Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

LouBlue

Lokolo wrote: »

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.

Doesn't always take that long. They are so good with first timers or nervous people, they chat away with you to take your mind off it. I hope you manage to go. xx

Quasar

Lokolo wrote: »

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.

You hardly feel a thing. Just a little sting and that's all. You just lie there, with your free hand you can hold a book to read, or just relax or have a nap. That's what I do anyway. And after you sit down a while with a drink to restore fluids.

There's nothing to it really.

Lokolo

Hm ok,well 24th July I shall go down to footy club and get it done then!

Bah. I shall drink lots of squash beforehand, hopefully I won't need to pee halfway through haha

LouBlue

Lokolo wrote: »

Hm ok,well 24th July I shall go down to footy club and get it done then!

Bah. I shall drink lots of squash beforehand, hopefully I won't need to pee halfway through haha

Well done you.

marshall2k

Last time I think it took me just under 5 minutes, Lokolo.

noonesperfect

Apparently I've got flow level 8 whatever that means. Never seems to take very long anyway.
The donor carers that I spoke to are opposed to getting people straight up and off the bed after donation. Like i said in a previous post the lovely Joan F who looked after me even fetched me a drink to the bed and I'm not a first timer by any means.
Like someone else said, it's important to be well hydrated when you go to give blood.

angellotz

Belnahua wrote: »

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!

15 minutes?! surely i won't have any blood left in my body?!

oh that would be awful if i had to stop - really disappointing. i'm determined to do it properly. nurses have been generally nice when i've had blood tests before, except for one who told me to stop being silly. (mind you, they must get sick of us hysterical ones)

only 10 days to go! fingers crossed!!!

noonesperfect

You will be fine.
Make sure you're had plenty to drink (water or squash rather than tea/coffee) and a reasonably sized lunch (don't go on an empty stomach or you'll feel poorly). A bowl of soup and bread or a sandwich plus some fruit or low fat yoghurt will do.
They will take very good care of you regardless. But especially if you say it's your first time and it's taken alot to pluck up the courage to attend.

As it's your first time you will be given cold drinks only as they rehydrate you quicker, but if you remain seated at the refreshment table they will offer you more drinks. And some nice biccies. Don't be shy. If at any point you feel a bit yukky say so, they're all set up to deal with such events.

I don't like the needle going in I must admit, but I never look! You won't feel it being removed. They will they will take 3 vials before they take your full donation, but don't worry, they will only take as much as will fit in the little bag!

It's the feelgood factor you get afterwards that keeps me going back. Roll on October - time for my next donation.

Belnahua

Lokolo wrote: »

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.

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I never feel anything when I give. But I don't look, just so my mind doesn't play tricks on me.

15 minutes is the max, I'm normally done in 5.

They're really good at the sessions.

Please don't be scared, and I didn't mean to put you off, but to reassure you.

Remember, when you walk out of there, someone else maybe walking out of hospital alive because of what you've just done.

Rachel85

I went to give blood for the first time ever on Friday. I think I finally realised I had no excuse not to go, especially after chatting with two friends both who wanted to donate but couldn't.

Anyway all was absolutely fine. I will admit I was a bit nervous. OH dropped me off and picked me up so I didn't have to drive. I'd made an appointment which worked well as meant I didn't have to sit around getting nervous!

The nurses were really nice, especially knowing I'd not done it before. And it didn't hurt at all. I didn't like to look when the needle went in so she told me when to look away. Took about 6 mins - apparently I have fat veins, perfect for donating.

Certainly recommend it to anyone who can. I am definitely going to do it again...