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!

On top of making sure you eat and are well hydrated before hand, don't do heavy exercise 24 hours before/after. We are encouraged to keep sipping water the whole time too. This is the advice given in my local donation centre too.

Love getting the txt messages after a donation - I'm proudly on #66 now. Delighted to be able to do my bit for everyone who ever needs it but especially for a dear friend of mine who has undergone so many procedures over the years.

I used to be very proud of myself for giving blood. Then the tables turned and I needed it myself, several times.I probably took more than I ever gave.
It helped save my life.
Sadly they no longer want mine, so as well as being jealous that I can no longer give,I am eternally in the debt of those who do.
Go well hydrated - the better hydrated you are the faster the donation. And thank you.

Thanks for the encouragement-just what I needed. I’ve got a good audiobook on the go at the moment so will listen to that to distract me.
fingers crossed all goes well!

Failed again. Thought I’d done everything right but half way through got the familiar ringing in my ears and had to stop.
again very embarrassing and they didn’t even get a full donation this time so a waste of their time and resources too 🙁

Agreed to give it one more go and if it happens again I’ll give up!

Well don't for getting the courage to go back again. Dont look at it as a failure, you went, you tried and they got some donation from you. Here they would use that for testing purposes so not a failure at all and not a waste of time or resources. Be kind to yourself

** ⏫ Well done.

pity we can't edit a reply

I do agree with a PP that it’s just not for everyone. I’ve donated 50 times but there’ll be civic minded things you do that I don’t. We’re all different and should focus on our successes not our failures.

Yep, make sure you eat something substantial before you go OP. When you get there they usually give you a large cup of juice. Make sure you drink it all.

id mention to the team about your nervousness. They'll have seen it all before and will be able to reassure you. It's a wonderful thing you're doing so well done for persevering.

I had a funny turn a couple of years ago. The nurse Tod me that it was important to eat and drink well the day before - especially to drink loads to make sure you are really hydrated. She said that what you ate and drank the day before was as important as what you took in before the donation. Followed her advice and not had a problem since.

You need to suck it up and tell yourself that you need to do this on principle. You, or somone you love, may need a blood transfusion one day.
The worst that can happen is you may faint. Big deal. Hopefully that is the worst thing that will ever happen to you in your life.
Enjoy that McDs and Coke!

I wouldn't worry too much, they know people sometimes faint but if it becomes an issue for them they just ask you not to come back for your own good. I've been banned myself for fainting repeatedly and it wasn't a big deal at all, they were lovely about it. You're doing a fabulous things and should be very proud of yourself for persevering.

I just got my text through telling me my donation has gone to Aintree University Hospital and I thought of you @Oldrosies - well done for trying, it takes guts to do something that you don't like doing - sorry it didn't work out this time but thank you on behalf of DP and all other recipients for trying

Good on you for getting that far. Plus you’ll have reminded people to donate just by starting the thread!