<p>So... we're having a blood drive on monday. I signed up for it. I'm soooo nervous!! I really really really hate needles. Seriously, I would rather they slice my arm and collect the blood that way. It's not that the needles hurt (they don't hurt that much), but just the concept of something being small enough to slip into my first protective layer (skin) freaks me out. I know it's for a good cause and will help people, but I'm just so anxious!! Plus my veins are on the thinner side, so the nurses will probably have to poke around in my arm for a few minutes. This will be the first time I'm donating blood, ever. I've always managed to get out of lab tests for some reason. The last time I had blood drawn, I was six years old, my mom wasn't in the room, and the nurse was really mean. She actually tied my arms to the chair handles so I couldn't pull away (even though I was being really good). Then she took forever finding the vein... Quite a traumatic experience :( Ahh I'm scared!! Have you guys donated blood, and how was it? Oh, haha, I also tend to faint after injections. (not at the sight of blood, that doesn't bother me, but the actual needle). So have you seen anyone faint?</p>
<p>i was going to donate my blood in january but the person who poked my finger said i didnt have enough hemoglobin. i even made her poke my finger twice! i was only like 0.2 away from the minimum requirement. i was sad. i felt useless. lol. </p>
<p>whatever, im determined to donate on april 28 (that's our school's next blood drive).</p>
<p>anywho, i'd just tell you to look the other way. seriously, it doesnt hurt at all, and my nerves are pretty thin as well (i was in the hospital over the summer so yeah, i had by blood drawn like 3 times there). for me just the fact im getting poked scares me, but you really dont feel anything .. so just look the other way (=</p>
<p>I went with this guy that I'm friends with to give blood last time...he's like a HUGE football player...and he passed out. XD It was kinda funny...he got right back up and started laughing.</p>
<p>It's no big deal...the finger prick actually hurts the worst. Just don't look..go with a friend so you have someone to talk to.</p>
<p>DOOOOD OKAY SO I DONATED BLOOD ABOUT A WEEK OR TWO AGO AND THE NEEDLE WAS LIKE THIS | ======================================== | LONG AND _____________________________________________</p>
<pre><code> _____________________________________________ WIDE
</code></pre>
<p>IT WAS SO CRAZY THERE IS STILL A HUGE HOLE IN MY ARM.</p>
<p>Anyways enough stupid me. I really did donate for the first time and believe me I was scared just as much if not more. I was shaking still the moment the guy stuck it in. The reason I went through with it was because if my heroes had the chance to save three lives, they wouldn't have a doubt about donating. If you keep calm, drink plenty before and after, squeeze hand every few seconds to speed it up, then it should be fine. Your arm should feel better in not in a few minutes, then a day afterwards.</p>
<p>Btw if you are feeling lightheaded or something during, ask them to lie you down.</p>
<p>I gave blood recently and it was not that bad. The nurses found the vein before they stuck the needle in and it did not hurt at all, if you don't want to look you can have them cover your arm. Not to freak you out but i passed out last time i gave blood so whatever you do it probably won't be any more embarassing than that. I am still going to do it again and each bag of blood can save up to 3 lives. :)</p>
<p>
[quote]
"I was shaking still the moment the guy stuck it in"
[/quote]
That's what she said.</p>
<p>Sorry, :), had to do it. But on that note -- you'll be fine! I donated blood last month and litereally the woman stuck the needle in and I didn't even realize. I would suggest having someone stand next to you and discract you. I was holding my friend's hand at the time and he was talking to me so I was completely oblivious. Besides, how great will it feel to save someone's life?! And all you need to do is let someone prick you with a tiny needle... </p>
<p>And then finding out your blood type is cool! I'm O+ so if anyone needs some blood, give me a call. :)</p>
<p>I donated blood just this Monday for the first time too! I have really thin vein and the vein stopped giving out blood about halfway through :O The guy then proceeded to poke the needle in my vein and gave me a bruise in order to get the blood. Yea, that was fun... The actually needle part is not painful at all. Maybe just a slight tingle and that's it. I agree with the person who said that finger prick hurt more. At least with my arm, there was no bleeding after the needle was taken out whereas the prick soaked the band aid!! I must have really soft skin or something...</p>
<p>i'm doing it in about a month! I'm a little nervous b/c it'll be my first time, but I know I'll be helping, so it'll be okay.</p>
<p>Haha. My blood thief stuck a needle in my arm and hit the vein, but for some reason withdrew the needle, causing my blood to clot and my blood to be 'inappropriate for collecting' in that arm. My other one was still good, though, but it just goes to show we all have mini-awkward moments with nurses having an off-day.</p>
<p>Alex</p>
<p>Oh snapsters!! I totally am in the same boat. I'm attending my school's blood drive on Monday...and YIKES, I'm nervous. Then again, I get my blood drawn about three times a year for regular testing, so I don't know why I'm so anxious. Oh well, it shouldn't be as bad as the spinal tap I had to get a few years ago...that was trully TRAUMATIZING!!</p>
<p>P.S. -- This may sound crazy, but next year I'm getting my phlebotomy certification...lols!!</p>
<p>Relax! These people are trained professionals. When they do blood drives at my school, they provide the donors with all the time and food they need to recover. Although I have yet to donate (my health hasn't allowed it), I've had countless blood tests, and I have yet to not get nervous, I always get really worked up, then it turns out not being a big deal. Good luck, relax, and remember you're saving lives!</p>