Here's an update-
I filled a 20mL vial with the blood I drained on Tuesday night and crimped it.
Let it set on the counter for a few days. It has now completely separated and after looking at it closely, I am seriously surprised I didn't have a stroke.
75%+ solids.
I am feeling much better than I was. Still not great, but I no longer feel like walking death. I am finally comfortable with the self bleeding, as I mastered the angle required for an easy draw. It's easy in theory, but you must learn things like that by doing...and it took some practice to get it right. If anyone needs help i'd be glad to offer tips. The video everyone points to for self bleeding doesn't really teach you HOW to do it, it merely shows him DOING it.
I had to use three different needles since they kept clogging (The drain tube was even clogging, and it's a 3/8" ID), and when I pulled the last needle out after a total of 500mL drained I didnt even need to put pressure on it. It had already coagulated enough to stop the blood flow...immediately I felt like a 50lb weight was lifted off of my chest and I could breathe a little bit better.
I will do 3 more bleeds (Every other day protocol, making sure to drink 2gal water every day) and then get bloodwork.
I figure:
12 pints of blood or so in my body
Drain 1 pint = 8.3% reduction in hematocrit.
75% X 91.7% = 68.7% after drain 1
68.7% X 91.7% = 63.1% after drain 2
63.1% X 91.7% = 57.8% after drain 3
57.8% X 91.7% = 53% after drain 4
In theory, this should put me at least close to the acceptable range and I will get checked out at that point.
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