i just donated blood 2 days ago.. it was a horrible first time experience for me. how come it hurts so really bad when the nurse inserted the needle (she had to try three times before successfully locating the vein)? i can feel the needle poking against my vein everytime she asked me to squeeze my palm harder ..and i almost blacked out 1 hour after the blood donation.. and felt really really exhausted the entire day yesterday and just slept, and slept. Is this normal? did anyone had the same experience?
2006-07-13 14:11:25 · 6 answers · asked by Raven Hood® 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
OK, I was the Director of the Blood Bank/Transfusion Services at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago for 12 years and Director, Hospital Services for the state of Oklahoma with the Red Cross after that, until I got sick of their politics...
It's a shame you had such a miserable first experience... NEVER let the same person have at you 3 times! The woman was no doubt inexperienced or just a lousy phlebotomist... they aren't always nurses. Your sensation of the needle was that of it against a tendon, not a vein... way off course and painful! The vein itself has no nerve endings.
It's not surprizing that you didn't feel faint earlier during your experience... it's not unusual to feel a little tired afterward and a nap certainly doesn't hurt. In practice, I would NEVER let the same person stick a donor (especially a 1st-timer) more than once! Either, I would do it myself if at the site or an experienced phlebotomist would be called over. Everyone will miss making a clean entry 'once in a while', but 3 times?
The volume that was removed from you (approx. pint, 450 ml or so) is replaced within 24 hours after donation with plasma that your body produces in response to the 'loss of volume'. But drinking fluids of any kind (not alcohol!) helps you do that. Of course it takes longer to replace the red blood cells you gave away, but your body doesn't miss them if you passed the screening for hemoglobin before donation. A B-complex tab for a few days won't hurt you, but isn't necessary... so long as you eat a normal, somewhat healthy diet.
Sadly, many people experienced what you did some years ago, but a much smaller needle (believe it or not) is used now, so it should not be so common at all. I began while in the military, using a 15g needle... ask a nurse or doctor friend to show you one of those, if they have one handy! I've left the field, but I think they're using 18g's now, at the largest.
I hoped I helped allay some of your fears and I feel badly that you had that experience. But it should be a ONE-time thing now... else, refuse to let the same person go pokin' around again, ok? Tell 'em you're walkin', if they don't accomodate your 'request'... you're in total control of the situation, not THEM!
** hug **
2006-07-13 14:50:48 · answer #1 · answered by nomad 3 · 7⤊ 2⤋
The first time I gave blood, it hurt like crazy and my arm was black and blue (not just where the needle went in..it spread quite a bit). She probably was having problems poking you because your vessels may roll which is fairly common from what I'm told. Also, did you actually go the the Red Cross or was it a mobile? Often the nurses on the mobile aren't as efficient and "kind" as those actually at the Red Cross. I really did not enjoy my first experience (well none are enjoyable) and I kept putting it off to do again, but finally, a rep from the RC called and said they were running low on my blood type in my area, so I went and the 2nd time was much better. If you choose to go again, my advice would be to go to a donation center, not a mobile and let them know ahead of time that your arm is kind of hard to stick.
2006-07-13 21:19:02 · answer #2 · answered by nc_strawberry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pain comes from getting a bad nurse. When I was pregnant and had to give blood samples, sometimes I would get a good nurse and there was absolutely no pain....then there were the "bad" days. Lol!!!! You should be fine in a few days as far as that goes. I would think you should feel tired after giving blood! Are you anemic? I recommend taking an iron supplement for awhile. Heck, it isn't a bad idea for every day. I hope you feel better soon!!!! :)
2006-07-13 21:18:25 · answer #3 · answered by outlawsister1973 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a mild needle phobia; I have given blood nine times (in twenty years) in an attempt to get over it but it scares me every time. I have to imagine bleeding children needing blood to get myself in there, picture their parents' agony, or else I whimp out.
The first few days you will be tired as your body realizes there's some blood missing. When I used to run a lot, I noticed that I wasn't back to full speed for about three weeks. But if you're not pushing your body too hard, you should be better in a week. Sorry to hear about the three tries with the needle...brrrr...I wish I hadn't read that!
2006-07-13 21:21:08 · answer #4 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink a lot of water,
Eat juicy food,
Consult a doctor, and
Rest for the meantime.
2006-07-13 21:15:32 · answer #5 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, my dad felt clammy and shivered everytime he gave blood (3 times). But that's just my dad...
2006-07-13 21:14:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋