willbakewithbitty replied to your post “I guilted myself into signing up for the blood donor clinic on campus...”
I'm very sorry you don't like needles, but as a person who has received a transfusion that saved my life, I thank you in advance for someone else and send you happy thoughts. I mean it sincerely...
Thanks. I don’t even know what my blood type is, but I hope it will be useful?
dexterousdawdler replied to your post “I guilted myself into signing up for the blood donor clinic on campus...”
Good job! I used to donate blood, but wasn't able to for a while. Donating actually helped relieve some of my needle related anxiety as it was something I chose to so rather than something I had to do. I hope you get a nicer nurse next time
It would be nice if I could get over my fear of needles, as it’s both frustrating and embarrassing (I could tell my coworkers just did not understand my issue. They kept telling me it wouldn’t hurt. Like guys, pain is so not the problem!). At this point the jury is still out on whether there’ll be a next time - we’ll see.
ohgreatblackbunny replied to your post “I guilted myself into signing up for the blood donor clinic on campus...”
Congratulations! I'm like you and not a fan of needles at all. If it helps next time turn your head away and not look at the needle area a all. Unfortunately moving your fingers helps the blood flow, my local blood donation center gives me a stress ball to rotate or squeeze. Did you donate with red Cross? My friends and I all have had bad times with them, if you can I'd suggest finding a local donation company for next time. After you donate you should sit for 15 minutes and have a snack and water/oj. My local place and even the mobile donation centers at my undergrad offers snacks. If you feel dizzy after eating and drinking something I'd call the donation place and ask for advice. Hope you feel better❤ I've donated blood many times but the last time I did I was pretty jittery anxious the entire time for some reason. I'm glad you donate and I hope you'd think about donating again 2/2
I tried not to look as much as possible (though the nurse was saying something to me at one point and I couldn't hear so I instinctively turned my head and yup, saw the needle - ugh). I donated with Canadian Blood Services; pretty sure there are no local donation companies up here. And yeah, I was kinda lightheaded and shaky after so I probably should've sat longer. The funny thing is, I have mild rosacea (I think) in my face, so to someone else I didn't look white, but when I looked at myself in the mirror afterwards I was shocked. I've never seen myself that pale. I drank some water and I probably should've eaten, but my chest and stomach were so tight from adrenaline/nerves I couldn't.
likeanelephantfootprint replied to your post “I guilted myself into signing up for the blood donor clinic on campus...”
You're so brave! I'm scared of needles too and am working my way up to donation because I know it's so important. Well done, this complete stranger on the internet is proud of you <3
I actually felt the opposite of brave; it's embarrassing to be so upset your hands are shaking in front of people. But in retrospect, I'm glad my coworker came with me because being able to chat with her was a welcome distraction - so you might consider bringing someone with you too. And in all honesty, today I'm like "I can't believe I did that. Did I really do that?"
pardonmynerdgasm replied to your post “I guilted myself into signing up for the blood donor clinic on campus...”
Go chibi! Proud of you! Im too scared to do it ever cuz needles kinda freak me out too.
For me the worst part was definitely the anticipation? Like when I got to the chair and sat down, I told the nurse I was terrified of needles. But he still left me sitting there for what felt like forever (probably 5-10 minutes) because he and another nurse were fussing over a girl who'd almost fainted. And I understand that and appreciate it, but I was like DUDE. I AM FREAKING OUT. CAN WE GET THIS PROCESS MOVING. In retrospect I should've said something - like, "if you don't fucking do it I'm outta here" - but then I probably would've cried, so yeah.
ellendd replied to your post “I guilted myself into signing up for the blood donor clinic on campus...”
Good for you! (((hugs))) You did a wonderful thing for someone today.
Thanks! It seems terrible to say that part of what kept me in the chair was pure curiosity over what my blood type is, plus the fact that I didn't want to go back to the office and admit I'd chickened out...
