Donating blood?

A

amy1985

New member
This is aimed at people in the UK- what's it like to give blood in this country? I ask as a needlephobe (it's one of my top three phobias) and also as someone who's allergic (as far as I know) to all the usual medical adhesives (including the hypoallergenic ones). Is it likely to be a traumatic experience? I'd love to give blood, but I've heard it takes an hour and the idea rather scares me. (I'm an organ donor- without exception, they can have it all if I cark it, I don't care- but that's very much a potential thing) Also, is it less important for someone like me to give blood, as I have a blood type they seem to have less problems with (I'm one of the A blood types, can't remember which)?
 
I've only given blood once and it was yrs ago on one of the donating busses. If u feel a bit scared they lie you down and u can look away while they put the needle in. The actual giving blood part doesn't take an hr cos when u go someone asks u some questions like r u on medication and if so what's it for? They also ask where you've been on hold etc etc then u give blood then afterwards the give u juice and a biscuit which u have to gave, they won't let u leave without it. It doesn't matter what blood type u r, I doubt very much they'll turn u away. It's a good thing to do. I should really do it again myself.

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I'm scared of needles too but would love to give blood. Before my uncle died nearly 2 years ago he needed a load of blood and i'd love to "give back" somehow. The thing is, they could take it from my butt, or my calf or even my bloody face but those sections of my arm.....noooo. Freaks me out so much. I don't like even extending my arm and looking at the thinner skin where you can see your veins at your elbow. It really makes me feel ill. (I'm also the same with behind my knees..weird!) So I'm in your boat Amy--Too scared to do it but very curious!!
 
Never done it in this country, so I don't know about over here, but I would guess it's similar everywhere.
I've given blood before in Germany though, and it wasn't too bad. You can lie down, and the people who do it have a lot of experience, so putting the needle in is usually really quick and doesn't hurt too bad. Takes a little while until they get what they need...about 10 minutes or so. In Germany you get a coffee or coke and some cookies as well if you want afterwards. Or a sandwich, or something like that. Oh, and they pay. Not sure if they do that here in the UK as well.

I found the whole experience less unpleasant than having my blood taken at the doctors to be honest.
 
Thanks for your responses :) It's definitely something I want to look into and am considering. The NHS has done a lot for me in the time I've been in the UK, and I'd like to give something back (apart from the very potential "if I die you can have what you want")
 
Our gym holds a blood donation session about once a month, it only takes about 15 minutes and you get all the tea and biscuits you want after. It's been a while since I donated though as the last time I had a bad experience.
 
I've only donated blood once about 1 year ago and it's a horrible experience!
The nurse is just a training nurse and my arm was blue-black about 2 weeks.
 
It can ache a bit when the needle is in but nothing serious. The strange sensation was the tube they tape to your arm. I found it felt quite odd as it had warm blood in it.
 
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