Donating Blood. Anybody done it?

[CTID1988]

Im going tomorrow for the first time, thought id do my bit!
Just wondered if anybody knows what happens, how long il be in there exactly etc.
Il probably pass out as soon as i see blood leaving me but all worth it in the end i suppose!

 

[AlexWilliamsGloves]

Its easy...wish i did it more

Youll be there for about 20 mins...all you feel is a slight scratch as the needle goes in, after that nothing

oh and youll get a cup of tea and a biscuit :-)

 

[SkyBlueFlux]

I've not, because I can't, but good man for donating!

You'll be helping somebody. I've had a dozen blood transfusions in the past four or five years and without kind people like yourself I'd be long gone, so it's well worth it, you're saving lives. Not enough people are donating these days and they are having shortages.

From what I know it's no big deal, literally an in and out job. They'll just put a clip in you and drain a few units. Painless if they find the vein easily. A lot of people worry about the needle but the secret is to stay relaxed, if you tense your muscles it'll hurt but if you relax you probably wont feel anything at all.

If they take it out of you at the same rate they put it in then it's about 20-30 minutes per unit. So It should take less than an hour I'd imagine.

 

[talkativesprout]

My dad used to do it all the time, very worthwhile mate good on ya. Id love to do it myself but i dont think im allowed to because i stood on a syringe a few years ago and only had 2 of my hep shots

 

[mcfc2112]

Good on ya!

I've not been for ages - kind of miss it really!

If you're a little squeamish, just look away as they do it, and it'll be over before you realise!

They'll swab your arm with a numbing liquid, and the best way to describe the sensation (that I know of anyway) is as if you put an elastic band around your wrist - not too tight - then just slightly "ping" it...

That's it!

My gran gave over 100 pints, my ma has too...

 

[big gaz]

Used to go and drained twice a year,durring my working years. Now due to medications sadly unable to donate anymore.

 

[Kippaxian]

If you find the process ok and have some spare time once a month,ask about platelet donations and whether you may be able to donate?
Slightly different process in that you are "hooked" up to a machine for about 90 mins but if you go to Plymouth Grove centre they have TV's and you can take your lappy etc.

I'm due to go for my 130th donation soon (you can go as much as once a month (it used to be very 2 weeks!)) but the whole process takes about 2 hours from start to finish.

 

[GazM]

Yes. Get down there & donate (did see some bloke pass out last time i donated mind - he had a "re-bleed")

 

[SkyBlueFlux]

Yes. Get down there & donate (did see some bloke pass out last time i donated mind - he had a "re-bleed")

For every person who passes out donating it could mean one less anemic like me passing out ;) such martyrs, you have my admiration.

 

[ellspark]

The worst part for me is when they take a sample to make sure that the bp isn't too high, they like prick your finger and I find that strangely the worst bit. The rest is fine. Just don't look, if you're a bit squeamish, and don't think about it too much. It's over quick enough.

And you get fizzy drinks, biscuits, tea etc afterwards. Good cause and nice treat afterwards.