How to not faint?

[LoveBugBride]

I gave blood a few times years ago and always felt quite faint. I was tiny then so gave it up as just not suited to me.

By now I have gained a good stone and thought I will breeze through it. Nope I had to be tipped upside down several times and was in there for ages.

They were all lovely and looked after me so well but I was still mortified.

They could tell by looking that I was feeling faint and really on the ball with helping me feel better.

So any tips on how to woman up and give my pint without the drama? I don't want to give up but I was really unwell there for awhile.

Is it mind over matter? I am not squeamish or anything about the actual donation.

Wow OP well done for going back. I fainted when I gave blood as a student and have never repeated it I felt so awful.

Maybe a bag of crisps and something sugary before hand to up your blood pressure?

Did you do the 'excerises' they give to try and boost blood pressure, there is a pdf on scotblood with what to do

I felt faint after giving blood last time but didn't really do the exercises so plan on doing them the whole time next time I go

I did the bum squeezing and the fists. My machine kept beeping cos I am a slow bleeder.

I think it's such a good thing to do but I don't want to be an inconvenience to them.

Making sure you're well hydrated - that's why they ask you to drink lots before going these days. Then you're too busy focussing on hiow desperately you need the loo to faint. (Apparently,it also helps with blood pressure.)

They'll let you know if they don't want you because of repeated fainting.