But I am scared to death of needles. I dont mind sucking it up and having my blood drawn when I go to the doctor but I cant imagine sitting there with a needle in me for so long. Anyone else with a needle phobia? I want to do this so bad and I really want to get over this fear. I'm also nervous about getting dizzy and fainting.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 02:04 pm:

I used to donate blood all the time, but my blood pressure is very low and it got to the point where I was doing everything to get the blood out in time but couldn't make it and it had to be discarded so I just gave up.
It really doesn't hurt, you're reclining in a chair, and there are lots of things to distract you, like other people there and wiggling your feet to keep things pumping more quickly.

ALWAYS take it slow when you're finished, stay and have th juice and cookies they offer you, then sit around for another 10 min. and you'll be fine. The first time you do it, have someone go with you so they can drive you home so you know how you'll react. I've gotten a little dizzy the first time, but I just started staying longer and relaxing there and then it wasn't a problem anymore.

I say for sure try it once, take a buddy, and see how it goes. You probably will be just fine!!!

By Breann on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 02:14 pm:

They will let you stay as long as you need to till you are comfortable with leaving. They take good care of you! You will most likely receive crackers and juice too.

My dh donates blood when they come here. He has the blood type that is universal. Is that O - ? or O+? I don't remember.

Just don't watch the needle. It's just one prick and then it doesn't hurt anymore. Don't over think it.

And just think, you could be saving a life! That is worth all the nervousness right there!

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 02:17 pm:

I'm terrified of needles, but I'm also not an eligible blood donor, so I have never been. Breann, O neg is universal, so your DH is doing a great service by donating. Melissa, it's fairly quick, I've watched the process before, they give you a stressball and it helps you pump the blood faster. If you can donate, please try, that few moments of scariness is so worth it.

By Missmudd on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 03:26 pm:

I am a needle phobic and a 4+gallon donor. Just DONT WATCH!!! Make sure that the person who helps you knows that you are uncomfortable around needles, they will accommedate you. After they put the needle in they cover it w/ a piece of gauze so you cant see it. When they remove the needle once again dont watch. It really is a great thing to do and why I buck up and do it everytime the bloodmobile comes to our town. And horray for you for even considering it.

By Rayanne on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 04:45 pm:

I hate needles too. When I was in highschool, I used to give blood, plus it got me out of class. It's not that bad. It doesn't really hurt, just a pinch. I NEVER look at it.

By Cat on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 05:11 pm:

Blood Donor Requirements

I used to donate every six months or so while in high school and in the Air Force. I only had one bad experience, and that was because of the dingbat person drawing the blood (used the vein in the most sensitive part of my arm--she got in trouble when I almost passed out! But I did get lots of cookies and juice out of it. ). I haven't donated for years and will eventually donate again. I couldn't donate for a while because I'd had a positive TB test when we lived in Panama. I have to wait another 11 months now because I just got a piercing a month ago, and actually have a new tattoo planned for this summer, so that will add another year on. Check the site above for requirements.

By My2cuties on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 05:22 pm:

I am O+ I have given blood 2 times. Melissa I was SCARED TO DEATH of needles but I did it (my friend had to drag me int here), and it got me over the fear. Then when I was pregnant with my first and they took all the blood it wasn't THAT big of a deal. I still cannot watch them I turn my head but once the initial prick, it is really not that bad, just sit there for a while because I thought I was fine and I walked halfway out the door and passed out. I felt really stupid but all was fine, I just drank something and sat a while longer and left. And the feeling that you get knowing that you have helped out is sooo rewarding in itself! Don't worry!

By Tayjar on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 05:27 pm:

I was a big chicken, too. Then, a little girl in my Girl Scout troop was diagnosed with cancer. I saw what she was going through on a daily basis. It made me feel pretty small to be afraid. Then, she was needing to have blood transfusions and she sometimes had to wait because there just wasn't enough blood to go around. That made me suck it up and now I donate on a regular basis through my employer. I hate it but I just picture her little face and I figure if a little second grader could get poked with a zillion needles everyday, I can do it once every couple of months. I also do it in memory of Lexi, as she became an angel in December 2004.

While I'm new to the boards, you seem to me like a strong motivated individual. You can do it if you set your mind to it. I will tell you the first time is the worst and it gets easier each time.

By Missmudd on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 06:05 pm:

I talked w/ the red cross the last time I donated about the piercing tatoo question. You will not be automatically defered if you have had a piercing in the last 12 months, if you had it at a licensed piercer you can still donate. It is only if you have it done by like your mom or something. Tatoos are a different story, regardless if it is licensed or not a tatoo will defer you from donating for a year.

By Kay on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 07:54 pm:

Don't feel bad, Melissa - my oldest dd is almost 20 and is terrified of needles. Of course, I reminded her of that when she recently had her ear cartilage pierced. LOL

By Feona on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 07:45 am:

Make sure you eat before you go in. It helps.

By My2girlygirls on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 09:05 am:

I just went in yesterday to donate and I must have been de-hydrated or something, It started coming and then stopped. I am not so sure the tech knew what she was doing and I am a hard stick so I think once she missed it that was it. Oh well I do have a big, nasty, sore bruise today to prove that I tried!! I guess I will try again when I can. I can't say that I enjoy it but it is a necessary part of life, people need blood and I can safely donate it. Not too much to ponder!