This is a bit silly.

[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!!