Anonymous wrote:You have vasovagal syncope. It helps to be hydrated, lie down and to clench your big butt muscles but basically there’s nothing you can do.

Honestly blood donation and blood shortages are all kind of shady. The whole industry is sort of sketch. But important. I suspect a doctor would say if you have vasovagal, they’d rather you didn’t donate unless directed to do so for a family member or something.

Wtf. Let’s hope you never need blood. I’m certain a doctor would NOT tell you not to donate, since vasovagal is harmless

Anonymous wrote:I fainted the first time. I won’t go into why I fainted because it’s disturbing and I don’t want to make whoever reads this feel uncomfortable! I never tried to give blood again and I don’t feel bad. I feel like I “give” enough in other ways.

so OP, if you do it and don’t like it, that’s okay, you don’t have to do it again. Might as well give it a go if you feel like you want to support others this way.

That’s…one way to look at it. Another is that fainting whilst sitting in a chair and surrounded my medical professionals used to dealing with people fainting is not that big of a deal.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for donating. It is important. I used to give monthly but am not eligible anymore.
You will be lying down. CLose your eyes and try to relax. Tell them you are a nervous first timer. It will be okay.

Do u give power red? Otherwise monthly is too frequent

Anonymous wrote: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.

I've given blood and this past time I almost fainted. They knew exactly what to do...it was low blood sugar not from looking at the blood.

Make sure if you do give blood eat a well snd drink a lot of fluids.

You have vasovagal syncope. It helps to be hydrated, lie down and to clench your big butt muscles but basically there’s nothing you can do.

Honestly blood donation and blood shortages are all kind of shady. The whole industry is sort of sketch. But important. I suspect a doctor would say if you have vasovagal, they’d rather you didn’t donate unless directed to do so for a family member or something.

I fainted the first time. I won’t go into why I fainted because it’s disturbing and I don’t want to make whoever reads this feel uncomfortable! I never tried to give blood again and I don’t feel bad. I feel like I “give” enough in other ways.

so OP, if you do it and don’t like it, that’s okay, you don’t have to do it again. Might as well give it a go if you feel like you want to support others this way.

Book at the Charles Drew center (in the Red Cross building). You sit in a recliner with a screen in front of you to watch whatever you want on Netflix. There are bountiful snacks and juice afterward. A regular donation takes 20ish min. If you’re eligible for power red that actually helps you feel better after and you donate two units. Good luck! I joke to my kids that my regular blood donation appointments are a spa day.

I occasionally have a vasovagal response to needles and start to pass out. I always tell them this ahead of time. I also have thin veins so a kid needle works best and I show them exactly which vein is the best.

Thank you for donating. It is important. I used to give monthly but am not eligible anymore.
You will be lying down. CLose your eyes and try to relax. Tell them you are a nervous first timer. It will be okay.

^^me too! I give blood and I hate needles. But I know I am saving a life. For every pint of blood donated, you save 3 lives (or so they say!)

Anonymous wrote:OP— I’m a fainter, and I’ve never given blood because of it. But I just signed up to give after seeing this thread. I’m 0- and so I know that it’s something I should be doing.

I'm THRILLED to see this! I have an appointment for next week.
-- OP

OP— I’m a fainter, and I’ve never given blood because of it. But I just signed up to give after seeing this thread. I’m 0- and so I know that it’s something I should be doing.

Anonymous wrote:Also, if they don’t do it automatically, I always ask them to cover up the needle where it goes in my arm. I don’t like to see it. They are always happy to do that.
And look forward to a treat afterwards!

Go for the cookies! Literally! Those oatmeal creme cookies are feckin' delicious!

Go worried, OP. Lots of people worry. I was nervous my first time, too. And now it's totally NBD.

Anonymous wrote: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.

This.

I've donated many times and the one and only time I fainted it was because I was dieting and hadn't eaten anything that morning (and not much the night before) before my donation appointment.

Also, if they don’t do it automatically, I always ask them to cover up the needle where it goes in my arm. I don’t like to see it. They are always happy to do that.
And look forward to a treat afterwards!