Blackouts, seizures, donating blood

[Noor]

My blood pressure dropped and I may have blacked out the last time I gave blood and now I am banned from giving blood.

I am banned too.

 

[pointless]

yeah, they have a lot of weird rules, but the being banned for passing out is not weird. that's simple liability. also, that shit is fucking scary. i used to go regularly and i've seen at least two people go into convulsions/have a seizure right next to me. not fun. most don't want to come back. i understand that completely.

 

[Noor]

Make sure you are hydrated with water/fruit juice/powerade or something and eat before going in. Walk around a bit before to get your blood pressure uo.

Do not look at the needle. Do not look at any blood.

 

[pointless]

yeah, always eat. try to make sure it's not too fatty, either. it'll just take longer and clog the filter.

 

[Noor]

Large needles in vein cause problems for some people and there is nothing you can do about it. venipuncture vasovagal syncope or something like that.

 

[JanneE]

They probably just don't want to get sued if you get hurt. It's standard procedure, I'm sure.

The funniest thing? Hmm... There were no release forms in place for anything out of the norm. I asked if there was something I could sign just to show I was alright and they shook their heads. The load fell on one person to handle anything outside of pitch-perfect and she looked more scared than I was! The employees were all college students.

 

[pointless]

google how much they get paid and you'll understand why they're all young. vein cutting isn't exactly a high paying job.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

I need a "cheat sheet" for people who have donated blood even if they were afraid. I have never been able to give blood without passing out and the last time I did it, I had a seizure and made a big scene. They were so nice and gave me Gatorade and granola bars and asked me good questions. That is no way to repay anyone and it doesn't even seem like my fault! It seems like it happened out of nowhere though, which is why I am getting mad and thinking about doing it again.

I know you need to drink a very specific amount of liquid and be inactive. I do not want to get psyched up with my caffeinated headphones blaring or something just so they can stick a needle in me, but I would if that would help me finish it. I don't care that I am afraid, but I do not want a repeat for anyone's sake.

Giving blood is a great experience. It started for me when my grandfather needed blood and he told me how it saved his life.

We used to blood race to see who could fill the bag the fastest, no joke. There is nothing to be afraid of at all and it is fun. You are saving lives while eating cookies and drinking juice. What is cooler that that?

I had the gallon pin a while back and then lost track. This post has given me a new resolve to give again in 2016. Time to give!

 

[JanneE]

I would be ok with that. I honestly think I would be able to do it if it weren't such a procedure. Everything is too "perfect". They would probably laugh in other countries.