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Original poster

Giving Blood for the first time tomorrow ...what to expect?

29 replies

mosschops30 · 29/01/2007 21:16

Am sooo nervous, probably worse because I only just fit into the weight category so am worried that i will be totally drained from it.

Please tell me some nice things

OP posts:
pesme · 29/01/2007 21:17

you are doing a v. good thing!

fransmom · 29/01/2007 21:19

when i first went, they did some basic checks to make sure i wasn't ill or anything then you get a lie down while you are donating and then you get a nice cuppa and a biscuit after. if you are feeling woozy, tell the nurse who will be keeping an eye on you afterwards and they will look after you the way you need. good luck!

whoopsfallenpregnantagain · 29/01/2007 21:20

Well done
Relax and just let them get on with it! make sure you rest before going home and that you have a couple of glasses of squash and a couple of biscuits!

fishie · 29/01/2007 21:21

it will be fine, they should be supernice, lots of attention for first timer - dp started last year and was relieved and happy afterwards. it does feel a bit odd and sort of wrong, but doesn't really hurt.

scatterbrain · 29/01/2007 21:21

It will be fine - first they'll get you to fill in a huge questionnaire then do a prick test on one of your fingers and they drop the blood into a column of some bluey liquid - I think this tests to see if you have enough iron in your blood (ie, confirms not anaemic) - they turn quite a few people away at this stage when I go ! So be prepared !

If you pass the prick test you'll be taken to lie down - and they'll set you up to donate. I look away when they put the needle in as it is quite big and to be honest it is painful for a millisecond while they put it in - but really it is fleeting !! Then you lie there and they'll probably ask you to twiddle your fingers to keep the flow up - then after you're done they'll remove the gubbins, sticka plaster on if you're not allergic and you will have to lie down until you feel well enough to get up. Then you'll have to have a drink - probably only a cold one - lemon squash etc for your first time - and maybe a biscuit or some crisps. They won't let you leave until they are sure you are OK.

Well done for volunteering and good luck ! It's really nothing to worry about it !

Original poster
mosschops30 · 29/01/2007 21:23

Ooh am even more terrified now . Im not bothered by needles really so its not that. Just not sure what the sensation will be like and how long it will take?

OP posts:
whoopsfallenpregnantagain · 29/01/2007 21:25

I don't look at the needles!
It'll take about 10-15 mins depending on how your blood flow is

scatterbrain · 29/01/2007 21:25

You won't feel anything when the blood is coming out - you'll just feel the needle in your arm - crook of your arm - no different from a drip in hand when giving birth actually - same sensation.

Please don't worry - they will treat you like a Queen - it is very noble !!!

fishie · 29/01/2007 21:28

the actual blood letting is only a few mins, but reckon on a good hour for the whole visit. once you're used to it you can make appointment and be really speedy. the finger prick is the worst bit.

Original poster
mosschops30 · 29/01/2007 21:30

please tell me I wont feel really ill after, i suffer with labrynthitis and hate that dizzy spaced out feeling.

OP posts:
fishie · 29/01/2007 21:36

no more so than on getting up after lying down. tell the nurse first, she'll help you up / give a hand getting down it is a fairly high bed.

Original poster
mosschops30 · 29/01/2007 21:37

thank you fishy. I went today to make the appointment and there were about 20 beds all lined up!!!
Am going with a group of friends tomorrow so wont be alone

OP posts:
choosyfloosy · 29/01/2007 21:40

good luck! DON'T rush - just take your time at each stage - take a book or paper or something so you're not counting the minutes. I did once have trouble feeling faint because I was trying to get back to work too quickly. enjoy the lie down and your tea and biscuits! You'll be fine.

fishie · 29/01/2007 21:45

haha when i was young and naughy used to have a fag straight afterwards for the rush now i just relish the lie down.

Original poster
mosschops30 · 29/01/2007 21:53

fishie, the thought of not having a fag for 3 hours after makes me feel even worse

OP posts:
Sparkler1 · 29/01/2007 21:57

mosschops30 - check out the virtual session on here
It's very good and shows you everything you would want to know.
I have never given blood but have often thought about it.
Think I might look into it myself now.

Original poster
mosschops30 · 30/01/2007 15:10

well I didnt get to give blood my iron levels were too low and the thing didnt sink for about 45 secs-1minute (supposed to be 15 secs).
They set their iron targets quite high for obvious reasons at 12.5, mine is rarely ever above 11 so looks like I'll never be able to give .

All that worrying for nothing

OP posts:
treacletart · 30/01/2007 15:14

Don't quote Tony Hancock while your giving blood - they're all either too young and look at you blankly or roll their eyes because they've heard them all a thousand times over.

fortyplus · 30/01/2007 15:19

Go after lunch - the only time I felt faint was when I went in the morning.
Don't look at the needle if you don't like them - I usually avoid looking at other people's, too - but I can't even watch ER I'm so squeamish!
Chat to the person who sits with you & remember to keep twirling the thing they give you to hold.
Lie down for at least 15 mins.
Then get up very slowly - lowering your feet to the floor as much as possible before lifting your head.
Have a cold drink - not hot tea or coffee.
Eat several biscuits.
Bask in the warm glow of knowing what a great thing you're doing to help others.

fishie · 30/01/2007 15:20

oh no, what a waste of all that angst did your friends do it though?

PersonalClown · 30/01/2007 15:23

Thanks for the reminder. I haven't donated in a while so must book an appointment.

Original poster
mosschops30 · 30/01/2007 15:29

treacle - what did tony hancock say?

yeah fishie I know, but thanks for all your kind words last night. Yes my friends all donated and I felt outdone then cos I couldnt do it but then at least I got to still have a cup of tea and a fag

OP posts:
fortyplus · 30/01/2007 15:31

You know - the sketch about 'A PINT - That's nearly an armful!'

treacletart · 30/01/2007 15:47

Rhesus! They're monkeys aren't they?

Tatties · 30/01/2007 15:51

Good on you for trying Mosschops. I tried to give once but passed out after half a pint!