FutureSister2009 Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I have a minor problem. There is a blood drive here at school in a few weeks and I really would like to do it because I know how important it is but I have a fear of needles. Has anyone ever been in this situation? Is it really that bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I've donated blood many times. The needle isn't very big, and you can always look away. Actually, here, they usually cover the needle with a gauze pad so you can't even see it until it's in your warm. It hurts a little, there's a kind of pinching feeling. But, since you're giving blood, not getting a shot, there is no follow up burn of something entering your blood stream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizz_loves_jesus Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 Yeah I have! It doesn't hurt all that much, just a light prick and it's over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) P.S. Do it!!!! I gave blood on Monday. Here's some reasons why you should do it. I know you are scared, but I passionately believe that anyone who is healthy enough should. Not everybody is able to, but it truly can save a life. [quote] Every two seconds, someone needs blood - Every minute, patients use more than 36 units of blood or blood products. Every day approximately 40,000 units of blood are used throughout the country. The blood supply needs constant replenishment - Every day more people are diagnosed with illness such as cancer, leukemia and sickle cell disease, all which utilize [url="http://www.indianablood.org/Donors/Learn/Pages/Blood%20Uses%20by%20Disease.aspx"]blood for treatment[/url]. In treating chronic disease and illness, many people may require up to 200 units of blood. One pint of blood can help up to three people - Each unit of blood can be separated into four [url="http://www.indianablood.org/Donors/Learn/Pages/BloodComponents.aspx"]components[/url] - red cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelets. These components can help as many as three different hospital patients. Nearly all blood used for transfusion in the United States is drawn from volunteer donors - Whole blood can be donated every [url="http://www.indianablood.org/Donors/Learn/Pages/Eligibilty.aspx"]56 days[/url]. Platelets can be donated every [url="http://www.indianablood.org/Donors/Learn/Pages/Eligibilty.aspx"]7 days[/url]. Double red cells can be donated every [url="http://www.indianablood.org/Donors/Learn/Pages/Eligibilty.aspx"]112 days[/url]. Plasma can be donated every [url="http://www.indianablood.org/Donors/Learn/Pages/Eligibilty.aspx"]28 days[/url]. There is no substitute for human blood - Despite all the research, there has been no replacement of human blood found. A unit of blood is roughly equivalent to a pint - Adult males have about 12 pints of blood in their bodies and females have about eight pints. Giving blood has health benefits - Each donor receives a free mini-physical that checks for anemia, body temperature, pulse and blood pressure. Donors also receive free cholesterol screening results with every blood donation at all Indiana Blood Center locations. [/quote] Edited September 2, 2011 by Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MargaretTeresa Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I gave blood on Wednesday... I think. Do it! It's amesome. You usually get a teeshirt and cookies and juice. And the best part: you help to save lives. One donation can save up to 3 lives. I try to donate time I get the email saying I'm eligible. It's a blessing, and it only hurts a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FutureSister2009 Posted September 2, 2011 Author Share Posted September 2, 2011 I'm thinking about it, more so than I was before. Thanks guys. If anyone else has a story, please share! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPetiteSoeur Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I donate whenever I can! My next "approved" date is October 2, so I'm hoping to find a place near my school! For years, I was really, really nervous about it, and I wasn't even old enough to donate! When I get shots (flu shots, gardasil, etc) I get lightheaded and even fainter--that was the gardasil one. When I donated blood the first time, I didn't look. At all. I prayed the whole time, mostly songs from Sister Act, and church hymns. I'd eat a BIG breakfast or lunch before you donate, or else you can get lightheaded. Now, whenever I donate, I start lying down and stay down for at least 20 minutes even after I donate, just to get my bearings. Don't get up if you don't feel well; take your time. The nurses are usually very nice. If you're really nervous, take a friend with you or put on your mp3 player. It's worth it, every time. That blood really helps, especially now in the NE because of the storm--lack of power led to over 2000 units of blood to be lost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faithcecelia Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 For years I wasn't allowed to as I had HepA as a child, but the rules have changed so I did for years. Then last year I took part in a drugs trial and wasn't allowed to for a year. Any day now I can again and I will be there in a shot - its a minor inconvenience to the donor and an absolute lifesaver to the recipient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIKolbe Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I give regularly. I do not like needles. I look the other way as they stick me and don't look once it is in. They give me a stressball to squeeze so the blood comes out faster. I don't look at them taking the needle out, I do not look at the "wound" until a bandaid is on it. I also prefer the pink stretchy guaze tape. I do it because people need blood, and I try to use the experience for any possible purgative effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luigi Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 [quote name='MIkolbe' timestamp='1314988605' post='2299270'] I give regularly. I do not like needles. I look the other way as they stick me and don't look once it is in. They give me a stressball to squeeze so the blood comes out faster. I don't look at them taking the needle out, I do not look at the "wound" until a bandaid is on it. I also prefer the pink stretchy guaze tape. I do it because people need blood, and I try to use the experience for any possible purgative effects. [/quote] This is very much my experience. I don't like the sensation of the needle in my arm, but I don't mind it either. I don't watch the stick. I've never had any kind of bad reaction. I used to just give blood, but this summer I've been donating platelets - giving a pint of blood takes about 10 minutes (of needle-in-the-arm time), platelets take about 2 hours. I support LaPetiteSoeur's recommendation of the mp3 player/iPod. If you don't use the mp3/iPod, meditate on the crucifixion - it'll make you appreciate Jesus' sacrifice more and it'll put your own pain in perspective. Offer it up for the poor souls in Purgatory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faithcecelia Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 Luigi - how are you feeling with the platelets? They asked for mine, but it was just as I was in the drug trial, so had to wait. I'd like to do it if they still want them. I have 'common' blood and very high iron levels (even when vegan) so I get begging letters from them quite often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Cat Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I have received mixed signals about if I can donate blood/plasma, otherwise I most likely would. I personally think the blood bank system has a fascinating history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FutureSister2009 Posted September 2, 2011 Author Share Posted September 2, 2011 I like the idea of using my iPod and meditating on the Passion. I've got some appropriate music on my iPod to do that with. I'll probably do it. I'll give an update on here after it happens, if it happens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrestia Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I donate blood whenever I can, and I hate needles. Well, I hate injections. I'd rather donate blood than receive an injection any day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixpence Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I don't like needles at all... but I give whole blood and platelets often... I always look away when they put the needle in. it doesn't hurt that much. Platelets take a long time (like at least an hour), but you can give enough for 3 people in one sitting.... it takes some getting used to and it can be annoying if you have lowish blood pressure like me... but its worth it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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