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 ) So I called to make an appointment and luckily I got the last appointment for tomorrow .

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.

[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. 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. 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?

[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
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!