I really want to donate blood but......
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76wendyful
Posts: 202
in Chit-Chat
A few years back I passed out after I was done donating. It really frieked me out and now I am scared to do it again. I am O- which is a type that is used alot so I know that I should. They are having a drive today at State Fair Park and I want to feel confident that I can do it. When I passed out last time I had eaten in the morning and always drink lots of water. Is there some other words of advice that anyone can give? I know I should just do it and now that I know what it feels like to pass out I shouldn't be scared, but I am.
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Replies
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My gynae told me that some people feel faint after seeing their own blood0
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Take a friend for support0
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Don't look while they are taking the blood and try think about something else!0
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Make sure you tell the people what happened last time. Don't get up for a while and drink lots of the juices they have to offer.0
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Take as long as you need to lie there. Do not rush to get up...........from the table.0
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I get too many tattoos. They wont take my blood. LOL.0
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aw i feel your pain! im o- too and they call me and practically force me to donate, i ALWAYS pass out, have you looked into your iron intake? maybe have some total that morning or something i think iron plays into it a lot because when i pass out they have to test me a lot for iron because its so low0
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You should only do it if you feel comfortable doing it. That being said, it could have been just a freak occurrence. I used to donate all the time and this one time I got really faint. There wasn't really an explanation for it; that's just how it affected me that day and it never happened again.
If you do go, you can let the nurses know in advance that you passed out before and that you're nervous. They'll take extra-special care of you. They can also tilt your chair back and give you a cold cloth so you're less likely to feel faint.0 -
I agree with no looking. For years I was able to give blood and watch. But for some reason, now if I look, I get faint. Doesn't make sense, but....0
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I also passed out my first time and it scared me. But, I pushed myself to go back and told the nurse I had passed out the first time. They were great for giving me tips like making sure my legs were raised a bit and that I wasn't making a fist too tight. That slowed my blood flow and they made me say seated for about 10 minutes after so I didn't get up too quick. I know donate once every few months and it's a great feeling.
Hope that helps!0 -
be sure to eat plenty and drink lots.. some people just don't fair as well. i'm a habitual donor.. sometimes i get lightheaded. just tell them you passed out last time, and this time they'll give you more time to sit upright before getting up. its because of a drop in blood pressure when you sit up that causes you to pass out.0
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You have every right to be scared. Passing out after donating can be very scary. If you would like to try donating again you should let the interviewer know that you passed out last time to make sure that they take extra care of you. Also, when getting up after donating take it slow and easy. Make sure you have your equilibrium about you before you move. Don't rush through the donation process - some people squeeze and donate a little too quick and that will make you feel lightheaded. Make sure you do have a good breakfast (i.e. protein, carbs, fiber, etc.). Above all good luck if you choose to do it again.0
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i really want to skydive.. but i'm scared of heights....SO, I DON"T DO IT... ?? simple0
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The same thing happened to me the last time I donated as well. I usually have no problem, but for some reason, as soon as they took out the needle and had me sit up, I passed out. I think it was from not eating enough. I was on my diet and waited just a little too long before eating something. I had lots of water and pizza after and felt much better. Maybe eat a slightly heavier meal than usual right before going and you should be fine.0
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Relax, try not to think about what they're doing, take deep breaths. When' you're done don't get up straight away, take your time, move slowly and drink whatever they offer you and biscuits, eat plenty of them, they're your treat for being amazing! :-)0
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I'm a lab assistant. If you tell them that you're a fainter, then they should let you lie down while they take your blood. It usually helps depending on the reason you pass out.0
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I would love to donate blood but there's a weight limit and last time I went they refused me.0
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i really want to skydive.. but i'm scared of heights....SO, I DON"T DO IT... ?? simple
It seems a shame not to encourage someone to do something as amazing as giving blood.0 -
Know that you are saving a life, that should sustain you through the process.
DONATING BLOOD SAVES LIVES!0 -
i really want to skydive.. but i'm scared of heights....SO, I DON"T DO IT... ?? simple0
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