Want to give blood but worry I might faint.

[Anonymous]

I've read about the recent blood shortage and want to help. I've never given blood. I feel faint at the sight of blood and during minor medical procedures when I'm awake. I guess I can just go and tell them my concern.

I'm in D.C. Some donations locations I see are the Library of Congress and downtown D.C.

Thank you for your help.

[Anonymous]

When I have blood taken for medical reasons, I ask to recline and they let me. Bring your beverage of choice, and a little snack you know you will like. Drink lots and lots of water before hand.

[Anonymous]

I have donated gallons of blood and still don’t watch the needle going in my arm. For you, I would go to a donation center and watch the process to see how you react. If you decide to donate, hydrate well starting the day before and eat a meal before you go.

[Anonymous]

Drink and eat before you go. I always ask for a juice box to sip during the donation. You are already reclined if you go through the Red Cross. Be up front and tell them that you're new to donations and concerned you may pass out. They are professionals and know what to do to help you.

[Anonymous]

I've been donating since I was 18. I don't have an issue with blood, but many people do and the donation process is set up to accommodate that. For one, you lie down while donating. You can't actually see the blood bag and don't have to see the needle in your arm either, depending on how you orient your head. When the donation is done they help you up, assist you to a table if you are unsteady on your feet, and they make you eat and drink before you leave - usually they provide crackers or cookies so if you prefer something healthier, bring a baggie with baby carrots or nuts or whatever you prefer.

Thank you for considering it despite your phobia. Thanks for the thread too, it reminds me I need to schedule a donation as I'm overdue.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your insights. I feel more confident about this and will proceed.

-- OP

[Anonymous]

If it's convenient to you, I recommend the blood donation center at Children's Hospital. It's a good setup in a permanent center, so a bit more comfortable than the Red Cross one-day sites, where everything is temporary. If it's the sight of blood that bothers you, tell the staff (at whatever center you go to) that you don't want to see any blood. Blood doesn't bother me but I still close my eyes during the needle insertion. To avoid seeing the bag, just don't look down during the process, and ask the staff to tell you to close your eyes when they are finishing up and moving the bag in your line of vision.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I gave blood for the first time a few months ago and was really nervous about it. I came very close to passing out towards the very end of the process, but they brought me juice and snacks and put a strong fan on me and I managed to stay alert. I just had to lay there a little longer than most people seemed to, and then I felt ok. The vast majority of the others seemed to be taking it all very much in stride, just sitting there like it was no big deal, so you could very well be one of them. Good luck! I felt good about doing it when it was all over.

[Anonymous]

Good to know. Thank you.
-- OP

[Anonymous]

I have donated gallons of blood and still don’t watch the needle going in my arm.

Me too. As long as you hydrate and eat before and are at or above the weight recommendation (around 115 lbs. I think but check) and you don’t watch the actual process, you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Many people have no problem with it so definitely give it a shot.

I'm a small person and it wrecks me physically for the rest of the day. I just can't give blood anymore. So, please step in for me!

[Anonymous]

Go to children's or Inova donor centers. Not a temporary drive and not the red cross donor center. Yes to reclining, hydration, and eating well in advance. If you start feeling warm or experience vision changes (darkness closing in) TELL them and they can help you or stop the donation if needed. The blood of people don't finish can still be used for research. Consider bringing someone with you so they can distract you, alert someone if you need help, and take you home after. Leave plenty of time so if you don't feel good you can rest after. When transferring from the donation bed to the post donation area, sit up and rest, stand up slowly, and take your time walking over. Definitely stay in the post-donation area for 15 minutes.

[Anonymous]

I give blood regularly and encourage people to do so, but given your concerns I’d just skip it.

[Anonymous]

I donate via INOVA and as others have said, they have reclined chairs as standard. You can turn your head when they insert the needle though I prefer to watch. They’ve always covered up the insertion site once the needle is in and then the bag is hung down so you can’t see your own.

Definitely start hydrating well in advance so your veins are nice and juicy and near the surface!

[Anonymous]

You’re laying down. My H passed out giving plasma. My friend passed out giving blood.

They know how to deal with that.