Giving blood tomorrow, and terrified to do so!

[AnnShh]

So the ROTC program at my school is having a competition among the branches to see which branch can get the most donors. And since I'm in Army ROTC, I'm donating just to prevent myself from never hearing the end of it if I don't.

I've never given blood before, and honestly, I'm terrified. I'm ok with needles if I don't look when they're putting them in, and blood doesn't really freak me out, but I think I'm just terrified that I'm going to pass out.

I have a friend going with me for support and to make sure I can make it back to the dorm afterwards. But I need people to tell me to get over it and quit worrying!

What I do want to know, however, is whether it's ok and advisable to eat something before hand? What's the best thing to eat?

 

[Ash]

It's really not that bad at all! We had blood donations at my high school and I did it every time I was able to. They usually give you snacks (cookies at my school) and some OJ or Apple Juice afterward. I'm fairly easily lightheaded and giving blood didn't phase me in the least bit. It's definitely a good idea to eat beforehand. Eat a good healthy breakfast and lunch, drink some OJ beforehand and you'll be fine!

ETA: I found this which should help you. http://labaptist.org/blooddonationguide.pdf

 

[Essentia]

It really isn't a bad experience, though I am someone who does get light headed/passes out. Lay back and ask them to elevate your feet. This keeps me from getting that feeling. I also drink orange juice, or eat something like a cookie before I get up. This routine has stopped the light lightheadedness (is that even a word?!).

 

[Brittney]

I have never donated nor can I because of my tattoos, but I have an iron deficiency and I have to give blood to the doctors every month. It helps me to just stare at the ceiling and sing Christmas songs or to think about something really cute or yummy.

Though, I do have to vomit afterwards, but that's just my go to stress reliever afterwards.

You'll be fine.

 

[tunes]

Ann, my daughter has been giving blood since she turned 16. She does it right during the school day, and then goes back to class after resting just a little bit and drinking some orange juice. She used to have to show everyone her ****oo if she got blood drawn, and she said this is no big deal at all and she's glad she can do it.

The fear of the unknown is probably the worst part. Once you do it, you'll know you can do it again without a problem.

 

[Parkerspetchins]

You will be fine. I have passed out after giving blood (guess I didn't weigh enough after all, ah, college days...) and it wasn't a big deal. Someone walks very slowly with you and will help you. They will not even let you get up if you look/feel the least bit woozy. It happens though, don't worry about it ). It is a great thing to do at least once.

 

[AnnShh]

Well I worried for nothing lol. They wouldn't let me donate because I went to Mexico on a cruise in July and we went outside the port area to see the ruins and apparently it's considered a 'malaria risk' area so they said that I have to wait 1 year to donate. So July 2010 I'll be able to.

 

[mishellyshel]

[QUOTEI have never donated nor can I because of my tattoos][/QUOTE]

is this because of recent tattoo's? and contact with a needle? i never heard of not being allowed to donate because of a tattoo. I havent donated in many years but when I did I had a tattoo. just curious.

ann--glad you dont have to worry for some time!

 

[Ash]

According to the red cross, if you got your tattoo in a place that's doesn't require licensure and such they want you to wait 12 months.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/donati...nts/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical-listing

Tattoo
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.

Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. There are 32 states that currently regulate tattoo facilities. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

 

[Brittney]

is this because of recent tattoo's?

I got my most recent tattoo a little under a year ago from a really nice place. My previous ones I got at a not so nice place and this was 6 months prior to wanting to donate. They asked if I trusted the place for sterility and I said no and they said thanks but no thanks. I'm sure I could donate now if I wanted to, but that is if they even would want my blood due to my iron deficiency.

 

[Bethany]

I'm late seeing this, but I always drink a sprite while I'm donating because I do get lightheaded. I attempt to donate every 60 days when they come and I have since I have been old enough to.

For future reference, the first thing you will notice if you are going to get light headed is you will start to get hot. If you feel hot have them lay you back because you get lighheaded very quickly.

 

[JennyBug]

I got shot down for going to Teotihuacan (a rural area in Mexico with lots of cool ruins). I had given blood at least twice a year for a couple of years before that, so I was really upset. Once you get to do it, you realize it's not that bad. It's a good feeling knowing that your blood might help someone survive a severe accident.

For the record, they also have blood collections for different animals. After Bear's ordeal this past October, we decided that as soon as he was able (and calm enough), we would have him donate blood. Cool to know that his blood might go to saving a police dog, or an animal that was in a bad accident.

 

[Essentia]

I have never donated nor can I because of my tattoos, but I have an iron deficiency and I have to give blood to the doctors every month. It helps me to just stare at the ceiling and sing Christmas songs or to think about something really cute or yummy.

Though, I do have to vomit afterwards, but that's just my go to stress reliever afterwards.

You'll be fine.

I have 5 tattoos and give blood often. You just can't give blood within a year of getting a tattoo or piercing. You did mention an iron deficiency though, which means they wouldn't want your blood anyway.

 

[suzi1780]

I donated blood when I was in high school... I blacked out, woke up to a nurse slapping me in the face and throwing water on me, then I threw up my school lunch which was "porkette and gravy," which on a gross factor I can tell you taste the same coming up as it did going down. I then had to spend like 3 hours just sitting around in the chair while they kept an eye on me and by the time they let me get up they had run out of cookies and juice :cry3: I ended up missing the next day of school because I felt so bad and I got a huge bruise on my arm from it. I have a feeling I am on the "Red Cross" no-no listed after that :rofl:

But kudos to all those that donate :thumbsup:

 

[Jeanette]

In Canada, you have to wait 12 months after getting any tattoo or piercing, no matter where you got it. There are other factors that will make you ineligible to donate as well, (like if you are gay or have ever paid for sex... they ask you all sorts of weird questions).

I have a blood type that is well in demand but my boyfriend has type ab negative. He is a universal receiver and basically his blood is useless because only other ab negative people can get it... but they can get any type! So he doesn't donate because they really don't have a need for it. Plus he gets a piercing a year basically. But all of his are invisible!!

 

[Ash]

They ask the same questions here, Jeanette (about paying for sex, etc) but I don't think they can tell you no do to homosexuality anymore.