Is is normal for you to be sore after donating blood?

Question

Just to let you know this was my first time and not many of the nurses wanted to stick me with the needle because my veins are small. One nurse ended up getting the needle into my vein after three attempts and from then on out was fine. Afterwards, though, my arm felt a little weird like my vein was being tugged a lot or it just felt very awkward. I just want to know if this is normal because I would love to give blood again.

Answer 1

As a regular blood donor I would suggest you were 'tensed up'. But -----
The bit I don't understand is you say "not many of the nurses wanted to stick me with the needle because my veins are small" and it took three attempts for one nurse to get the needle into your arm. This is totally abnormal in my experience. A trained nurse should be able to find a vein either by sight or by feel, and I find it difficult to believe you were 'passed' from one nurse to another before one of them would attempt to put a needle into your vein. There is always a doctor present at Donor Sessions, and I'm sure he would have been called over in the circumstances you describe.
However, as you no doubt know, blood is always needed, so 'Well Done'.

Answer 2

Yes, it is very normal. Your arm is not used to it. It is draining so your body is probably tired.

Answer 3

Yea it's fine because if your tense when they insert the neddle your muscles tighten. Your fine : )

Answer 4

Yes because your vans are small.it takes a wile for blood to build back up.THAT'S why they give you juice,before you can leave.