Should I donate blood?

[lightningandsnow]

I have a pretty intense needle phobia, but now that I'm old enough to do so, I feel like it's kind of my duty to donate blood.

Plus, I'm thinking maybe this is a good way to desensitize myself.

There's a blood drive where I work, happening in 2 weeks. Should I do it?

[Curtland1015]

1. That whole "saying no to heroin" thing sounds pretty stupid NOW, doesn't it?

IMAGINE how un-scared you'd be of needles if you were a smack head?

But er... yeah. Joking aside, donating blood is great. Just look AWAY from the needle, and all you'll feel is a little pinch. Plus, you usually get a free cookie!

FREE COOKIE!

[TZ]

2. Yes if you can.

FWIW, I lost my INTENSE needle phobia recently...having blood drawn 1-4 times a month AND having to inject oneself weekly does that!


Edited to add: a good phlebotimist will make the draw painless...

[Shell Beau]

3. Of course!! It isn't that bad, I swear.

[deucemagnet]

4. Yes.

It's always a good idea to donate blood. There's really no pain to speak of aside from the initial needle stick, and they can even numb you so that you don't feel that.

It's a very socially responsible thing to do, especially if you're O negative or AB pos/neg.

[DeepBlueC]

5. you will feel good about yourself for doing it

that in itself might help you with your needle phobia.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. My dear lightningandsnow...

Of course you should, sweetie!

As long as you weigh more than 110 pounds, that is! Be sure and eat that day; no fasting! Get plenty of fluids on board...they help the veins stick out!

And tell the phlebotomist that this is your first time donating, and hopefully s/he will help you get through it.

If you have a big vein in your elbow, they will love that! It only takes a few minutes, and you will have helped save several people's lives...

Go for it!

:hug:

[Roon]

7. I have been poked 100s of times

Look away, grip the seat of the chair, and take a deep breath right when they poke you. That's what works for me!

[MissMillie]

8. Yes!!!!

And make sure you fill up on water before you go. Your veins will be easier to find if you're hydrated.

[arbusto_baboso]

9. Be like a Republican and SELL your blood.

Joking, of course.

Yes, donate blood, but donate directly to a hospital. Otherwise, someone is making money off the whole thing.

[soleiri]

10. Yes, if you are comfortable doing so.

As a person with weird phobias (spiders dropping on my head from the ceiling), I'd recommend having someone with you who knows about your phobia and can be there to support you.
Good luck.

and you get cookies and juice, yum.

[NJmaverick]

11. I was in a very similar situation when I was young

I was working in a hospital so they had drives every few months.

To try and overcome my needle phobia I would go and try and give blood. The problem was I would get so nervous my pulse rate would be above 100 so I couldn't give. I would be sent on my way with a "I would if I could sticker". After this happened a few times I came to anticipate this outcome. So I suddenly found myself relaxed and I passed the pulse check. I was like "WHAT?!?! CHECK AGAIN!" Anyway I then started giving blood and overcame my phobia.

[Mugu]

12. The fear is much worse than the actual event.

The part I hate most is answering questions about my personal life, in particular my sex life.