Booked to give blood- now I’m scared!

[PatchworkElmer]

It’s not the needle, it’s how I’ll feel afterwards. I had an awful blood test years ago- the nurse dug around in my arm for ages, and I had to lay on the toilet floor afterwards because I thought I was going to faint. I’m ok with blood tests now, but I’m worrying that the volume taken will make me feel faint. I hated feeling like that. And I’m worried that the worry will make this a self fulfilling prophecy!

Any tips? I’m not donating for a couple of weeks, so do have time to get my head around this. I’m donating in someone’s memory, so I really want to do it- without causing a huge scene!

Kudos for donating blood. You’re potentially saving a life.

Make sure you’re well hydrated and take some snacks. Lie down for as long as you need. Also tell the nurse about feeling woofy headed previously, get up slowly from the bed/chair x

If it was me... Grit your teeth, pull on your big girl's boots, resolve your shoulders. You CAN get thru this the once. Tell them when you're there what happened, that you won't be able to donate if they have to search hard for a vein. If they assess you as too hard to find a vein they won't proceed. They want you to feel comfortable and will talk thru some strategies with you.

Can anyone go with you to chat & help distract you (& encourage?)

Apparently if you say that it hurts when they try to get the needle in, they stop immediately.

Make sure you have a good meal before hand and drink plenty of fluids. When you go in they offer you more fluids so definitely drink and have a couple of biscuits.

Don't rush home, have a sit down, tell someone if you feel even s little woozy.

Well done on booking an appointment. I used to donate but no longer can , so thank you.

The staff are very good at inserting the needles. It is what they do all day long. You will be looked after all through the process and after whilst you enjoy a bit drink and biscuits.

Just go with an open mind. It really is not so bad at all.

for after.

I am a fairly regular doner and the staff there have always been so friendly and kind. I always feel very looked after and like I’m doing a good thing to help others. You can lie down for as long as you like after, no rushing you off the bed. You get drinks and biscuits and crisps after!

Ask them to check both arms for your best vein. They are also very experienced at putting needles in. You have to drink a big cup of water when you get there.

I think you are doing a wonderful thing in someone’s memory. Good luck

I am a regular donor, it is fine, honest, nothing like having a blood test TBH, I barely feel the needle go in, make sure you are well hydrated throughout the day, eat small, regular meals and when you get there have a big glass of juice or water whilst you wait for your medical check, when giving the blood slowly pump the hand of the arm you have the needle in, it helps the blood move faster, it takes about 10 mins max normally, my fastest was 7 minutes 7 seconds, when they sit you up if you feel even slightly woozy say something - they are so used to it, stay and have your brew & free biccies afterwards.

Well done for wanting to become a donor!

Echo what the others said. Keep hydrated and make sure you eat before you go. You will be sort of lying back when you donate and there's no need to look if you don't want to. IME they are very skilled at getting the needle in - they do it all day long. Clench and unclench your fist and your bottom as you are donating to keep the flow going

Good luck!

Well done for donating. My wonderful best friend is a hematologist so I know how vital and appreciated all blood donations are. I give as often as I can and it's fine, as others say you will be well looked after, the first time I gave blood I remember a very very slight light-headedness but nothing unpleasant, it fact it was a little like I feel after one small glass of wine haha x

Thank you all so much for the tips! Having read them, I will definitely make sure I drink loads of water and snack little and often. I’m also going to ask DH to take the afternoon off, just for this first session. I’ll feel more relaxed if I’ve got him to talk to (and he’s seen me give birth, so he should be fine )