Ok, so I give blood every four months (everyone who can do it should, I reckon), and I'm not particularly squeamish. But when they take the needle out, I go so pale, and I nearly black out everytime. I'm a normal weight, I don't watch them take the needle out or anything like that, I eat healthily and I always drink plenty of water before I give blood. Does anyone have any idea why this keeps happening, or does it just happen to everyone?
2007-09-10 22:18:49 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I don't have that problem, my problem is that my veins are so tiny, they sometimes have trouble getting the needle in! For this reason i have to have a local. I tried it a couple of times without, but it was soooo painful i decided i couldn't carry on. But they offered me a local and i've just made my 19th donation. Not many, but i was a late starter! I don't know what causes you to feel like you do when the needle comes out, i can only suggest that you make sure you have something to eat before you donate and make sure you don't get up too quickly, stay flat for a while. My brother works for the National Blood Service and he says that a lot of people don't drink enough before they donate, but it sounds like you do.
I hope you find an answer, it would be sad but understanable if you gave up because of it and there's not enough of us about.
Good luck next time.
2007-09-11 02:23:32 · answer #1 · answered by Maggs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have given blood for regularly for the last eight years and some time have the same problem. I think it is a question of mind over matter, what I try and do is think of something completely unrelated. Some time it works, another thing to try is to eat a mars bar before you give blood. It increases you sugar level and this can also help with the sick feeling you have after giving blood.
2007-09-11 05:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a phlebotomist and see patients experience this quite often. If you can relax and visualize something like "breathing in plus signs and exhaling minus signs" you'll keep your mind occupied so you won't become so overwhelmed by the thought of the needle. Works successfully for a lot of my patients. Or simply concentrate on inhaling in through your nose, exhaling out your mouth. Don't hold your breath! Lack of oxygen and you'll become faint like. Good for you to donate blood.
2007-09-11 08:08:56 · answer #3 · answered by gentle understanding 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for u giving, I have for the last 4 yrs, I've also dragged ALL my friends along & unfortunately so far only 1 of them's been able to donate (for a variety of reasons).
I think it does happen to quite a few people, it's only happened to me 1c & my nurse said I'd turned grey & to lie down before I fell down. I think it's just ur body takes a little time to readjust then blood levels.
Keep on giving & don't forget to drag your mates along too.
2007-09-11 05:29:23 · answer #4 · answered by Bubbly Blonde 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you eat before you had the blood drawn? always make sure you eat first. maybe a little orange juice right after you have the blood drawn. and make sure you dont get up too fast . that can play a part of it too. some people are just more prone to passing out .
2007-09-11 08:41:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar problem. One time the Red Cross nurse notice that I was getting pale looking and told me she could fix that. She raised my legs up and put a small foot stool under my knees. I felt way better! I could actually feel the color return to my face.
After that, I always request that they elevate my legs and I have had no problem since. Try it, you'll like it!
.
2007-09-11 08:42:31 · answer #6 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's purely emotional. Before they any quantity of blood, they run a test on a small sample. If you are dehydrated or anaemic, they don't take any more. Perhaps you are worried about the cup of BTS tea you get afterwards.
2007-09-11 05:30:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL!! Christ, dont you go out trying to drum up customers for the blood banks, reading that made me feel queasy!!
2007-09-11 05:40:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey...nothing unnormal...sometimes it helps if you eat good breakfast before giving and also after it...but it might happen anyway...But still...continue doing it...we are saving lifes... :)
2007-09-11 06:51:25 · answer #9 · answered by Katrien 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is good to donate blood even for your health. it happens to many. you dont need to be irritated of it.
2007-09-11 05:47:18 · answer #10 · answered by mohit 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋