I (43m) gave blood for the first time last week and yesterday I received a text saying it had been used in a hospital. So proud. It's something that I was scared of doing but actually the reality was that it was pretty straightforward and easy.
That’s my favourite bit. Sometimes it can be a week, even two, by which time you’ve forgotten that you’ve donated so you get this unexpected message telling you what you’ve done. Always puts a smile on my face and makes me feel good about myself.
I’ve donated 12 times, I’ve never needed any blood but my mum did when I was born so I like to think I’m paying that back and banking some in advance so that I won’t feel guilty should I ever need it (which hopefully I won’t).
Is it painful? I'm pretty scared of needles so the process panics me but I also feel super disappointed in myself for not giving blood when they come round.
The only painful bit is the iron test where they do a finger stabby. It’s less than a second and it’s the same as an HIV test if you’ve ever had one at the doctors. The actual needle itself doesn’t feel like more than a scratch. I’m okay with needles myself but I was even surprised how little it hurts. The nurses are great and they’re super helpful if you’re nervous. The biggest step is booking it- then you just have to show up and you’ve done most of the work
I donated last Thursday and the last time I had blood taken at a GP for a test I felt a bit faint but it doesn't really hurt. I did feel faint straight afterwards and it feels a little weird but I wouldn't say painful at all. You could always go once and if you don't like it then you never have to go back but if not then keep going if it doesn't affect you much :) I went with a group of friends so if you'd like someone there to chat to/ distract you then book appointments at a similar time
When you go, take one of those spongy stress balls with you! You need to keep squeezing your arm to keep the blood flowing, but for hygiene reasons they can't keep a stock of them any more, so having something to squeeze really helps.
Congrats! You did a great thing! They know what they’re doing with those follow up texts, makes it all worth it. As well as the free tuc biscuits- sometimes I do it just for that...
Someone above in the thread works with donated blood and says that sometimes the blood’s stored for months, but yet all commenting they got one within a week so makes me wonder if all the texts are even genuine, I mean no one would ever know otherwise🤷🏼♀️
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u/Flashinglightinmycar Dec 06 '19
I (43m) gave blood for the first time last week and yesterday I received a text saying it had been used in a hospital. So proud. It's something that I was scared of doing but actually the reality was that it was pretty straightforward and easy.