This is a bit silly.

[firenze11]

So I'm donating blood for the first time tomorrow. I've been really afraid of needles since childhood and used to say I could never give blood because of it. But lately I've been pushing myself to try new things and look beyond my fears and my fear of needles seems more and more irrational. Especially if people need blood. I gave a sample yesterday for the bone marrow registry and didn't have a problem with that needle (besides the awful technique of the nurse, yeow :mad::p) So I called to make an appointment and luckily I got the last appointment for tomorrow :eek:.

Are there any regular donors out there that can give me some advice about it/let me know what it's like? I've read all the stuff online about how it's done but do you have any tips or tricks about being anxious?

I think I'm going to bring my iPod with some power songs on it. Other than that I'll eat a good breaky and drink a bottle of water before I go.

Sorry if this seems silly, but believe me this is a huge thing for me. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. :o

[lauraelmore1033]

I have found that looking away from the sticking process helps tremendously. I've always been completely grossed out by blood and having it drawn--even fainted once as a child during a blood draw--but I do donate blood periodically, and it's not so bad if you just don't focus on it. I also come close to puking when I see blood. Go figure...

[kelownagirl]

I always used to have to lie down when I had blood taken. I got used to needles when I gave birth a few times though. :rolleyes: Now I have to get allergy shots once a month and I always look away and I dig my finger nails into my skin when the needle goes in so I don't really notice the prick. It really doesn't hurt at all. Once you get used to needles, they are nothing. (I used to have to be held down when I was a kid...)

[Tuckervill]

I don't think it's silly to resolve to try new things--it's wonderful!

I had a blood draw on Wednesday. It hurt a little, you know? But not so much that I cried or winced wouldn't do it again. It's temporary pain, a worthy pain, for my health. More worthy for you, giving to others.

I try not to think about the stick, and I don't watch, although I have in the past. I think about the way the chair feels and the color of the nurse's eyes, and I make conversation, and think about what they're asking me to do. I take deep breaths. After the initial poke the pain is all over and you just have to sit there until it's done.

This is the advice I often give to kids who are afraid of something...be afraid, but do it anyway.

Good luck!
Karen

[velogirl]

you should be very well hydrated. it's much easier for them to find a nice puffy vein when you're well hydrated. if you're dehydrated you're veins collapse a bit and it's much more difficult to draw blood.

+1 on looking away.

and thanks for doing this!

[LBTC]

You've got a great plan with making sure you're fuelled and hydrated well when you go in. And, yes, looking away is a must.

One more thing - the fact that you're anxious about it, might actually make it easier for you. Yes, easier. The nature of your anxiety will probably mean a bit of an elevated heartrate, which means you'll pump the blood a bit faster than someone who is completely relaxes. A little faster means you'll be done sooner. That's a good thing!

Thank you for being a donor. And thank you for pushing through your fears, something we should all do as often as possible.

Not sure how much this would help - when my dog gives blood they give her a shot of a B vitamin - I think B12. That and rehydration really speeds up her recovery time. It might make sense maybe to take an extra B vitamin that day?

Sending butterflies for your blood donation tomorrow.

Hugs, too,
~T~

[7rider]

I"m a fairly regular donor (mostly platelets, now).
I totally hate needles and agree wholeheartedly with the "don't look" comments. :D I'm big on checking out other folks there, studying lines on the ceiling, whatever it takes.
Hydration is good. I learned (the hard way), DON'T ride your bike home from your blood donation appointment! It's a good day to take a day off from the bike, in fact.
Thanks for donating!!

[shootingstar]

I used to donate blood. But not in past few years...I actually have been diagnosed anemic at different points in time and was abit lighter in weight earlier.

When my blood is drawn, I just have to look away.

One of my sisters worked for blood testing lab...she told us all sorts of stories of people fainting --men and women.

[sbctwin]

Congrats Firenze11 on duing this needed service. I, for one, am appreciative of the fact that you have been able to overcome your fears and do this. I have not been able to. I was prepared to do it a year ago. I had friends from work who went with me and I was ready, though scared. They took my temp and found I had a fever (but was not sick) and so they could not do it that day. I have not had the courage to return. I, too, am very scared of needles. For my yearly physical, I have a wonderful doctor that can draw my blood. I have fainted before at the sight of a needle and need to lie down, but alas, I am too scared to perform this needed service. I well hydrate before the event, but my veins are small and tough to draw from and so my fear conquers me. Good luck...let us know how it goes....

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on conquering your fears!!
It's not silly at all- in fact, it'll be such an empowering thing that you're facing it head on. Good for you!

+1 on looking away

I always also ask for 2 ice packs- one for the front of my chest/neck and one for the back of my neck. I have gotten light headed in the past from donating, and after blacking out once (many years ago), I always do this. I don't know that it's really necessary now (I think I was really dehydrated that day), but I think it's more mental than anything. If I know they're there, I never have a problem.
I also drink a gatorade while I'm donating to make sure I'm putting something in my belly during the process.

And the thing that grosses me out the most? The warm tube that lays on your arm leading down to the bag gathering the blood. That oooges me out more than anything (even more than the needle). I usually put a couple kleenexes under that spot so the warm tube o' blood isn't touching my skin. Man- that makes me sound like I have serious mental issuues, huh? :p

[SouthernBelle]

Interestingly, I have to look when I get stuck. Make sure you are warm, it seems to make the veins easier to hit.

From one who has little rolly veins,

[Zen]

You are to be commended for donating a much needed commodity.

Before I became too sick for it I was a frequent donor. I've been stuck so many times it just doesn't phase me anymore. Actually I figure if I'm watching they'll be more careful.
Maybe you could get a sewing needle and poke yourself a few times just to get used to the sensation.;)

I'm probably not the best person to get advice from.

[Lifesgreat]

Thank you for donating! What I have learned as a regular donor:

1. The finger prick to test for iron is more painful than the donating needle. This isn't to frighten you about the finger prick, but to assure you the donating needle isn't bad.
2. Hydrate before the donation.
3. Relax.
4. If you have know which vein is best (if you have had blood drawn in the past, etc.), tell them. It makes finding a good vein easier. My best vein is on my right arm and now they can find it fast b/c of the faint needle marks.
5. Don't look while the needle is being inserted.
6. Squeeze the ball or foamy thing like they tell you to. It will make the process go faster. I am a pretty fast bleeder-a good thing while donating, a bad thing if I am in an accident.
7. If you feel lightheaded when you get up, lay back down and regroup.
8. Eat and drink the goodies after! GUILT-FREE :D
9. Since it is your first time, you may want to have someone drive you home as you won't know how your body will react. Don't want you fainting while driving. . .

Seeing my blood in the tube, bag etc. doesn't bother me. I guess I don't associate it with me when it is out of my body??

Good luck and you are going to be fine!

[Mr. Bloom]

We're pulling for you! It's great that you're confronting this issue for a good cause.

[mtbdarby]

Congrats on overcoming your fear! You've gotten some great advise here and my +1 that the finger prick is worse than the needle.

But I am in the minority here in that I need to watch them put the needle in (go figure, right?). I like to talk to the nurse and just as it goes in I look up. Works for me. If for some reason a nurse has a problem getting the needle in (not to scare you), don't be afraid to ask for a different nurse.

Do not plan on working out for the remainder of the day, and you might not be 100% on your workout the next day either. Hydrate before and after.

Bottom line, relax, enjoy the quiet time and the pampering you get, and relish the great feeling you'll get from doing a wonderful thing for others in need. And come back and give us an update!

[mtbdarby]

Almost forgot - ask them if they have a first time donor sticker and wear it with pride!

[Aquila]

Way to go! Good for you!

I donate regularly, and once you do it, you'll probably be fine. Remember, all cookies and other treats on the day you donate are calorie free! Not really, but my Red Cross center always has good ones, and they're super nice :)

You've got good advice here on the hydration and all, but you knew that.

So I'm just going to add my cheers for you. YAY!

[maillotpois]

I echo Lifesgreat's comment - the stupid fingertip prick for anemia is worse than any of it!!! Uff da!!!

Hey - thanks for donating and for kicking me in the butt to do it again. I was a regular donor since college until my whole stupid PE anti-coagulant ineligibility thingy last year. And I have not donated since then - and I should. So happy new year and let's go save some lives. It's a great thing, and so easy.

Just breathe.

Maybe an iPod with some relaxing music?

Edit: I am a big looker. I always watch the needle go in. When I had hand surgery, I really wanted an arm block as opposed to a general so I could watch. They wouldn't. What-ever. The DD and I watch surgeries on animal planet, etc. Prepping her for the career in medicine I should have had.

[SouthernBelle]

I had an arm block for my wrist surgery a few years ago, but I slept through it anyway. I think it was the versaid (sp?).

[firenze11]

Wow. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the support and tips/tricks and some laughs (Zen, the thought of me poking myself with a sewing needle is priceless. I can image what the nurses would say when looking for track marks).

I think I have a pretty good plan now: Hydrate, eat well, my Mom's actually driving me there (I think she's shocked I'm actually doing it and wants to see it happen), I'm not gonna look at the needle going in (but I'm kinda curious now about what it looks like), keep warm, take my iPod, and not work out when I get home. Oh and COOKIES. Actually you think I could use this as an excuse to eat a piece of cake when I get home? ;)

I'll let you all know how it went when I get home. I'm still nervous but excited too. I just hope I'm not anemic or anything now. :p

[KSH]

So I'm donating blood for the first time tomorrow. I've been really afraid of needles since childhood and used to say I could never give blood because of it. But lately I've been pushing myself to try new things and look beyond my fears and my fear of needles seems more and more irrational. Especially if people need blood. I gave a sample yesterday for the bone marrow registry and didn't have a problem with that needle (besides the awful technique of the nurse, yeow :mad::p) So I called to make an appointment and luckily I got the last appointment for tomorrow :eek:.

Are there any regular donors out there that can give me some advice about it/let me know what it's like? I've read all the stuff online about how it's done but do you have any tips or tricks about being anxious?

I think I'm going to bring my iPod with some power songs on it. Other than that I'll eat a good breaky and drink a bottle of water before I go.

Sorry if this seems silly, but believe me this is a huge thing for me. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. :o

Growing up I was TERRIFIED of needles. When I got to be college aged, I knew it was time to get over my fear.

So, I gave blood as much as I could. I gave plasma (you sit there with a huge needle in your arm for a good hour). And you know what, I got my fears. I'm fine with needles now.

For me, the secret is I have to watch the needle go in. If I don't watch, I jump.

Just watch the needle, and you will be fine. Keep giving blood and you should get over your fear. Good luck!

[firenze11]

Well I went and now I'm really upset. This might be long, I'm sorry. I think I need to rant. At least I'm not anemic. I got through to the nurse to do the physical and she was horrible. She asked me what I drank with breakfast and acted like drinking coffee and water was like drinking poison. (Even though it was decaf) and told me I needed to drink juice. I'm sorry I'd rather eat fruit and drink water than drink sugar -y water. And I drank juice when I walked in the door there.

Then came the checking of my arms. I told her about the sample I gave Thursday for OneMatch, the bone marrow registry. And she treated me like I had lied to her and kept asking me what it was. The nurse I spoke to on the phone was pleasant and said I was a-ok to donate today having had the sample taken Thursday and didn't treat me like an idiot/shady drug addict/liar. I understand the serious caution they need to take but jeez. Then my other arm was checked. It has mild bit of eczema an inch+ above my elbow and vein. She acted like I had some horrifying rash and told me there was no way I could donate. The American Red Cross states on their website that as long as the vein is free of a rash the donation is ok. Go figure.

I was so upset I went to my car and cried until my Mom finished donating. 2007 has been my worst year ever. I had a brain tumor scare that lasted over 6 months and caused me to withdraw from Grad school. I'm now back living w/ my parents waiting to try to get back in school but found out I have to reapply completely. I felt like this was a good way for me to end the year on a happy/good note and overcome a big fear. Sigh.

Anyway, I'll try again when I can. Sorry for being so rant-y, but I wanted to update you after all that wonderful advice. Thanks again for helping me out earlier and helping me work up the nerve to even go.

[SouthernBelle]

I'm sorry your experience was not good. If she was in fact rude, report her.

[Aquila]

I'm so sorry to hear you had a bad experience!

You can come to my donation center. The nurses are always friendly and kind (to everyone so far as I've seen).

I hope you'll try again and that you'll have a better experience next time!

[BikeMomma]

Sorry you had a bad experience, Fire. Perhaps being that you were one of the last appointments of the day, they were just exhausted and impatient from a day's worth of blood taking. Who knows. But I also understand the strict guidelines they have to follow to protect public health. Kinda sucks for the donator, because here we are trying to do something truly GOOD and we're told we can't. I know how you feel.

It had been MANY years since I donated. For various reasons like pregnancy & breastfeeding of my three kids and then needing my blood during the racing season, I hadn't been able to. I would always get a pang of guilt whenever the email in my work's inbox said that we were having another blood drive downstairs. I tried to donate last winter, but was getting a cold and the nurses said no way.

So anyhooo, I finally donated earlier this month and felt really good about it, proud of myself, etc., even though it left me rather weak. Doing a hill ride a couple days later I'm sure didn't help. :rolleyes: Then, an interesting thing developed and brings me to another point to add to this discussion -- post-donation blood testing.

This week, I got a letter from the company that collects, tests, and stores the blood for transfusion. The letter said that in testing a sample of my donated blood, they found an antibody that may interfere with, or worse, harm the blood of the intended transfusion patient. It is called "Little C" and is relatively rare, and thus it is not known if my blood will cause problems for patients. Soooo, my blood has been marked ineligible for transfusion for pretty much infinity, since this antibody is the type that will likely never leave my body over time.

Kinda makes me feel like I failed some patient out there, ya know. I'm a bit disappointed. But on a lighter note, I can hoard my blood during the racing season without guilt now. Well, as much guilt, anyway.

Fire, there is one good thing about trying and being rejected -- you can try again six weeks later, IF you're healthy. I understand you wanted to end the year on a good note, but perhaps now you can start '08 on a good one and catch the next blood drive. :)

Tailwindz
~BikeMomma

[Hub]

THANKS! Since my husband was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year he has become a frequent recipient. Usually when he needs a transfusion- he gets 2 or 3 units.
I am a regular donor- at least 3 times a year- but this summer he easily blew through the amount I 've donated in the past few years-
BTW and I try to watch, but usually they try to hide the needle going in . . .

[Tri Girl]

Oh no! I'm so disappointed that your experience was far less than pleasant. Is there another donation center that you can go to? We don't have the Red Cross around here to donate- we have the Oklahoma Blood Institute. They have centers all around the city and you can just walk in and donate. They've always been very nice. If there's another place you can donate- try it. Don't let this one mean nurse spoil your attempt at overcoming your fear. You can do it, and there are surely people out there who will NOT treat you like an idiot.
I'm sorry for your rough year- I hope 2008 is a heck of a lot better for you. :(

[Tuckervill]

When my mid-son was about 19, I talked him into going with me to give blood. I ended up not being able to do it, because of my low iron. But he did. He was a little offended by the questions about sexual history or whatever else they ask these days (last time I gave blood they were still asking if I'd been to Haiti lately--I don't know if they still ask that anymore). So, if you don't see things from the perspective of the person who is receiving the blood, it can feel pretty invasive. That person has enough problems with needing the blood in the first place without worrying about it being tainted. That's the perspective to have.

Too bad the nurse wasn't more polite about it all, though. Please try again!

Karen

[firenze11]

I completely agree with the need to ask invasive and detailed questions about a person's sexual history, medical history, where they've been, etc. (my personal favorite on the form was the one asking if I had come in contact with monkeys). And I'm totally ok with them checking my arms for track marks. It needs to be done. Absolutely. I can't imagine how horrifying it would be to need blood and receive tainted blood.

That being said, I wasn't totally sure at the time if I over-reacted at the nurse's attitude because of a combination of nerves and excitement making me easily emotional. But I talked to my mother afterward and apparently she had the same nurse. Her reaction was "What a witch," and she's given blood tons of times. Apparently she was gruff in general and really rude about her sciatica pain. One other poor woman had the needle inserted wrong and kept complaining about how painful it was when it was in. So maybe it was a blessing in disguise I was rejected. :cool: It's funny though, a couple hours after I got home my little eczema patch was gone. :rolleyes: Go figure.

Sadly the place was really empty. A lot of nurses sitting around. They normally get 60+ and this year I was number 23 with only an hour to go in the drive. Maybe it because of the holidays.

Anyway, I'll be back there as soon as I can. I'm too stubborn to let that woman stop me. :p

[Geonz]

You go girl!! That's the attitude :D :D

When I was in college 3 of my siblings and I would go out and give blood over the holidays. One of us would bring a funny children's book to read aloud while we were waiting and donating. Needless to say, they liked us - half a gallon of Good Jones Blood of various types!