Due to give blood tomorrow and I am terrified

[SpideyMom]

It's always something I've wanted to do and my first appointment is tomorrow evening...and I'm terrifed. Which is really odd as I have alot of tattoos which I sit for 6-7 hours for. But I am!

Also in Feb I was told my iron levels were normal but on the lowest part so I've been supplemented since then.

Am I being silly going just yet when my iron levels were low or would they have increased by now? Also I have to take my little boy as its just me and him at home. I know ideally he shouldn't come but I have no other choice.

Although I am scared I will push through it as I know what an amazing thing it is to do. But I am panicking due to my iron levels, my son being present but also if I faint, that won't be nice for him to witness.

Sorry for sounding too much

Giving blood is the easiest thing ever, but I don't think taking your little child is a good idea at all. I don't even know if they will allow it.

Don't take your DC, rebook for another time.

They test your iron levels on the day.

I push through it every time. I fainted once on a really hot day. They were lovely with me. I now have a special 'fainter' card on my chair when I go. you'll be fine.

It's very good of you to try - but it isn't worth all this stress. You also can't do it with a small child, you will be unable to leave your chair while the donation is going on and no one else can watch him.

It's not possible. Please cancel.

Well done for volunteering. I have just started doing blood donations (wasn't eligible until last year) and it is fine, they take you through it all.

But I really dont think you'll be able to take your child. You have to sit drinking water / juice for 20 minutes or so to start with, then you have to do your iron level and health screen in a tiny cubicle. Then the donation itself you are stuck lying in a donation chair (not moving your arm) for say 15 minutes plus, then rest for a few minutes have refreshments so you don't faint. You wont be able to supervise your child and staff cannot do so either. (Too busy/not their job). Please do try to organise childcare or rearrange your appointment.

Oh really it is a worry for me him being there but I have no alternative. When he is at school, I'm at work, and then all the other time he is with me.

I did contact them and it recommended they don't attend unless there is no other way.

I feel bad cancelling my appointment but I'd hate for him to be scared by it? He comes when I have blood tests taken. He doesn't like it, but is always golden but I know it won't be as straightforward as a blood test

Yeah I wouldn’t take your DC, it really wouldn’t be ideal.

I really hate needles, blood tests etc but found giving blood absolutely fine. Didn’t hurt, could even look at the needle. Felt grand the whole way through the donation...unfortunately my body did not agree and I spectacularly fainted at the snack table after. I got told not to donate again for another 6 months but then when I tried to rebook they told me I could never donate again as I had a ‘significant faint’. So I’m now blacklisted

I’d love to try again but they won’t have me!

You will absolutely be fine! I've given blood loads, yet would NEVER brave a tattoo!!

I'm not sure about your little boy though, how old is he? I took DS2 once, he sat strapped into the pram and ate breadsticks for half an hour! It was fine, but that was pre-Covid. I'm not sure how they'd feel about having an extra bod in there. Maybe call the 0300 number and ask their advice?

A well behaved school aged child is normally fine, I make a point of taking mine with me at least twice each as it normalises it. DD is making her first donation next month.

The problem you will have is covid rules will prevent it at the moment.

I feel bad now but I've cancelled my appointment and will try and sort it for when he stays with my parents. So likely sometime during the 6 weeks holidays now.
His is generally very good. Would sit still no problem but I do understand why everyone is saying to not take him. So thanks for the advice

I've seen people turned away from our local donation place for bringing a child with them. Awkward for everybody and it's not nice to put the staff in that position.

Could you ask a parent at school who could watch him for an hour whilst you do your donation? Does he go to play dates?

I hope you manage to find a way, good luck!

Well done for volunteering, but as others have said, you can’t take your child with you I’m afraid.

How old is your son? They may ask him to stay in the waiting area.

I used to go with my dd sometimes. She would stay in the waiting area and when I finished donating would come over and join me in the snacks area. She only witnessed me drinking tea and eating custard creams.

I have asked and they said he can but only if I have no other options, which I really dont. I will be waiting until the school holidays now in the summer and try and do it before collecting him from my parents.
When all is 'normal' again in the future though, it is something I would want him to attend with me just to normalise it. As at the moment he thinks it's gross, so currently explaining to him why blood donation is so important

He is 6

I've just rebooked for the 1st Tuesday of the summer holidays in July after my son breaks up. That gives me plenty of time to sort him out.

Wish it was sooner but now I don't feel so bad about it all

Good luck with it all @SpideyMom
You could save someone's life!

Mate, the thought is there, but maybe this isn't your way to help. The low iron is a concern. I have blood when I was about 7 1/2 stone and it floored me.

I see you are re-booked but don't feel you have to climb this hill.

I weigh plenty now and wasn't planning on giving blood. How about I do it for you by proxy. I will screen shot my appointment if you agree. I just don't think you should put yourself through this especially with possible low iron.

Oh bless you. You don't have to do that. I do understand though what you are saying.

I had originally planned on donating at the main centre in the city where I live back in February. I was actually excited though it would have taken me 50 minutes to an hour to get there. I had to cancel though when a routine blood test found my iron levels were still low. Im just glad I found out before making the journey as I would have no doubt been told I couldn't donate.

I am due blood tests next week and I will see what my iron levels are. I have been supplementing prescription tablets this time but before I was taking shop brought ones so ive always supplemented but been on the low side.

I just think it's such a lovely thing to do and I will do my best to do it but understand if my iron levels aren't adequate and of course my son would have to come first before appointments. At first it didn't really phase me the thought of him being there as he always comes for blood tests appointments with me, but then it's totally different isn't it

Why not take your child? Just go in and have your blood taken in a calm and uninterested way with no drama, or 'I hate having blood taken' comments. Give him some toys to play with and just turn away. Kids are not scared if you're not scared.

Sorry I thought you meant giving a vial of blood because of your iron levels! Ignore the above, I see it's donating blood. Definitely no kids for that one.

Just cancel it if you are terrified. Its not compulsory.

Good news you've postponed.

The issue isn't scaring him, it is that you can supervise him while you can't leave the chair. And no one else can supervise, nor should he be loose to run round touching things which is what he will do as he is a small child.

Another time. But not if you are so scared. Plenty of other ways to help the community.