I am going to give blood next week at a Red Cross blood drive and I am a little nervous. I really am scared of needles and I am nervous about the whole thing. What is the worst part about giving blood? What can make giving blood easier? I am scared but I want to do this to help people who really need the blood. Any advice would be great.
2007-02-12 14:19:08 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Giving blood is not anything to be nervous about. To me, the worst part is when they prick your finger, but that's because I don't like the surprise part- (it doesn't hurt) If you are afraid of needles, take something with you for distraction. (maybe they will let you listen to your Ipod or something). Also, let them know that you are afraid, and that it is your first time to donate. They will help you deal with it. Whatever you do, don't take any pharmaceuticals to help you calm down, because they may not be able to use your blood if you do.
You didn't say why you are afraid of needles, but maybe if you have the tech explain the whole process to you it won't seem so scary.
You could also practice a few meditation-like relaxation techniques, like laying in a recliner, trying to block out everything around you, and just focus on breathing, and then when you get relaxed you can visualize your donation (when you visualize, make sure that you think of yourself as happy).
2007-02-12 14:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are doing a WONDERFUL thing and you can be CERTAIN that you are saving someone's life. There is no substitute for human blood. Sometimes it gets used as whole blood for accident victims or in surgeries, sometimes it's split into component parts and each pint helps up to 8 people! No matter what, you're helping people by giving of yourself. Be PROUD.
I've donated nearly 15 gallons of blood and almost 5 of platelets. I'm an EMT-B and I've seen what human blood can do to save lives.
What's hard about it? The hardest part is the initial 'stick' - The folks getting the blood are experts and do a great job with it. I HATE getting stuck too - Tell 'em up front that you're nervous and worried and they'll help you through it. The trick is DON'T LOOK DURING THE STICK! Talk with them - have something to say while they're sticking you - that distracts your mind from the little pinch you'll feel (which is really all it is - It might feel a bit hot too). Once the needle is in, I'm fine with looking at it and watching. You may not like watching the blood flow down into the little bag - it's only a pint, but it can SEEM like a lot. There is NO health risk in donating blood (Well, there is a very, very tiny risk of some nerve damage).
I don't even notice the loss. I've played an entire rugby game after donating a pint and got in trouble with my Lieutenant on a Fire because I donated just before shift (You're not supposed to, and doing so was a safety violation, so I screwed up!) - Didn't notice a thing.
The only other thing that MIGHT be discomforting is that SOMETIMES while you are rolling the little foam ball around in your hand you can SLIGHTLY feel the pressure of the needle in your arm and that can be a little odd. Some folks also feel light-headed donating blood. Just tell the person taking the blood what you'r feeling and let 'em know what's going on and they'll take great care of you - And then you get munchies and juice! One of my favorite reasons for donating. :-D
May I compliment you as well on your bravery? Bravery is not the lack of fear, it is facing up to your fear and doing the scary thing anyway. That is what you are doing, and I thank you as a citizen who might need your blood and as a medic who's seen blood used.
If you have any other questions, feel free to UPDATE or e-mail me.
EDIT: Bryan - There is Z E R O risk of HIV from donating blood. The Red Cross does *NOT* re-use ANY of the donating equipment at all. Each item is disposed of after use.
Orion
2007-02-12 22:35:09 · answer #2 · answered by Orion 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is really easy. If you are queasy or even just think you MIGHT be queasy, just look away. It also doesn't hurt to let them know this is your first time and you're a bit nervous. Just lay back and relax and know you are in very skilled hands. These folks draw blood all the time, they are the best at what they do and you are totally safe. The only part I would say is the 'worst' is getting up. You might feel a bit light-headed, but it's not much worse than what you might feel like if you had the flu and you jumped out of bed really fast. Get up slowly and have the cookies and juice in a relaxed state. They will allow you all the time you need to have. Thanks for giving blood, I know the Red Cross is in dire need right now.
2007-02-12 22:30:19 · answer #3 · answered by darligraphy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
thepart where you will be punctured by a needle is just a bit scary. but the puncturing part is only the part that hurts. when its already inserted in your vein, you wont feel a thing anymore.
i advise that you think of good memories (imagery) so that you wont be consciously thinking of the needle. try talking with the person taking your blood. or bring a friend along and chat. that will ease your feelings.
do not be nervous or anxious because it will give affect your veins. the more the procedure will be repeated and another needle insertion will be done. do you want that? be punctured again? relax
one worse part of donating your blood is if you have not taken enough rest or if your not healthy enough to undergo the blood letting procedure. i had a friend who was rejected for blood letting because she was tired and did not get enough sleep. if she insisted, the doctor sdaid it may cost her life because the veins might erupt and she'll die immediately.
some other problems you may encounter are hematomas that easily heal at the site of insertion. use warm compress immediately after the procedure so that your skin wont get discolored.
worst case scenarios include getting blood disease (Hepatitis B) from unclean procedure and materials used.
2007-02-12 23:08:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Giving blood is a great way to give back to the community. I don't want to say it but the worst part of giving blood is the initial prick when they insert the catheter into your vein. BUT it will only last a second. Before you go in though, tell the person who is going to take your blood that you are wary of needles. I'm sure that they get that a lot and have ways to distract peoples attention from them. I do hope that your fear of needles does not overpower your wanting to help other people. In the end, you feel great and that feeling will out weigh that second of discomfort.
2007-02-12 22:29:13 · answer #5 · answered by Hector L 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's really good of you to be doing this. I, and others, should follow your example more frequently.
If you have a low blood pressure, you might find that it takes longer to give a pint of blood than it takes other people. That's my case - I sit there and wonder WHEN am I gonna be done! You can end up feeling a little lightheaded - but they give you juice and cookies, sometimes pizza, and you can sit and recover some blood sugar so you feel better.
And of course, what you're doing is the good and right thing to do.
You'll be fine!
2007-02-12 22:29:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its not against the bible, I would say the worst part is the needle. It doesn't hurt its just kind of a shock when it goes in. Don't focus on the negative, just think of the people your blood will help save.
Good luck
2007-02-12 22:25:23 · answer #7 · answered by metalcow101 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not that bad, I hate doing it to so I look away when they are inserting the needle. It is just a small sting. And before you know it you are done. So you get a cookie or some juice to help with the blood loss.
2007-02-12 23:17:12 · answer #8 · answered by sunburned 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have hard-to-find veins, they may need to stick you more than once.
Be sure not to leave until you are sure that you're not faint.
Drink the juice and eat the cookie (or whatever) they give you.
Close your eyes (or look the other way) when they are going to draw the blood.
You're doing a good thing, to help a good cause :)
2007-02-12 22:26:27 · answer #9 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The worst part is all in your head (not trying to be sarcastic). It is not bad, just look the other way and think about the great thing that you are doing for someone else.
2007-02-12 22:27:00 · answer #10 · answered by sg 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋