Donating blood

nickylee76

I have worked at a Blood Donation center for 14 years. Yes please eat substantially within a couple hours before donation. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids but don't go over board. You can ask them to cover the donation site with paper towels after you are stuck so you don't need to look at it. You are either in a recliner or on a flat bed depending on where you are donating at. Usually the staff know how to keep your attention focused on conversation pretty well and can keep you calm. Depending on your location your tattoos may play a part in your eligibility to donate. You may want to call ahead first and make sure you can before you show up.

After make sure you sit on the bed a few minutes before standing up. Then stand up slowly. I would suggest a salty snack in the refreshment area instead of a sweet one. The sweet snacks sometimes cause nausea for some first timers.

Yakelmeyer

I donate whole blood and platelets regularly. At the time that I started, I hated needles - not to say I'm hugely fond of them now.

Here is my method: when the needle finally rears it's ugly head, I turn away and sing the Star Spangled Banner - usually just the first part. Once the needle is in there, I take slow breaths through my nose and get really chatty. Also, I warn them that I will be singing, poorly at that, when the needle arrives and the phlebotomists are always very supportive. During the process, I remind myself that this won't kill me and it will likely save someone's life.

You can do it.

gabrielleelliott90

And well done everyone donating blood! I am British, from England, so also English if you like, and I read on our website about blood donation that only 4% donate blood of the adult population. That is piss poor. So kudos everyone who does.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

I love donating! I love needles and blood! It's even more fun when I'm the one who gets to do it as I'm phlebotomy trained. (Yes, I'm a freak, I know) Some tips for people who are nervous/squeamish, though: (I'll just suggest the opposite of what I do, lol)

* Don't look at the needle
*Don't watch it go in your arm
* Don't look at the tube with your blood flowing through it (toss a jacket or scarf over it)
*They will have you lying down, so if you do pass out no big deal


Drink lots of water the night before, and stay hydrated throughout the day. This will make the donation process go much faster, and you'll feel better afterwards.

Zx14chick

I'm getting squeamish just reading all of your posts about giving blood, even thought I've donated twice in the past year. I decided to donate because I received transfusion when I was in an accident four years ago. My first experience was much more pleasant than I was afraid it would be. I decided to donate again and the second experience was not quite as pleasant. I had this feeling like I was being shocked internally. The guy said he must have gotten too close to a nerve. Thanks! I will definitely be freaked out again the next time I do it because of that.

jacques57

I started donating when I was 16. Supposedly you had to be 18 or older, but I was a candy-striper at the local hospital and they were short blood so grabbed me and got me to donate. And I have been doing it ever since with some hiatus years due to foreign travel. I am 3 pints away from a lifetime total of 10 gallons. I look forward to donating; easiest gift I can give.

shireeniebeanie

Practice makes perfect. By continuing to go even though it's unpleasant, it's gotten a lot easier for me to donate blood each time.

My first time donating, I was squeamish and nervous, and kept on squeezing the little ball used to make my veins easier to find. I filled the bag too quickly and nearly fainted. The next few times, I warned them how it'd gone before, so they watched me more closely and made sure it went at a more reasonable pace.

Try bringing a magazine to look at or striking up a conversation with someone to distract yourself. Look elsewhere and maybe have them cover up the site on your arm if seeing the needle in you makes you queasy.

cingle87

And well done everyone donating blood! I am British, from England, so also English if you like, and I read on our website about blood donation that only 4% donate blood of the adult population. That is piss poor. So kudos everyone who does.

The main reason I do donate because If I ever need a transfusion someone else has gone out of their way to donate the blood that will save my life. Im currently on a trial run by the British blood bank to see if there is any risk involed decreasing the time between donations, Currnetly in the UK its something like 12weeks for males and 16 weeks for females. Im trailing donating every 8 week and so far not adverse reactions.

gabrielleelliott90

I'm getting squeamish just reading all of your posts about giving blood, even thought I've donated twice in the past year. I decided to donate because I received transfusion when I was in an accident four years ago. My first experience was much more pleasant than I was afraid it would be. I decided to donate again and the second experience was not quite as pleasant. I had this feeling like I was being shocked internally. The guy said he must have gotten too close to a nerve. Thanks! I will definitely be freaked out again the next time I do it because of that.

Sorry! Eh I guess I'd quit reading if I were you :S

gabrielleelliott90

Seeing as I've got tons of interesting responses on here,

BUMP

2stepscloser

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.

Just don't look, put your headphones in and go to your happy place. Before you know it, you've helped save a life.

Back in 2004, I need 10 units of blood and as a thankful recipient, I donate when I can.

Unknown

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Alisontheice

My mom got a blood transfusion last week and wants me to donate since we share the same blood type. The thought makes me want to vomit but I think I'll try. What's the worst that can happen? That's rhetorical I don't want to know.

gvhunterollie

Good timing for this thread! First, thanks to all who donate! That said, the bus will be at our office tomorrow (we have enough donors they come to us), and they always want to stuff some high calorie snack in my mouth when finished. They won't let me leave until I eat. How do I tell them there's not enough room in my daily calories (since I won't be exercising after)?

EMergise

I just wanted to say thank you to all those that have and continue to donate blood! Without all of you I wouldn't be alive.

When I was 17 I was absolutely terrified of needles, I would literally scream and run away, had to be pinned down for my immunisations!! But then I got diagnosed with a condition called aplastic anaemia and MDS, which is basically bone marrow cancer.....

Over the last 10 years I have had hundreds of blood and platelet donations... I'm too scared to count!! Every other day I was having platelets and I was having 3 bags of red cells every 3 weeks! In 2011 I receieved a bone marrow transplant from a donor on the bone marrow register.

As you can imagine I am no longer phased by needles!! I even inject myself! Just shows that sometimes these fears feel very real at the time, but you are strong enough to defeat them if you want to!!

I feel so grateful to be alive, and if it wasn't for all you guys donating blood, platelets and bone marrow I certainly wouldn't be! My thanks to you all!!

Stiang

I donated on Monday. I've lost count how many pints I have given (and been turned away - stupid iron level!) I was in the military so I don't have a single organization to look for records. I've donated in Iowa, North Dakota, Alabama, Colorado and California.
I didn't worry about by food diary that day. Called a cheat day and made sure I ate healthy, had enough sugar and plenty of water. I even brought my own apple to eat afterwards. I made sure I took my Iron supplements the week prior and continue this week.

earlnabby

Good timing for this thread! First, thanks to all who donate! That said, the bus will be at our office tomorrow (we have enough donors they come to us), and they always want to stuff some high calorie snack in my mouth when finished. They won't let me leave until I eat. How do I tell them there's not enough room in my daily calories (since I won't be exercising after)?

Can you save back some of your lunch and eat it after donating? They might be satisfied with that instead of the goodies they bring.

BTW: if anybody feels obligated to buy Girl Scout cookies from family, friends, or co-workers, buy them then donate them to your local blood bank and they will set them out for blood donors. Two good deeds in one!

earlnabby

I donated on Monday. I've lost count how many pints I have given (and been turned away - stupid iron level!)

I ran about 50% whether I was going to get accepted or not because of my iron levels. It got to the point that, when I would go in to donate, they would do the hemo test first to see if they needed to bother going through all the rest of the questions and tests.

gabrielleelliott90

Good timing for this thread! First, thanks to all who donate! That said, the bus will be at our office tomorrow (we have enough donors they come to us), and they always want to stuff some high calorie snack in my mouth when finished. They won't let me leave until I eat. How do I tell them there's not enough room in my daily calories (since I won't be exercising after)?

Oh trust there will be. Donating blood burns 600 odd calories!

gabrielleelliott90

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2333882/Donating-blood-good-YOUR-health-receiver.html

650 calories burnt! Wow!

gabrielleelliott90

Thanks to all of you, I'm thinking about when I'm going to do it now. I am planning to by the end of next year. I have to find someone who will do it with me. I've seen a stock picture (actually it was in that article I posted the link to) And it really doesn't look so bad. The girl has a bandage on her arm, and you see the blood go through the tube, but it doesn't look too bad. She has her eyes closed and I'm sure they could cover the tube so I won't see blood go through, right? I'm personally a really cautious person, so I would make sure I'm good to go. It really does not seem like a big deal now!

One question though: I have anxiety, and when I have to do something I consider 'big' the next day, such as this, I tend not to sleep, I try to but can't, what would happen if I donate but would not have slept?

earlnabby

One question though: I have anxiety, and when I have to do something I consider 'big' the next day, such as this, I tend not to sleep, I try to but can't, what would happen if I donate but would not have slept?

You might feel more tired than usual after donating but it really shouldn't affect you much.

CSARdiver

Good for you!

The specialists at the blood donor centers do this so often they are the best in the industry. They are also very experienced at keeping nervous first timers calm, so no worries. Think of the lives you are saving/aiding.

I did a double RBC this morning and feel great. I've been donating regularly for over 25 years, so quite used to it. I've always suspected long term benefits over time to blood donation, but now there are studies proving this.

Good luck!

teresamwhite

I'd suggest calling ahead to make sure you CAN donate blood. As a few others mentioned, there are some medications that will disqualify you as a donor. There are also other factors, such as overseas travel...I was deployed to Somalia/Rwanda and am permanently unable to donate as a result.

cingle87

Thanks to all of you, I'm thinking about when I'm going to do it now. I am planning to by the end of next year. I have to find someone who will do it with me. I've seen a stock picture (actually it was in that article I posted the link to) And it really doesn't look so bad. The girl has a bandage on her arm, and you see the blood go through the tube, but it doesn't look too bad. She has her eyes closed and I'm sure they could cover the tube so I won't see blood go through, right? I'm personally a really cautious person, so I would make sure I'm good to go. It really does not seem like a big deal now!

One question though: I have anxiety, and when I have to do something I consider 'big' the next day, such as this, I tend not to sleep, I try to but can't, what would happen if I donate but would not have slept?

Not sleeping will not affect you donating but may affect the way you feel after donating. Its normal to feel a little woozy after the first couple of time so being tired might exagerate the feeling but its nothing to worry about. Just make sure you are hydrated drink plenty the morning of your donation eat plenty and you will be fine.

gvhunterollie

Good timing for this thread! First, thanks to all who donate! That said, the bus will be at our office tomorrow (we have enough donors they come to us), and they always want to stuff some high calorie snack in my mouth when finished. They won't let me leave until I eat. How do I tell them there's not enough room in my daily calories (since I won't be exercising after)?

Oh trust there will be. Donating blood burns 600 odd calories!

WOW!!!! Really?!?!?! I did not know that. For the record, I did do an some trail hiking and archery anyway.

gabrielleelliott90

I'd suggest calling ahead to make sure you CAN donate blood. As a few others mentioned, there are some medications that will disqualify you as a donor. There are also other factors, such as overseas travel...I was deployed to Somalia/Rwanda and am permanently unable to donate as a result.

That's a good idea, because I do take 10mg of citalopram. Sorry you can't donate. Another reason not to go to Africa. Sorry I know that wasn't a good joke.

SwashBlogger

Save your blood for yourself or a loved one who needs it. Unless you have a rare type, there is an abundance and you don't have to feel tortured.

earlnabby

I'd suggest calling ahead to make sure you CAN donate blood. As a few others mentioned, there are some medications that will disqualify you as a donor. There are also other factors, such as overseas travel...I was deployed to Somalia/Rwanda and am permanently unable to donate as a result.

That's a good idea, because I do take 10mg of citalopram. Sorry you can't donate. Another reason not to go to Africa. Sorry I know that wasn't a good joke.

Most donor places these days have websites that you can go to and see if you qualify. I can say from experience (in my part of the US, at least) that citalopram will not make you ineligible. The biggest group that affect eligibility are blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) , heparin, Pradaxa (dabigatran), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Lovenox (enoxaparin) because they can affect your ability to clot after the donation. Some medications have waiting periods from a few days to several months before you can donate, while others are no problem for whole blood but you cannot donate platelets by apheresis (aspirin falls into this category)

Also, things like tattoos, piercings, etc. affect your eligibility. In my state, tattoos and piercings are not a problem as long as they were done in the state by a licensed place that gets regular inspections. If it was done out of state or by a non-licensed facility you have to wait 12 months.

Another is if you received blood. I had a transfusion of four units back at the first of the year so I cannot donate until a year after that. At least I am still in the plus column since I have donated a couple of gallons and taken back only 1/2 gallon.

gabrielleelliott90

Save your blood for yourself or a loved one who needs it. Unless you have a rare type, there is an abundance and you don't have to feel tortured.

I don't have a rare type. However, near Christmas time there are a lot of car crashes. Most people have my blood type O+, most people getting into car crashes would have O+ so it is more needed than a rare blood.