I really want to donate blood but......

76wendyful
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

  • Heidi_M78
    Heidi_M78 Posts: 143 Member
    My gynae told me that some people feel faint after seeing their own blood
  • m60kaf
    m60kaf Posts: 421 Member
    Take a friend for support
  • RF3377
    RF3377 Posts: 97
    Don't look while they are taking the blood and try think about something else!
  • DiannaMoorer
    DiannaMoorer Posts: 783 Member
    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.
  • brybre0413
    brybre0413 Posts: 212 Member
    Take as long as you need to lie there. Do not rush to get up...........from the table.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    I get too many tattoos. They wont take my blood. LOL.
  • kburns0709
    kburns0709 Posts: 297 Member
    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 low
  • 1swalls
    1swalls Posts: 2
    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.
  • Crochetluvr
    Crochetluvr Posts: 3,320 Member
    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....
  • luckykirstar
    luckykirstar Posts: 6 Member
    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!
  • mary_kate23
    mary_kate23 Posts: 156
    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.
  • dfborders
    dfborders Posts: 474 Member
    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.
  • Ironman2be
    Ironman2be Posts: 140 Member
    i really want to skydive.. but i'm scared of heights....SO, I DON"T DO IT... ?? simple
  • Dtrmnd86
    Dtrmnd86 Posts: 406 Member
    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.
  • KitTheRoadie
    KitTheRoadie Posts: 641 Member
    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! :-)
  • Chameleone
    Chameleone Posts: 281 Member
    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.
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    I would love to donate blood but there's a weight limit and last time I went they refused me.
  • judgepd
    judgepd Posts: 1
    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.
  • GermanicKnight
    GermanicKnight Posts: 445
    Know that you are saving a life, that should sustain you through the process.


    DONATING BLOOD SAVES LIVES!
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    i really want to skydive.. but i'm scared of heights....SO, I DON"T DO IT... ?? simple
    But knowing that there are so many people out there that could use my blood I feel that it is the least I could do.
  • aircantu1
    aircantu1 Posts: 55 Member
    I also donated for years without problems then fainted one day and was scared to give again for years. I recently donated for the first time since the fainting episode and all went well.

    For me, all I had eaten before donating the day I fainted was peanut butter toast. That was not enough food. I learned that I need to only donate after lunch when I've had a hearty meal and lots of water. Also, the day I fainted I started feeling slightly nauseated while the blood was coming out. I stupidly ignored that feeling, it was the first sign. Now I know to always pay close attention to how I'm feeling through the whole process and to speak up if something doesn't feel right. They will take you very seriously.

    In fact, the last thing I remember before I fainted was saying, "I feel nauseous" and the lady reclining the bed and turning a fan on me. I thought, "gosh, she's really over reacting" and next thing I know I was waking up to the stinky stuff under my nose.

    Anyway, I know it's scary to try again but just think of all the successful donations you made. And don't have any commitments for after the donation in case you feel yucky and just want to go home. :)
  • andiechick
    andiechick Posts: 916 Member
    Don't watch while they do it. Maybe it was the sight that made you faint. My blood group is quite rare (B Negative) but am unable to give blood as I had to have a transfusion after having my little girl. Would've thought it would be safer these days but hey ho!
  • Orient_Charm
    Orient_Charm Posts: 385 Member
    Fisrt time only you may have those type of problems, but starting from second time it will be OK, don't worry.......
  • AmyLRed
    AmyLRed Posts: 856 Member
    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.


    This. Let them know, and they will walk you to the next place to sit and keep an eye on you. This happened to my sister in law twice, but she donates regularly and all the other times, has had no problems. I guess it just happens sometimes.

    Oh, and i am O- also. I need to find a blood drive and donate again too. :)
  • ScientistStudy
    ScientistStudy Posts: 249 Member
    I usually eat just before I go, and drink plenty of water.

    Also, while the donation is happening, lying down on the bed cross and uncross your legs all the time and clench your butt cheeks for a few seconds, release and repeat.

    It sounds ridiculous but they are exercises to get the blood pumping around your whole body. The reason you pass out is lack of blood to the head, hence why the feet get elevated.
    If you do those exercises perhaps having the blood being circulated better will prevent you from fainting!

    P.S. I donate as often as possible. My 2 year old niece has Diamond Blackfan Anaemia and needs blood transfusions every 4-5 weeks so I really believe in the important of donating.
  • fofipps
    fofipps Posts: 17 Member
    I'm actually donating this morning at the same place! Tons, and tons of water. I get a pretty bad headache every time I donate, and that stopped me from donating for a while, but then I figured that the people who needed the blood have a lot worse problems than a headache, and I've donated every 6 weeks ever since. Make sure you take your time leaving. Stand up and walk around in the building for a while, drink some more water, take it easy when you get home.
  • irishcanadianwoman
    irishcanadianwoman Posts: 147
    Please donate blood. Due to health reasons I cannot, but wish that I could. My parents survived a head on car crash (kids going the wrong way on a major Canadian highway) partly because they received the blood they needed.
    I hate needles. Is it the needle, or the loss of blood, or the idea of it that gets to you?
    Talk to the staff and tell them your history. They have had lots of experience with people in the same boat.
    Many thanks from those of us who cannot donate. You save lives.
    "The life you save may be your own."
  • Rosered3333
    Rosered3333 Posts: 171 Member
    First off, good for you for donating. As everyone has been saying just make sure that you let the technician know that you passed out last time; they'll appreciate you making them aware. And make sure you eat a lot before you go so you're blood sugar is stable. And I would drink lots of juice: it's one of the only times you can drink juice and eat cookies and pretzels for a good cause!

    Good luck next time!!
  • seanorawe
    seanorawe Posts: 137 Member
    See it like i do,

    You're not giving blood, you're saving a life!

    My father in law gave platelets, and I was able to find out, they were for my friends mother who has cancer. He saved her life
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    Know that you are saving a life, that should sustain you through the process.


    DONATING BLOOD SAVES LIVES!
    I know! I know! I just have to push myself and do it. I know it's a good thing, and following everyone's advice here the folks that are taking care of me should be able to help me through it.

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