Genetics

So, I try to go donate blood with a friend on Monday, and I get turned away because I fail the blood pressure test, for the hundredth time. You can't donate if your pressure goes above the high mark, and my did for sure. The phlebotomist tells me I should talk to some healthcare specialist, or check into the emergency room. I've heard similar speech a hundred times, so I tell the lady in a grumpy voice "Listen lady,  I've had Hypertension ever since I was a little kid," They used to think I got nervous around doctors and that's what shot it up; it wasn't natural. Here I was, a skinny little kid with high-blood pressure; that doesn't make sense! Shouldn't I be a two-hundred pound six year old? No, I was just a little thing, and I remember going to Wal-Mart, and checking my pressure, I couldn't sit in the chair right even, and my arm was so skinny; how accurate could that be?

Anyway, the phlebotomist is sitting there looking scared out of her mind, as if she was going to witness a death or something, and I'm just like whatever... but honestly, I was a very disappointed. I went and sat down at the table where the snacks were for the people who actually donated while I waited for my friend. It was a good moment for me to sit and reflect while my blood pressure climbed higher and higher; because I was really angry with myself; frustrated is a better word for how I was feeling. Why? Well, I've been getting a lot of exercise lately. Right now, I'm running about two miles straight in fifteen minutes. I'm losing weight and am starting to look good naked; I should have said better naked cause I always look good. I've also been eating somewhat healthy, taking vitamins, and generally taking good care of myself. So why can't I be healthy like anyone else?

The phlebotomist suggested genetics and I said "maybe," but I hadn't heard of any of my family having "the silent killer" when they were growing up. They do now! Lot's of them have had strokes and whatnot. Nobody's died from heart problems, however. Everybody in my family dies of cancer, do I dare to be different?

Yes I do, actually I think it's the fact that I am different that makes me have this weird "health complication". Maybe it's evolution, maybe it's some crazy suppressed gene that might have been necessary in the past. Think about this... this might seem sick to some of you, but I actually get pleasure out of giving blood. It feels very good, I think it actually relieves some of the built up pressure. I remember reading about how they use to "bloodlett" back in the day to stop strokes and for many other health related reasons. I get pleasure out of bleeding; even if I get cut and blood starts to gush, it amplifies any situation I'm in. However, let me say; I've never cut myself to make myself feel better, it's always been on accident. Like during a sport if I get cut I never feel it, but i feel this great burst of energy... I later find out that I'm bleeding, and everyone freaks a little. Bloodletting is mostly seen as harmful now, but I was angry that I wasn't able to donate for that reason. Can you please release some of my built up pressure! It would make me feel better.

Why do I think I have high blood pressure? Well, I think I my body produces a lot of blood. More blood than normal! Like when I've actually donated blood, they only take a pint... I never even feel it, and I wish they would take two so I could save 6 lives, instead of just three lousy lives. I'm O negative, it's the universal blood donor type. Maybe I'm like this so I can save more lives, but alas! I can't pass the pressure test. Maybe, my ancestors were warriors... they might, have very well been Vikings, who were known for their bloodlust. Maybe, I'm genetically compensating for expectant blood loss. Maybe I'm supposed to get in fights every once in a while, maybe even a sword fight or two. Overall, I feel healthy; I'm a little amped most of the time but that goes with living on the edge of sanity and I've tiptoed across that line back and forth since birth. 

OOPS got to go to work!