Donating blood

gabrielleelliott90

Hello. I would like to donate blood and I know how to go about it. However I am very squeamish about it. And I am also very scared I will pass out which is really unpleasant. Any ideas how I can stop being so squeamish about it and not pass out? I mean I've had tattoo's and people can pass out from those, but never have. I feel donating blood is different though. Have any of you had any experiences with donating?

Spnneil06

JUST DO IT! Needles suck but you have tattoos? You will live! Look away!

gabrielleelliott90

JUST DO IT! Needles suck but you have tattoos? You will live! Look away!

It's not the needle. More where the needle is going. And I'm not fond of veins. I know I can do it, I just don't want to faint is all.

pj27559

Hello. I would like to donate blood and I know how to go about it. However I am very squeamish about it. And I am also very scared I will pass out which is really unpleasant. Any ideas how I can stop being so squeamish about it and not pass out? I mean I've had tattoo's and people can pass out from those, but never have. I feel donating blood is different though. Have any of you had any experiences with donating?

I have given blood 15 to 20 times, and last year I was the recipient of 2 packs of blood.
Therefore I will continue to donate when I can.

It's not my favourite experience, a sharp scratch in the arm, that's all.

You don't have to look at it just lie back and take a break.

If you have tattoos then giving blood is probably nothing in comparison, just make sure that you'be eaten before you donate, that will prevent any fainting feeling.

Once you have done it you will feel great about having done so.

Owlie45

Keep your eyes up at the ceiling and starting talking with the person. Keep your mind off the blood draw. It's just a slight pinch then you feel nothing. And people faint there all the time, so you won't surprise anyone. Have a small snack before hand Just don't forget to save room for the snack you have to have afterwards.

Tattoos and blood draws are not the same.

Haven't donated in a while. Damn vampires won't stop calling me.

cingle87

Ive donated 36 times me personally needles don't bother me or the sight of blood, actually I have several pictures on my phones of the needle in my arm and pictures of the unit of blood ive just donated. If you don't like seeing needles in your arm just look away, bring headphones or like I do have a quick 5-10 power nap.

Once you have got over your first one and you realised what you have just done then everything will seem as an overreaction.

Jonesingmucho

Lesson I learned - It is not a race! U don't have to pump the squeezy ball in your hand to fill the bag faster than the other people. That didn't give me a better score or a medal. It made me pass out, so just don't be all competitive as u are donating. LOL

cingle87

Lesson I learned - It is not a race! U don't have to pump the squeezy ball in your hand to fill the bag faster than the other people. That didn't give me a better score or a medal. It made me pass out, so just don't be all competitive as u are donating. LOL

Tell that to the two people in the chairs next to me, they had a bet on who was going to finish first, even made the nurses put the needles in at the same time.

LeonCX

It's not the needle. More where the needle is going. And I'm not fond of veins. I know I can do it, I just don't want to faint is all.

You'll be in a recliner, dear. So if you pass out, no worries.

lewispwest

When I used to give blood, I would look away from my arm the whole time, that certainly worked.

HeidiCooksSupper

Make sure to have a substantial breakfast and then don't worry about it. I gave a gallon back when I was younger and not on drugs that they don't want in the blood they take. My father gave 10 gals. through the course of his life. We used to have "pump-a-pint" races in college. It was the one kind of race I ever won! But the techs said we were kidding ourselves that we had any control over it. I can't remember ever seeing someone faint. Let the volunteers take care of you with snacks before you leave and wear the sticker to brag about what you have done so others think of doing it, too. Wish I still could.

ChildrenCryinNCoffee

I donate Whole Blood every 60 days through either LifeStream or the Red Cross, both companies have websites.

I am also on the National Donors List and the Bone Marrow Donors national list.

Please be incredibly hydrated and do eat a well balanced meal, but do NOT donate right after eating, you may feel queasy enough to be sick. Also, please be honest about ALL medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking. You CANNOT donate if you've recently had Aspirin.

IF you have a history of fainting and passing out while donating blood/having labs drawn, you might be experiencing "Vasovagal Syncope" which both my son and my husband suffer from. My husband has "mini" seizures whenever he gets labs done and HAS to be laying in a bed, sometimes restrained because he flails about or seizes up his limbs.

Edit: Correction of a word spelled wrong.

Cancun112

I am a new donor...3 times only...transfusions have saved 2 family members so I feel I am "paying it forward".
I just don't look and keep my eyes on my phone

DawnieB1977

Just keep your eyes closed! I've donated once, and my problem was after, when I nearly passed out as I have low blood pressure and I think I got up too fast!

I want to donate again, but have to wait until my baby is 6 months old.

My mum is in remission from leukaemia. Without blood/platelet transfusions she wouldn't be here.

Deipneus

Hello. I would like to donate blood and I know how to go about it. However I am very squeamish about it. And I am also very scared I will pass out which is really unpleasant.

Kudos to you for pushing past your squeamishness. Blood and needles have no effect on me so giving blood is easy but I did nothing to earn that, it was just how I was born. Good luck!

leggup

I donate blood religiously. Which part makes you feel squeamish? Is it the needle stick, sitting there with a needle in, or the feeling after donating blood?

If you're squeamish about the needle stick, it is less painful than a tat or piercing. You don't have to watch, and you can have a friend stand next to you and chat. If you're grossed out by the idea of sitting there with it in, it only feels like light pressure. I play on my phone the whole time I'm donating. If you're afraid of passing out from the bloodloss/feeling woozy, I find that I am wayyyyy less woozy if I donate double red vs the normal whole red. Drink fluids and get some sugar in ya and you'll feel fine.

autumnblade75

Lesson I learned - It is not a race! U don't have to pump the squeezy ball in your hand to fill the bag faster than the other people. That didn't give me a better score or a medal. It made me pass out, so just don't be all competitive as u are donating. LOL

Tell that to the two people in the chairs next to me, they had a bet on who was going to finish first, even made the nurses put the needles in at the same time.

You guys make me laugh! I wish I had someone to go with me and race against. I just canceled a scheduled appointment because they put up signs at work that there will be a drive next week. I know I'll be asked, and I doubt they'll believe I just gave, so I'm waiting for the drive instead of keeping the appointment.

I agree that not watching the needle is probably a good idea. I'm glad it isn't mandatory. I actually enjoy the donation process, but I still get a little squeamish about looking at that bare needle sticking out of my arm. Bloody tube coming out from under a bandage isn't a problem, though. I ponder THAT every time...

tuckerrj

Some good advice here. I've donated over 9 gallons (73 pints). Eat some iron rich foods the night before and at breakfast. Stay REALLY hydrated the day before and the day of. If you're squeamish, don't watch the needle stick or the bag as it fills up (or anyone else's). Squeeze slowly and infrequently, it will slow the outflow slightly and reduce the risk of fainting (according to a number of phlebotomists). Sit around for 10 - 15 minutes afterward and have some juice and a cookie (or something) afterward. You'll do fine. You're saving lives, so go give it a try!!!

michknd

I do apheresis (take out whole blood, spin out the platelets & plasma & put back what they don't want with an anti-coagulant) once a month, twice in slow months when they need me. I'm up to almost 22 gallons donated now. I close my eyes & take deep breaths when they put the needle in, I don't even feel it anymore. For the nausea, make sure you eat a good meal, I prefer early morning appointments but also take some mints with you, that way if your tummy starts to feel funky you've got them. Try it once, go with an open mind & you'll do great!

Miss_1999

First off, KUDOS to all of you who donate blood! You are AWESOME!

I cannot donate blood. I have Iron Deficiency Anemia. After I had my daughter, I had to take IV iron infusions in several month intervals to get my iron/blood to where it needed to be. As of now, it's ok, but my hematologist told me, because we could never find the direct cause of of my IDA, not to donate blood, that losing even a pint of blood could send me right back into a tailspin, and it took me over a year to get built back up. With that said, at one point in time, while my hematologist was attempting TO get to the root of why I was IDA, they *literally* took 16 vials of blood out of me at one time. Yes, that's equal to giving a pint of blood. I got a little nauseated after about the 8th vial, but pushed on through.

I'm not bothered by needles, having blood drawn, IV's, or anything like that- BUT I won't like, I don't like watching it go in, and if they miss my vein, I will get nauseated and pass out if they keep poking on me. As long as I've got someone who can hit the vein, it's all good. I just keep my head turned, and depending upon where you are, if there's a wall or something to look at, that's what I do, try to focus on something. I'd look at a picture on the wall, if there was a window, I'd look out the window, ANYTHING but the needle going in my arm. As long as I could focus on something, I was good to go. Once it was in, I could look at it, no problem, just didn't like to watch it going in.

I think they'll often offer you a snack or drink afterwards. DO take it. After they took those 16 vials out of me, I felt a little light-headed. I really enjoyed my Sunkist that day! Of course, I got sent right over to the next room and got poked again, because I got poked in the next arm to get more iron, so, it was a double whammy that day! *LOL*

Regardless, you can do it! Good luck!

DawnieB1977

I forgot to say...definitely eat/drink after. In England when you give blood they provide crisps, biscuits, juice, tea and coffee after. This is one time where you shouldn't worry about eating something you wouldn't usually The nurse said having a cold drink is better because sometimes a hot drink will make you feel dizzy.

I donated on a Fri afternoon and did aerobics the next morning and felt exhausted, so make sure you rest after.

gabrielleelliott90

Lesson I learned - It is not a race! U don't have to pump the squeezy ball in your hand to fill the bag faster than the other people. That didn't give me a better score or a medal. It made me pass out, so just don't be all competitive as u are donating. LOL

Tell that to the two people in the chairs next to me, they had a bet on who was going to finish first, even made the nurses put the needles in at the same time.

Oh my gosh lmao. Yeah no worries, I will not be racing if I bring up the courage to do it. I'm working on it.

earlnabby

Please be incredibly hydrated and do eat a well balanced meal, but do NOT donate right after eating, you may feel queasy enough to be sick. Also, please be honest about ALL medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.

Correct. Start hydrating a couple of days before. If you just drink down a bunch of water that same day only your kidneys will be happy.

You CANNOT donate if you've recently had Aspirin.

WRONG. You can donate if you have had aspirin. They just need to know about it if it has been within the last 72 hours so they can make sure your blood does not go to someone who cannot have aspirin

dzstephy

+1 on hydration. I'm not squeamish but I almost passed out after I donated the first time because I made the mistake of not drinking enough water beforehand. Also, try not to give blood during your cycle because that can also make you more likely to feel faint. My advice is only based on personal experience.

VeryKatie

Drink lots of water up to and including several days before so that it's easier for your blood to flow.
And hope you get a good nurse

simplydelish2

I've donated tons of times (over 10 gallons). I just sit back and relax and squeeze the play toy they give me until they say stop. Only advice - don't stand up too fast and drink lots of fluids after. You'll be fine.

earlnabby

Hello. I would like to donate blood and I know how to go about it. However I am very squeamish about it. And I am also very scared I will pass out which is really unpleasant. Any ideas how I can stop being so squeamish about it and not pass out? I mean I've had tattoo's and people can pass out from those, but never have. I feel donating blood is different though. Have any of you had any experiences with donating?

Make sure you tell the phlebotomist (aka professional vampire) that you are squeamish. You won't be their first one and they can talk you through it or find ways to distract you. As far as fainting, make sure you ate well about 1-2 hours before you go and you should be good. I only fainted once and that was because I hadn't eaten yet that day. Lesson learned.

Thank you for being willing to put aside your fears and give blood. It is the easiest way to really help someone! I have donated just over 2 gallons lifetime and last winter I needed to take back 4 of those pints and am thankful to those who gave the 4 pints I needed.

gabrielleelliott90

I donate blood religiously. Which part makes you feel squeamish? Is it the needle stick, sitting there with a needle in, or the feeling after donating blood?

If you're squeamish about the needle stick, it is less painful than a tat or piercing. You don't have to watch, and you can have a friend stand next to you and chat. If you're grossed out by the idea of sitting there with it in, it only feels like light pressure. I play on my phone the whole time I'm donating. If you're afraid of passing out from the bloodloss/feeling woozy, I find that I am wayyyyy less woozy if I donate double red vs the normal whole red. Drink fluids and get some sugar in ya and you'll feel fine.

I have always been squeamish over the part of the arm anti- cubical or whatever it is called ( I'm pretty sure that is not what it is called, but something similar) and I've no idea why. I don't like veins either or seeing the blood come out of that particular area. It is really bizarre. I think if it was in another area, I'd be completely fine, and not even the veins would worry me. It's that bit of arm I just can't do. I sound like a right weirdo, I know. One of my memories of when I was younger was my mum in a van having blood taken. And I think she passed out from it. I've also fainted when I was growing up, from the heat, or dehydration, I grew up in oz so yeah, it was not pleasant being in an Aussie Summer in the hottest part of Australia. And it was a really bad experience, and the fact some people, probably not most faint, I'm scared I'll be one of them and don't want to go through that fear again. Also all this may tie to my hypochondria in some way. I really do want to save lives with my blood and have it go to research too. It would be great. I'd be proud of myself. And I think people who donate are excellent. I don't know if I have long, as my mum had pernicious anemia. And that could be passed down to me. Sorry can't reply to everyone, but thanks for everyones replies past, present, future. I am reading all of them. I personally always make sure I eat a ton before getting tatted, and I am always fine, my anxiety can make me feel dizzy, even when I get sick I usually am just quite dizzy. I'm quite a dizzy person if there is such a thing. I can't spin around in circles for long even. What is donating double vs whole?

BrianSharpe

Good for you for wanting to donate blood. Lots of people are squeamish about it, in fact the first time I gave blood (many, many, many years ago when I was in high school) the captain of the football team was the only one who fainted (something karmic going on there).

Let them know it's your first time and don't stress about it.

wendyking1979

I donate blood all the time, and it's not necessarily the most fun thing in the world. But just distract yourself and you'll be fine. It doesn't take that long, and it's such a good thing to do! My grandfather had to have many many blood transfusions in the last 6 months of his life, and I know several people whose lives have been saved by donations. It's totally worth the temporary discomfort, IMO.

gabrielleelliott90

Thank you to everyone who has been really kind to thank me for trying to get over my fear. I'm going to try real hard. I've always thought to myself 'I'll never be able to do this' but I know I can I just need to really push myself for it. And I am going to make it happen. And I will make sure I eat a good amount, be hydrated, tell the professional vampire hahaha about the fear and bring someone along and try not to switch on the anxiety about it and convince myself I'm going to faint, because if I do that, it will make it more likely lol.