Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

Bob63

countrymusicfan wrote: »

I want to give blood so badly it hurts..... I wish more people would give, but I can't.

I know exactly what you are saying. During my recent stay in hospital I had my blood clotting checked and was cross-matched for transfusion prior to my final surgical procedure (ERCP). When I came round the first question I asked wasn't "How did it go?", it was "Did you transfuse me?". At the time it really bothered me that I might never be able to give blood again.

angellotz

surreysaver wrote: »

What do others think about their new policy of making you sit up straight after donating rather than lying there for a couple of minutes?

oh dear...i wanted to give blood for the first time on the 26th. I haven't before because i have a needle phobia (passed out everytime i saw a needle) but was in hospital last year and i have got a lot more used to them - but i'm really not sure i'd be able to get up straight afterwards, ususally need a couple of minutes to get myself together. are they very strict with this? i'm sure i'll be able to manage it if i really have to, but i'm terrified of giving the blood, standing up and fainting!

Belnahua

I've found that drinking a pint of water just before you give stops you filling giddy after giving.

torbrex

angellotz wrote: »

oh dear...i wanted to give blood for the first time on the 26th. I haven't before because i have a needle phobia (passed out everytime i saw a needle) but was in hospital last year and i have got a lot more used to them - but i'm really not sure i'd be able to get up straight afterwards, ususally need a couple of minutes to get myself together. are they very strict with this? i'm sure i'll be able to manage it if i really have to, but i'm terrified of giving the blood, standing up and fainting!

Just let the attendant know of your worries, they always give first timers extra time anyway but just make sure they know.
You are very important to them and they will do all they can to make you feel settled.

I love going, I do not get looked after anywhere like I do there.

angellotz

torbrex wrote: »

Just let the attendant know of your worries, they always give first timers extra time anyway but just make sure they know.
You are very important to them and they will do all they can to make you feel settled.

I love going, I do not get looked after anywhere like I do there.

thanks for that, made me feel a lot better.

Belnahua

angellotz wrote: »

thanks for that, made me feel a lot better.

I find that engaging the nurse in conversation and looking at the ceiling, stops me thinking about the procedure; and the needle's in before I know it's happened.

Also, take a small stress ball - I find that clenching my fist speeds up the flow, but they've stopped giving out their little squeezy device - a manager's stupid rule again! So the little squeezy ball gives a nice feel to clench on to and speed it all up. Don't take the dog's squeaky toy, that tends to upset the punters though;).

angellotz

how long is the needle in there for? i will definitely amuse myself some how, as like most people, it isnt the pain (there isnt really any), its the thought - my mum had a terrible experience with a needle when i was 6 which i still remember vividly and how ill she was, so i get all panicky!

Belnahua

angellotz wrote: »

how long is the needle in there for? i will definitely amuse myself some how, as like most people, it isnt the pain (there isnt really any), its the thought - my mum had a terrible experience with a needle when i was 6 which i still remember vividly and how ill she was, so i get all panicky!

No longer than 15 minutes. They have to stop at that point regardless.

If you don't manage to give a full amount, they use it for other purposes, it doesn't go to waste.

I just don't look at the needle, but concentrate on something else, such as work, planning holidays, sorting out finances in my head. Or just lose myself in the radio that's on in our session.

If you're at all feeling uncomfortable, they'll stop it immediately and no questions asked.

If you talk to them, they'll reassure you, and make you feel totally at ease.

Afterwards, we always start the "how many chocolate biscuits can you take before it becomes rude!"

I always enjoy having a laugh with the nurses - as our nurses travel from site to site, they always have stories about where they're from, how far they've travelled, grottyness of the hotel they're staying in etc. And before you know it, you're done!

LouBlue

They love me, always say I have great veins and call the other attendants over to have a look. A compliment's a compliment. :rotfl:

Lokolo

omg 15minutes!? I was thinking of doing it but not sure now.

I don't have a phobia as such, I don't get scared, I just feel very sick when I feel the needles and things being put it or taken out.