This is a bit silly.

[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.