A question about giving blood

[laurzj82]

After years and years about feeling guilty about having never donated blood because of phobia of needles I tried to give blood last year. (In my pregnancy I had GD and had to inject insulin 4 times a day so got over my phobia!) Anyway they put the thing in my arm and for some reason the flow was too slow and I didn't work.

My question is, is it worth trying again? Or do I just have dodgy veins? Lots of midwives had problems doing blood tests on me as could never get a vein so is it likely it will happen again?

Tia

I think a lot of it has to do with the skill of hte person putting the needle in. I had a very slow donation once, took forever. Last time I went, I was done in record time.

I would go again and explain to the person who takes your history that you have had issues in the past, they may put you with the most experienced staff member.

I had that problem once with giving blood when at other times it's been very fast. I also have problems with blood tests especially when it's fasting test. For blood tests the nurse has said it can make a big difference if you're not properly hydrated so now I always drink lots of water beforehand. Also, some health care professionals are better than others at taking blood.

you need to try it a few more times, only way to know. Being well hydrated when you go in is a good idea.

Being well hydrated when you go in is a good idea.

Being well hydrated is a good idea.

Please try again. I had the same experience back in the summer where I had to stop after a few minutes because the flow was too slow. I tried again in late Nov and, although it was slow again, it was fast enough to fill the bag within the time.

I really recommend drinking way more than you think necessary, last time I drank so much I had to run to the loo when I got there! It worked though.

I have low blood pressure generally and wondered if this had anything to do with it.

Please try again. The blood people will tell you if there's no point I. You coming again. Lots of fluid in the run up to donation - where I go (Leeds Donation Centre) there is a water cooler and pint pots in the waiting area. A pint immediately before hand usually has my blood gushing out.

Mine is really slow too. Don't give up though as it is so badly needed. If you are Oneg your blood is particularly needed. If you are Opos your plasma is really needed.
You will save someone's life. Keep being a superhero.

Try when the weather warms up. That can make a difference. Or get them to try with the other arm. My blood comes out from one arm much quicker than the other one.

Drinking water first and being warm can help, plus moving the hand of that arm - they've often given me a plastic cyclnder or a scrunched up paper towel to roll round. And then cheered me on to keep going (always managed to get a donation out in the 15 min limit, but often over 14 minutes...)

They encourage us to drink a pint of water /squash when we get to the donation centre and I always drink a few glasses before I leave the house.
my veins are hard to find but once found the blood flows quickly. Please try again and try a drink!

I was told to try and drink a pint of water before leaving home, as well as the pint they give me when I arrive. Also, try and relax, cross and uncross your legs, flex your hand, etc. Mine was slow once, but has been fine all the other times.

NotCitrus I had that! They gave me a cylinder thing to clutch and roll around on my palm and then I had three nurses checking me as the alarm kept going off but I did it... with about 15 second to spare [proud]

I used to always have the slow donation and a couple of times they've given up (apparently they then use the blood in other ways eg dry it and put it on burns).

I always walk to the donation centre as it's very close and in the last few years they've given people a lot of water to drink before the donation. That seems to do it for me, it's still not superfast but it doesn't stop and set off the alarm anymore and I always donate a full bag.