Giving blood

Have any of you ever donated blood?

What does it feel like? (I'm familiar with injections, but what else)
Did it make you feel sick/light-headed/faint? (If yes, leme know your weight if you dont mind sharing)

Just curious.

I'm donating for the first time on Wednesday (I found out I have a rare type) and was just wondering what to expect. I've been told not to have caffeine on that day and to drink a sugary drink before and after. Anything else?

 

I got alotta tattoos and used to have alot of piercings, so I'm not new to needles, for me, I didn't even feel any of it. I didnt feel at all light headed or anything. All i felt was the lady holdin my arm.

I'm about 6 foot 2 inches tall and a little over 200 pounds, not sure on my exact weight.

 

I had blood taken once for test to see if I was allergic to something and it made my arm feel tingly but it doesn't hurt.

 

This is a pint though, I thought it may be a bit different to a regular blood test

 

I gave a pint and was fine

 

I've never actually given blood, but this is what has always scared me. Is there a way that you can find out your blood type without a full-on donation?

 

Can find out via blood-test at your GP

 

You can order a kit from Amazon where you just prick your thumb and blot a bit of blood on paper I did it.

 

I have a phobia of needles (and dogs) so I will tell you about some things I have unfortunately gone through:

If you feel nervous/anxious, ask to lay down/recline before they begin. You CANNOT pass out if you are in the reclined state. It will also help you to NOT look at the needle or blood bag. Perhaps close your eyes or put in headphones with music prior to the donation.

Definitely eat/drink sugary things before/after. I have been told this helps with mitosis/meiosis (blood replication [my understanding ^.^]). It will help you feel better sooner.

I used to pass out ALL THE TIME when getting my blood drawn, I had been in and out of the doctors throughout high school when trying to determine my disease, I get light headed and pass out [before the reclining tip], but I hear people who are fine the moment they get out of the doctors office.

The first time you will most likely feel nervous/jittery, but after that if you choose to go again, you will be just fine!

Thank you for donating!

 

6'1 170lbs with O+ and it wasn't bad at all. Gave 1 pint and honestly the worst part was the prick they do before you give it to test for low iron lol.

Wasn't faint or anything, and unless you're underweight you shouldn't have anything to worry about!

 

If you give blood at my school's blood drive you get extra credit haha
I've never given blood, but I'm sure you will be fine.

 

I've given blood before, I believe you and I may be the same blood type as I was told the same thing. It didn't hurt in my experience. The thing that hurt the most was the initial prick of to check your blood. I didn't feel sick or anything after and I'm not tall nor am I heavy.

 

Honestly, the only downside of giving blood is the pain. If you can get over that, which isn't hard at all (personally worst part was when they removed the needle), you'll be completely fine. You won't feel any side effects unless you go in on an empty stomach or don't get enough sleep the day prior. It's quick and easy, you'll be in and out.

 

I can't give blood because aparently I don't bleed fast enough? or that can't get it out.

Thought about selling plasma for extra cash once though.

 

I gave 1/2 liter of blood last year. I was 18 years old, weighted about 75 kg. It was the weirdest feeling ever. I didn't feel normal and skipped school for about 3 days after that. It was my first time anyway... and probably my last too.

 

It's honestly not bad we have to get blood taken all the time in class you get used to it and even if you aren't used to it it doesn't really hurt just a little poke and then the needle is in. Granted I believe they use a 18 Gauge needle which is fairly big versus we use a 25 5/8 gauge in class.

 

Cheers guys, I'm sure it'll be fine - was just curious as to other people's experiences/tips

 

I'd give blood, but it lists you can't if you've ever recieved blood during an operation, and I have no idea if I have or not since i've had 3 op's.

 

Fuck that. The guvment will put a chip into your arm.

 

Had it done now, no longer need any feedback.

Was fine, didn't feel it one bit if you're wondering. Sorest bit was the finger prick to check for iron levels and HIV, aha.