, my BP thankfully behaved itself (believe me, I had quite a few "friendly chats" with my BP
), and I am extremely happy I was fortunate enough to donate.
But for somebody who really
may have a significant problem, with BP, kidney function, or whatever....As I kept reminding myself: I really want to donate, but I'm not excited about taking my (non-directed) recipient's place in dialysis. If something really is wrong, remember that you tried, and there are plenty of ways to help people without endangering your own health.
Stay healthy!
Snoopy