Going to give blood today for the first time

[MeinKraft]

But a couple of things are worrying me! Firstly, I had a blood test done a couple of weeks ago for something else and the doctors receptionist told me everything was normal but I had to eat more iron rich foods. I'm guessing my iron is on the low side but not low enough to medicate then, will I still be able to donate?

Also when I get bloods taken the nurses often tut at me about having bad veins, will they even be able to get a useful amount of blood from me?

I'm a bit worried that I'm wasting an appointment someone else could have used but they literally emailed, texted and wrote to me asking me to donate because levels are critically low so thought I might as well try!

I can't answer your questions because I can't donate blood but as someone who had to have 18 transfusions last year, I'd like to say thank you for even trying. My DH and DD1 have been trying to donate back the amount I needed so at least that's something!

They test for iron before you donate. It's a finger prick test. If your iron is low and you can't donate today I think they just ask you to try again another time.

The nurses who take the blood are ever so good and will do their best to find a vein they can use.

You aren't wasting an appointment. It's really good that you are going. Even if you can't do it at least you tried. More people should try. I do hope it does go smoothly 🤞. Let us know.

They take a drop of blood separately to test your iron levels before you make the donation. The veins thing could be tricky, but they do this all day every day, if anyone can find a vein its these people. Don’t worry about wasting their time, people find they can’t donate for all sorts of reasons, it’s really great that you are going along and it may well be fine anyway.

They will test your iron to see whether it’s high enough, it needs to be 125. I run low on iron, not anaemic but borderline and sometimes I’m able to donate, sometimes not but they are always grateful to me for trying so please don’t worry about wasting an appointment.

If you find you are too low to donate, I recommend Ferrograd C supplements, these got my iron up without nasty side effects.

Veins - it’s worth mentioning this when you check in at the start, they may be able to ensure you get a more experienced nurse.

Drink plenty of water before you go, if you're dehydrated it's harder for the nurse to locate a vein. Good luck!

As others have said, they will check your iron to see if you can donate - I’ve been turned away a few times but have brought it up high enough now with a standard multivitamin with iron.

I also have crap veins, but my right arm is much better than my left; they will ask you which arm you prefer, so explain you’ve had issues with blood tests and see if they will check both to see which looks most promising!

Good luck, you’re doing a great thing!

Well done for being willing to donate. It’s a bit intimidating the first time but you are looked after brilliantly all the way through. As others have said they will test your blood before you donate, ironically I usually have to test twice as my iron is often high (they have a separate machine for that bit) . The actual donation is about 5-8 mins in total and they are the absolute experts with needles so are unlikely to struggle to find your veins. My top tip is clench and release you hand and bum cheeks throughout to help the blood move along 😂

As pp have said they check your iron levels.
Enjoy the snacks! I love doing it for the nice sit down and biscuits 😂

I'm going today too but it's my 14th donation. They will know it's your first and will take extra care to explain everything. Make sure you drink at least two litres during the day before you go, that also helps with the veins.

Don't worry if you look daft wriggling your legs while you donate. I have to keep clenching and wriggling to keep my blood moving. It's like my own little pilates session.

Amazing!

Tell them it’s your first time - they’ll love you and look after you!

Have a good breakfast/lunch.

They will test first (finger prick test), so don’t worry about the iron levels - if you need the pint more they will tell you!

I have rubbish veins - but they always find a way. Drink lots of fluids (you’ll get a pint of water when you are waiting to give), and try and keep your arms warm (I actually have hot water bottles I hug before I go). These were tips given to me over the years because of my shoddy veins. (last time the used a vein on the side).

Thanks for being a horizontal hero! My father is only here because of people like you who saved his life in 1987. My brother and I both donate because of this but people like you are amazing.

Well done you! I am going to get back into giving blood regularly this year. They have a donor centre at my local shopping centre. It’s a great thing. Bring something sweet to eat afterwards

Another regular donor here and yes to everything everyone said.
Loads of water and eat well, they are great at finding veins and it's painless. The worst bit for me is the finger prick test!
Don't worry about wasting an appointment if it's anything like the sessions I attend it will absolutely mobbed.

Thanks so much everyone for your encouraging messages! Downing a pint of water as we speak

You are doing a great thing. The staff could get blood out of a stone so don’t worry about your veins,

I went to the donor centre for the first time two weeks ago. It was a good experience - the staff are lovely and I got a mince pie afterwards!

They did keep me there for quite a while afterwards, because I felt sick and dizzy, so allow plenty of time. After about 20 minutes with feet right up in the chair, I was fine.

Well done for donating ❤️

If your iron is on the cusp, they will need to do a second iron test for an accurate reading.

Please don't let the iron test put you off as the actual donation is so much better/easier than the finger pricks. Once you get through that, the donation is easy!

Well done! I felt so proud when giving blood and can't wait to do again - pregnancy got in the way for now.

Good luck, I also have awful veins. Water is a good call!

Thanks all...it was all fine in the end, I'm now a blood donor

Good for you! I was gutted when I had to give up.

Fab news! Make sure you take it easy this evening and have a good meal.

Congratulations, glad it all went well. Whilst it is fresh in your mind book donation number 2, please.

Excellent. Steak and chips for supper washed down with orange juice.

Well done OP.

I gave blood once about 5 years ago, and all went fine until I fainted 20 minutes later. I would like to try again though, so thanks for the reminder.

Well done, you may have just helped save a life 🩸 💪🏻

Thanks for posting OP. I haven't given blood for a while due to pregnancy and illness but have just booked my next appointment because of this thread.

Bring on donation number 16!