Blood drives are regular occurrences at my work. Normally, I’m fairly gung ho about participating in the events hosted at work, but I’ve always shied away from donating blood. I’ve always been afraid it would hurt and I was worried about passing out. I seemed to never feel well whenever the blood drives came around either, but I think that was psychological more than anything. Most importantly, I hate getting stuck by needles. Needles and I are definitely not on speaking terms. I get very lightheaded and nauseated if I watch the needle go in so I have to turn away when the actual poking occurs. (That didn’t bother me until I saw my older sister Caryn get an epidural. 8O )
On Friday, my work held another blood drive. For most of the day, I ignored it, didn’t give it a second thought. However, right after lunch, one of the executive secretaries started to encourage people to give blood because there was only one person in the chair at that moment. After a lot of internal debate and some external debate with some of my co-workers, I finally decided to donate blood.
Fortunately, my phlebotomist was very skilled. I didn’t feel the needle going in at all. I only felt a little bit of pressure, which I was extremely grateful for because I’ve had some pretty awful experiences when I’ve had to have my blood drawn.
Apparently, I’m a slow bleeder. Federal regulation stipulates that you can only have a needle in your arm, while donating blood, for 20 minutes. This helps prevent infection and irritation to your vein. Most people can donate an entire unit (one pint) of blood in no more than 10 minutes. It took me a little over 18 minutes to donate an entire unit. At one point, I had three phlebotomists working on me trying to get my blood to drain faster. I guess if I ever get in a bad car wreck, there’s a good chance I don’t have to worry about bleeding to death. ;)
I was very nervous at first, but donating blood wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I think it depends on the phlebotomist you get. I should’ve done it a long time ago. I’m fairly certain I’ll donate blood again, even though I have a bruise the size of a small kiwi on my arm. (I followed the directions precisely and didn’t take my bandage off until 4 hours later. Corey thinks it has to do with the phlebotomists moving the needle around trying to get me to bleed faster.)
PS–Don’t forget to click the “Subscribe to this post’s comments” link so you’re notified when I (or even someone else) replies. (Click here for instructions if you need them.)
Brave soul. I’ve only ever been able to give plasma, not blood. Not sure why. Makes you feel good either way though. =)
I don’t know if I’d like donating plasma. Not only do they have to take your blood out, they have to put it back in. That just seems weird. But, again, it could just be my preconceived notions. ;)
Good for you! I used to donate somewhat regularly at the blood drives at BYU, but haven’t for a long time. I should look into doing it again.
My Dad races to see how quickly he can do it. Its kinda funny.
Ashley – That’s cool. I’ll keep donating as long as I work here and then I’m sure I’ll donate for our ward drives too. Obviously, I won’t donate too often, though. ;)
Catie S – I would definitely lose that race! :lol:
I can’t give blood. It makes me sad because there may be a time when I need someone else’s blood and can’t return the favor for someone else. (Did that make sense?) I have low iron and they don’t want my blood. I had no idea that it takes that long for someone to give a pint of blood. That is crazy! I thought it would be much faster.
Jen – I’m sorry you can’t give blood. I didn’t think I could either because of my fibromyalgia, but I guess I can. Corey can’t give blood either and neither can my dad. So, it’s okay. :)
Never done it, but good for you!
Just look at you with your PURPLE!!! bandage on your poked and prodded arm matching your cute top! You are so fashion forward even giving blood :) Seriously though, you may literally change or save someone’s life with your unselfishness. Good for you, Jen!
I’ve never donated blood. First I was under the required weight, then I was pregnant, and now it’s just not something I really want to do. I’m actually a little afraid because I’m just over the weight requirement. Although, I have O- and if I did donate they’d love me.
That’s awesome you did it though!
Yay for you! You finally got up enough courage to donate. I’m very proud of you! I guess someone had to fill in for me since I wasn’t there to donate. Way to represent! :)
Becky – You should do it. It feels very rewarding and it doesn’t hurt at all.
Deon – I was excited when they gave me the choice of color for my bandage. And, I’m glad I decided to give blood. :)
Andrea – I can understand with being just over the weight requirement. I wouldn’t want to take the chance either.
Lauren – I didn’t know you gave blood. That’s cool! I have a higher level of respect for you now. ;)
I’ve wanted to give blood also with the whole Marine thing especially since I’m O Negative but I pass out every time, like a brick. Very proud of you.
On a side note – you look great!
Love you!
So great that you donated, Jenni! I am squeamish around needles too, so I can totally relate to your nervousness. I haven’t participated in a blood drive for several years now & really need to make a point of donating again soon. It is such a rewarding experience.
LeAnn – I didn’t know you were 0 negative. I’m A positive. I wonder what everyone else in the family is. Sorry you pass out like a brick. That would be no fun.
Violet – I’m glad there are people who can relate to my issue with needles. It’s so weird because I used to not be like that. Oh well. ;)
I’m on the Red Cross’ 8 week call list. That’s how often you are allowed to donate blood. Once they get me bleeding, I’m done in about 4 minutes. I asked them if that was fast and they said it was so I asked what made it go so fast. They told me that if you exercise regularly and drink a lot of water, the blood flows faster. So there’s your tip. Next time the blood drive comes around, make sure you’ve been exercising and that you are VERY hydrated. Then they won’t have to be poking around your vein to get the flow up.
Christie – Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely keep that in mind. :)
You are awesome!
I once tried to give blood, but my blood pressure was way too low. In fact, they sent me straight to the snack table! I’m still barred from donating for a few more months since I had a transfusion last year. But I would love to donate at some point in my life. :)
Kayla – That’s funny that they sent you straight to the snack table. I forgot to grab my snack after I donated. :( I hope you can donate some time! :)
You are brave. Good for you. Too bad you couldn’t donate to Mr edward. :)
Aymee – I would have loved to donate to Mr. Edward. :)
I know you’ve moved on past this post, but I feel the need to respond to your response to my comment. Of course I donate blood!!! I can’t believe you never knew. I go every time they have a drive at work since I’ve started working at Dentrix. Sheesh! I don’t think you pay attention to me at all!!! :) Oh well, at least you respect me a little more now. Maybe it’ll help keep you from doing evil things to my desk when I’m not at work.