I am too scared to give blood?! What can I do?!?

Question

I have wanted to give blood for some time now, I just hate the thought of a needle going into my vein.

I know I can give blood because as far as I know I have nothing wrong with me, and I am only 20.

As far as I am aware I have never even had a blood test. Anyone got any ideas on how to gain my confidence?

Answer 1

think about all the good u would be doing by giving blood.......my 4 yr old grandson has leukaemia and needs blood products to keep him alive.........god bless all blood donors and a big ty from a grateful grandma xxx

Answer 2

I know exactly how you feel, just thinking about it gives me that squeamish feeling in my stomach. Last year I took the plunge and made my first donation... it wasn't anywhere near as bad as it seems. The people there do this for a living remember, and they are very, very good at inserting the needle. I had no pain when the needle went in, and no bruising afterwards. My only advice is to eat something before you go, otherwise you may feel faint. I looked away while they put the needle in, and had them cover it up with a cloth so I couldn't see the needle in my arm. You just have to remember that it could be you in the hospital needing the blood, or a friend, or a family member, so get over the grossness of it, and just do it... you'll be glad you did.

Answer 3

This is very common, knowing that others do it witht he same fear will help.

I see a lot of patients both in hospital and in surgery....

I1. f you are scared then first bring someone with you, a friend for moral support.

2. Tell the nurse/doctor/phlebotomist that you are scared of needles as there are anaesthetic creams and sprays that can be used. When I did paediatrics often used it, but they should have it available for adults.

3. MAKE SURE you are lied down, you don't want to faint at the sight of blood.

4. You will feel the initial sharp scratch but then afterwards it shouldn't hurt.

5. Remember these will be trained and skilled people taking your blood so they should be experts, making it very smooth and quick ...Patients have bad experiences on the wards and surgeries when the person doing it didn't have enough experience.

6. you are young so you will have good veins, very easy to cannulate.

Let us know how you did, you will be fine. Mostly we are scared of the unknown. But I promise you will feel much better for it ! After all it is a noble thing and the NHS is in crisis at the moment...

But doctors are patients as well:

WhenI gave blood I was scared as well and I was a student doctor in Scotland at the time. I went with a friend which was great. It all went very smoothly and afterwards they told me where my donated blood was going to..a newborn. I am group O negative, universal donor so it felt really good!

All the best

Answer 4

My husband was the same as you, but he came becaue I wanted to donate.

It's an easy process and doesn't take long, and you get a cup of tea, coffee or squash afterwards with a biscuit. (cold drink the first time you give)

You get badges after you have donated a certain amount of time.

The nurses talk to you and you barely notice the needle going in.

Unfortunately I can't give now, because I had a transfusion when I gave birth to my first son (ironically this was the reason I wanted to start giving in the first place)

Go and give it a try, even if you go to the place where you can give your blood, you don't have to, you can see how it's done and have a chat.

It's also a way to find out your blood group.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Giving blood is one of the easiest things you can do to help others. It is something you can do to help your entire community. Just be in the right state of mind; teach yourself to relax and don't look at the needle. I always go to my 'happy place' when getting stuck. The needle only hurts for a second, then the pain leaves. The good you are doing far outweighs the pain. I always think that the blood I am giving will probably go to someone who is in much more pain than I am, and really needs it. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I have O-neg blood, making me a universal donor, so I get pressured more than anyone to give - the blood service even sends me videos of sick babies and kids!
It is best to think of the people you'd be helping, and to think of what it would be like if a friend or member of your family needed blood but there wasn't enough - or even yourself!
I'm quite skinny and have "small veins" which making donating quite slow, so I ask for a local anaesthetic injection to allow me to really pump that blood out. It does mean you have to face another tiny needle prick, but means you can't feel anything in your arm.
Other things to help - you get to lie and do nothing for a decent length of time, so I usually read a book and listen to a walkman. Plus, you should get your iron levels up before you give - my mom uses that as an excuse to eat lots of dark chocolate before she gives!
Good luck, be a good citizen and bite the bullet.

Answer 7

Perhaps you can concentrate on the fact that you may be saving a life.
Without blood for transfusions when needed, the end result would be devastating.

Just think Positive :)
Take along a Walkman, put it on, and start listening to music before the procedure begins. This will really help you.
The little pick of the needle is all that really bothers most people, the rest of the giving is a breeze...

Best of luck :)

Answer 8

Go give blood.
The only way to get over something that frightens you is to do it anyway.
You will be fearful-tell the staff this is your first time, and you are afraid. Tell them to use BABY needles on you, if they can.
The absolute worst hing that can happen is you will pass out and bump your head. OUCH!
So sit down, and tell them if you are feeling dizzy or woozy.
You are not the 1st fearful person they have ever had--honest. They will help you and you will be SO PROUD of overcoming your fear.
Next year, pick something else you are afraid of and tackle it.--like go to a pet store and handle a tarantula, or go rock-climbing or get a tattoo or audition for a play.
Don't let fear decide what you will and won't do in your life.
Enjoyl

Answer 9

I've been giving blood for two years now, and its not as bad as it sounds.

My great concern of giving blood in the beginning wasn't because I was scared of needles, but fainting before hand or just after giving blood!!

The nurses in there are very helpful and will look after you there, so I would not worry about it at all. You also get free food and drink after, plus you are helping a great deal by saving lives, so just go along and see how you feel.

Good luck!

Answer 10

I first gave blood when I was about 18. I decided that there was no reason I shouldn't do it so I did. Only the last time I did it could I even look at my arm, it doesn't hurt much at the time and it's going to do so much good for someone else that it's really worth it. The worst bit about it is the tiny pin prick on your finger to test for Anemia.

The good feeling you have after about saving someone's life is worth any pain you may feel!! Just go for it!! Also a hint is to book an appointment as it can save you loads of time!! Good luck!

Answer 11

Don't look at the needle, just turn away! Before you go through the hassle of queueing outside the blood bus for hours, you might want to know (in the UK, anyway) you must weigh over 8 stones to be able to give the required one pint. I was very disappointed when I got there and was told I was too thin to give blood...