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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask about Giving blood - can you do it at the doctors or get extra appointment?

37 replies

Kayano · 27/05/2012 22:55

Sooooooooooo

Some of you may know about my extreme needle phobia and my ongoing therapy/ drama/ moderate success so far.

My (stupid rhesus positive) child is now 3 months old and I know you can give blood 6 months after having a baby.

I promised Mrs DV that I would continue treatment and get this thing done, however I know my own mind and the likelihood that I will need the blood people to show me the size of the needles, talk to me for a while, maybe have a couple of false starts (this is a HUGE improvement for me btw)

I am aware that the blood vans offer short appointments.

Does anyone know if I can give blood anywhere that could maybe give me a double appointment or if I could get a referral from my therapist (that I got referred to from the NHS) as it is really going to help for my ongoing treatment.

I don't want to waste an appointments slot if I can't have time to sort of psyche
Myself up and do my breathing. (hence... Starting to prepare 3 months in advance)

I'm feeling quite positive ATM though.

PS - PLEASE GIVE BLOOD IF YOU CAN xxx

OP posts:
debka · 27/05/2012 23:00

I have given blood twice. My experience is that they were wonderfully patient with a first-timer and gave me all the time I needed. And it really wasn't that bad.

debka · 27/05/2012 23:01

PS should have said massive well done for preparing to give blood :)

ZillionChocolate · 27/05/2012 23:02

I gave blood for the first time a few weeks ago. There was a van parked on my way out from work so I just wandered in. It was about 4pm and they weren't very busy, they were getting close to packing up.

I felt that they would have been happy to take as long as it needed. I wonder whether you could go in for a chat now, when you are indelible just to take the pressure off?

Lilithmoon · 27/05/2012 23:03

If you have a permanent donation place locally, I would recommend that. My veins are well hidden and it is always a bit tricky to find one. I always go to the permanent place as it is much more relaxed. Our one is appt only so they may be able to give you more time. Ring the line for advice: 0300 123 23 23. Don't worry about wasting time, they will not pressure you at all.
Well done for going ahead with this :)

Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:05

I think I will when I see one next. There are frequent collections near me and also at my job (on leave ATM)

I think having a chat and seeing the inside of the vans etc would help me a lot

I might ask friends at work if they would mind me sitting in with them giving blood so I can see the process.

(I feel quite sick even thinking about it but I'll be damned if I fail )

Angry
OP posts:
OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos · 27/05/2012 23:06

Call the blood service and see what they say. I bet that just talking to them would help, and they might be able to book you a double appointment with a choice of a few places they go to local to you that you could choose from.

Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:07

I wish they would let you donate after childbirth as that was the ONLY time the midwife said 'Im sorry I have to give you a needle' and I was just like

'whatever. Stick me woman, I can take it' Blush

OP posts:
sensuallettuce · 27/05/2012 23:09

I think you need to sort this out before you attempt to give blood.

Otherwise you will be more of a drain on the resources than a help.

A lot of the people on the blood vans are volunteers.

I do understand needle phobia as I had it myself but got over it when had no choice but to inject myself with meds when ill.

Still turn the other way but is not such a big deal for me.

Shenanagins · 27/05/2012 23:10

I didn't think they had set times for you to complete your donation - i used to take ages as the blood would trickle out.

Good for you for considering even trying despite your phobia - they will no longer take mine as I'm a grateful recipient.

Whitershadeofpale · 27/05/2012 23:11

After Mrs DV's recent post I made an appointment to give blood despite being phobic. They were very understanding and kind and when I started to get tense after they couldn't find a vein (which is where my fear stems from) they were great and keeping me relaxed and let my DM come over to talk and distact me while they got a senior nurse to check my veins.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to donate as they could only locate 2 veins that weren't large enough to sustain a donation but I'm very glad I went and feel I can now face Mrs Dv without feeling guilty

Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:13

Yes sens I wouldn't just turn up to give blood now as I know I need to carry on treatment, and talking about it and being ready to give blood

The last thing I want to do is waste resources and people's time

That's the whole point of this three month preparation/ research/ thread Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:15

My main phobia is lack of control. If someone could teach me how to stick the damn thing in my own arm I would be a little better.

(maybe) Confused [terrified] [breathe{

OP posts:
EmmaCate · 27/05/2012 23:16

You normally have to make an appointment when they have a donating event; I've not heard of being able to donate at your doctor's.

I think if you were to explain they'd be understanding; they really want people's blood so would do what they could to help.

I think you're really brave to think about this and there need to be more like you! I have given a reasonable number of times and it's not painful. It's more like a hot feeling with the big needle. I used to have local anaesthetic but ditched that after one try without to see how bad it was (not very). They should still give it though if you'd rather. Remember you get to possibly save someone's life, and a complementary biscuit/juice.

BrittaPerry · 27/05/2012 23:19

Sorry to hijack, but how do you go about sorting out a needle phobia?

I really, really need dental treatment (as in, my teeth are falling out and i am only 27), I need a very suspicious mole removing, I keep falling asleep in dangerous places so I need a blood test and so on (have had some pretty hardcore meds in the last few years so my entire body is messed up). Last time I was in mental hospital it took three days and a load of tranquillisers to even get the "checking in" bloods off me. I am proper proper phobic (not just nervous - I can't "just get over it") and it is really risking my health, and I have asked my psych team for help and they just shrug. I am fairly stable atm, so I am trying to tackle this before it gets to emergency levels.

(I'm not allowed to donate blood - have had a transfusion and take medication anyway)

EmmaCate · 27/05/2012 23:19

Just read 'lack of control' - make sure you watch when it goes in. I'm a bit like that; they tell you to look away and I always think 'No! I damn well won't.'

sensuallettuce · 27/05/2012 23:19

Can you hold a syringe with a needle attached to it Kanyo?

I injected an orange first Blush.

PrematurelyAirconditioned · 27/05/2012 23:21

Agree that a permanent donation centre would be much less stressy than the temporary sessions - I went to the one in Tooting once and the lack of urgency drove me mad, but I think it would be well-suited to your needs.

Ring the donor line, they're really helpful.

Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:24

It's a total irrational phobia and I know that when I was pregnant (after a 45 min meltdown) and had a needle that it wasn't even bad. It's partially to do with the lack of control and fear that I will freak out while the needle is in my arm.

(I did get an iPhone off my husband as a well done and a healthy baby)

When I was 13 a nurse said I couldn't move a cm or the needle would snap off and get imbedded in my arm. I was already terrified before that having had my BCG at 7

I also don't have the type of phobia that your bp drops and you faint... I have the freak the hell out high bp kind (apparently there are 4 types)

OP posts:
lurcherlover · 27/05/2012 23:25

This isn't that widely known these days but... they will give you a shot of local anaesthetic in your arm if you want one. They used to offer it, but now it's a request-only thing but they have lidocaine there if you want it. Be warned, it doesn't make the whole process pain-free - the lido itself stings, but it's only for a second - but it kicks in straight away and then you don't feel a thing. So if you opt for that, once they've stuck you with the local you can close your eyes and be in absolute denial about the whole experience whilst still feeling saintly and that you're doing a Good Deed not that this is the way I give blood or anything, oh no

PrematurelyAirconditioned · 27/05/2012 23:28

I do lidocaine too. I am very insistent about it, and they always look at me funny and ask me why I want it and try to convince me it's unnecessary. I stick to my guns.

Unfortunately it does not make the entire process sensation free, which would be my ideal outcome.

Tiddlyompompom · 27/05/2012 23:32

National Blood Service - 0300 123 23 23. They've always been very helpful and patient when I've needed to speak to them. If you do book in, I'd say to try to go at either the beginning or very end of the session, when there aren't many others waiting - you'll feel less pressured, so it might be a little easier. Good luck!

Tiddlyompompom · 27/05/2012 23:34

From their website:

Preparing Yourself to Give Blood

Distraction helps reduce nervousness so bring an MP3 player, book or a friend along with you to the donation session

On both the day of donation and the evening before ensure you drink plenty of fluids. However, it is essential to avoid alcohol as this will considerably affect hydration and delay recovery.

Normal regular meals prior to donating are necessary for maintaining blood sugars and ward off light headedness.

A good nights sleep the evening before is beneficial to well being and recovery.

Tight clothing around the arms restricts blood flow and can cause bruises, so wear something which is loose and comfortable.

Eligibility criteria to donate may vary so know your medical, body piercing and travel history to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:39

I can hold a syringe and needle now after a year of treatment. I have tried to snap needles which was very reassuring for me. All progress Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:41

Even if it's pain free with the local that's not the root of my fear Sad it's the knowledge that it's happening and so many things

(when I first started I could only talk about my phobia in terms of dogs, we discussed dog phobia at length then eased needles into the conversation)

OP posts:
Original poster
Kayano · 27/05/2012 23:45

Ps - I got referred for treatment on the NHS because I went to my GP and (fear was already in record) asked for help as we wanted to ttc and I was terrified of injections and operations. I was referred for cbt and hypnotherapy.

I think the fact that I whispered the word needle phobia helped. The GP asked to see my veins and I could barely show him my arm. Then he patted my arm where my vein was and I started crying hysterically.

I think he was testing me Confused

OP posts:
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