mama. mama i'm gso scared. i can't sleep rite now, it's morning. i'm so nervous because i need to donate blood soon. my testosterolne is making my red blood cell count hi. and now i need to donate blood. and mama. mama getting blood dreamsdrawn is my worst fear in the whole world. i've been getting better at it, but im so afraid. i always feel so cold after and so dizzy when it's happening. what if i faint????? i'm so scared. i'm happy it will save people too, it's worth doing for sure for every reason but im so. so so so so so so so scared mama. so scared mama.
mama please if u can maybe see if u can give me some tips and things to help me feel better and find some online? i'm so scared. i don't wanna look anymore cuz im feeling sick from looking. i have to don this alone cuz bio mama is would say i am doing a bad thing cuz its because of my t. i think i can have friend come with me. it will help i think. i am just so scared and so crying. i never wanna take blood!! it's so scared mama.
r thank you mama. so much. big hugs
I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so scared, but it's important to know that being scared is not being weak- there are people who donate every year and are still scared everytime, that doesn't mean they aren't brave.
As someone who has bad blood work done before and has actually passed out from it, it's a totally understandable fear to be worried about how your body will react under these stressful situations. Those are really common anxiety responses when it comes to getting blood drawn and you're in no way alone there, but because it's so common that also means the staff there know how to help you through it! There's nothing wrong with asking to lay down while it's being done to avoid fainting (I do that every time now!), bringing a blanket or warm layers, and something sugary to help your body recover. The staff aren't there to judge you, they're there to make sure you're feeling as comfortable as possible through it.
Looking for tips online can definitely make it seem more scary so I'll try to find what I can for you! I'm sorry your bio mom can't come with you.. you deserve love, support and understanding through this. Bringing a friend is an amazing idea, or even a stuffed animal to squeeze can help (the staff shouldn't judge you at all, people bring stuffed animals to all sorts of medical things to help with anxiety!).
Now.. let's see some tips
Like you said, bring a friend! Moral support goes a long way and they can help distract you while it's being done! Having a stuffed animal, even a really small one, is also great for grounding!
tell the doctor/nurse that you're nervous immediately, being brave does not mean hiding your fear! They want to know so that they can help you as best you can and keep an extra eye on you to make sure you're safe, they can also help distract you through it!
Ask to lay down, I do this every time I have to do something with needles.. it helps you avoid feeling faint and they often let you lay there until you feel safe enough to slowly start sitting up, then waiting a bit, and then standing again.. taking it at your own pace is great for making sure you're ready to get back up
Drink lots of fluid and eat a proper meal beforehand, this helps reduce dizziness and faint feelings! From what I've heard most places give you a cookie or something once it's done but it doesn't hurt to bring along a juice box or some candy to help your blood sugar after too!
You don't have to watch! I always look away and talk to a friend, to the nurse, recite song lyrics in my head (or listen to a song if you bring headphones), count tiles on the floor, or even do math! Distractions are great for getting through it
Should go without saying but make sure you keep communicating to the nurse about how you feel! Even if it's just "am I feeling dizzy? Or am I just imagining it?" The staff are trained to help you and letting them know right away keeps everyone prepared!
Take all the time you need before you leave! I know sometimes it feels like you should rush out so the nurses can get to the next person, but they'd much rather have you lay/sit down for a minute to make sure you're doing alright before you start walking out! The safer the better!!
Taking blood is really scary, even if it's a great thing to do for others! What you're doing is super brave and I'm so proud of you, even if it's not something you have much of a say in. It's also important to remember that, just in case, people faint sometimes. But the staff are there help them recover, make sure they're okay, and move on. it's not a disaster, it's just a normal response to stress.
Sending huge hugs, I believe in you!
