Please help me not wimp out of giving blood

[Oldrosies]

I’m due to give blood this week.
I used to be scared of needles etc and used to faint after injections and the first time I have blood when I was much younger so avoided it again until last year when I plucked up the courage to try again.

The first time I did it I was nervous but fine, no issue.
The second time I was not nervous at all after having been fine the first time but then part way through the donation I started to feel dizzy etc. and had to call for help which was embarrassing and probably annoying for the nurses. Luckily they did get a full donation out of me!
Now it’s got closer to the next appointment I’m feeling nervous again and don’t want to pass out, waste their time and feel crap for the rest of the day.
But I do feel like it’s something I should do and should be able to do!

Would it help to think about the people you’re donating for? On behalf of my nephew, I would like to say thank you so much. He received several transfusions after being stabbed, if it wasn’t for people like you he would be dead. So what you are doing really matters, and thank you, forever.

Make sure you eat something beforehand. Don't do what I did once and go in on a cup of coffee. Instant dizzyness and panic stations all round!

Next time I made sure to eat and drink, and was fine.

I've been frightened of needles and plucked up the courage to give blood a couple of years ago. I became dizzy and faint after my second donation too. The nurses know it happens and they aren't annoyed. I hope you do feel able to continue. I reached my 10th donation earlier this year and it's a great feeling.

"I started to feel dizzy etc. and had to call for help which was embarrassing and probably annoying for the nurses" - they definitely would not have been annoyed!
They would have been concerned for you is all.

Make sure you eat and drink plenty on the day as this will help counteract the dizziness.

You are doing a great thing - my DP suffered a life changing illness and was only cured by plasma donation which is what motivated me to donate.

Stock up on food and water a day or two before you go, and on the day. Being hydrated and full will mean you are less likely to faint. Take a stress ball (or a kids fidget toy) with you to squeeze/play with in one hand, I find it helps me focus my mind while I’m donating as well as helping the blood come out!

I perhaps didn’t eat enough the last time so have timed this one to be soon after lunch!
The reason I tried again the first time was because a friend had been a recipient so I felt like I was supporting her. I’ll try thinking about that again but it’s a fine line between that trying not to focus on the needle and blood!

It's fantastic isn't it when you get a text saying where your donation has been used!

Especially when someone you know is being treated there

And yes eat and drink plenty

Bless you!
I too have recieved blood, so thank you & all donors.
I hope you will be ok, it's very much appreciated. x

Make sure you've eaten before you go and have the drink, it definitely helps.

I get nervous but I sit there and look at the people donating and love being part of such a varied group. All doing something for others.

The nurses wouldn't have minded, that's why they are there! Sometimes they seem a bit busy is all.
I enjoy giving blood now I can have 15 mins uninterrupted phone time

I agree with pp, eat/ drink plenty esp iron rich food.

If you do feel a bit woozy let the nurses know straight away so they can help you.
They will not be annoyed at all ..

Giving blood is not for everyone and if you are finding it difficult for any reason they will eventually ask that you don't attend
Just 9ne of those things...don't feel bad

I'd say eat and drink before hand.
Don't watch them.
Would taking something to distract you help?
Tell the nurse your anxious.
Concentrate on what a wonderful thing you are doing.
Because of people like you my dc have a mother. I used to give blood but can't now as I've had blood transfusions. These blood transfusions on two occasions saved my life.

Good luck.

Because you are saving lives.x

I want to add that having donated for many years I can no longer do so now. I was the recipient of ten units (over a couple of days) recently due to a life threatening gastric bleed. So I was paid back handsomely. Recipients of transfusions cannot donate where I am anyway.

Thank you to whoever saved my life.

I have given blood a fair few times. Very similar to you - fainted during a blood test years ago, not a huge fan of needles and after a couple of straightforward donations, came close to fainting. I have given 6 times since and been fine each time. My top tip is to drink something sugary shortly before - if it's fizzy, remember that most soft drinks are now sugar free. It's old fashioned full sugar you need in these circumstances!

I’m thinking of a rare trip to McDonald’s before hand with a proper coke!

I don't like doing it, but it's never as bad as I anticipate. It's great that you do it, feeling how you do.
What I do like is the warm feeling of beyond among a whole load of people, from all walks of life, doing the same thing.

And a McFlurry or fruit pie to follow! Go along & see how it goes.

Eat and drink plenty the 24hrs beforehand. Take a multi vitamin too.

It sometimes gives me the heebie jeebies so I focus on keeping my legs wriggling and squeezing a foam roll.

This sounds like a wonderful idea!

A blood transfusion saved my life in childbirth. It's a wonderful thing you're doing

Someone like you saved my life, made sure my new born son had a mum. You are amazing, do it knowing that those of us that need it are eternally grateful. Of and defo have a Big Mac!!!

Remind them that you worry - and felt faint last time. They will be very understanding and kind.

Feeling faint isn't a problem for anyone else - and you are doing so much good in donating blood.

I know what you mean about thinking of the way the blood is used.

My son and daughter went along to donate their pints last year (my daughter has always had a problem with needles but overcame it with kind support from the staff - and her own steely determination) ... then their grandfather was rushed in to the same hospital and needed two pints of blood.

We are working at staying in credit at the blood bank this year.

As someone who can no longer donate (my medical history disqualifies me), thank you for donating. It’s a great thing to do and really helps.

Just give it a go - eat and drink etc as per advice, turn up, talk the staff through anything they need to know. If you do all that and it doesn't work out, never mind - shit happens.

I used to be very bad with needles, not quite having to be held down but not a fan at all, but then ... my FiL had to have instruments stuck up his urethra in an attempt to ream his bladder out, under just a local anaesthetic. I thought, if he can deal with that, I can woman up. And I've been fine after that, it was just that change in perspective that I needed.

TBH the worst bit is having the finger prick (ow). The rest is just, as they say, "sharp scratch" - the blood service staff are super experienced.