This should really be failed to give blood!

My second time, apparently I have very thin/narrow veins, (only thing about me that is thin!)

The Nurse manages to get the needle in, but the blood is flowing way too slowly.  The place in my arm where the needle is in is very painful so they decide to call it a day.

When they pull the needle out I have what looks like a piece of cotton, about an inch long, attached to the hole.  Do you think this is a bit of vein?

The whole area is very sore and they told me to expect bruising.

I am determined to have another go as I think it's such a worthwhile thing to do, but I'm hoping today was just a one off and that next time will be better.

And to make matters worse (I'm quite squeamish ) the man in the bed opposite had managed to bleed all over the bed, the floor and his shoes.!

I went once and fainted!! At least you did not do that! My OH gives pints every time Im just to squeemish now.

I'm needle phobic as such. In and out jabs are fine but blood tests i get myself very worked up and have to have someone sitting with me, that is why i've never done it.. I applaud anyone who can do it though..

My first time resulted in me bleeding everywhere-can't remember why. I think the tube bit came off the needle (this was years ago).

The pain you had might be because you've got a nerve running close to your vein-I have that with my right arm, so I only donate from my left. Maybe try your other arm next time?

I used to give blood but was always slower than everyone else and used to be left with horrendous bruises too. The last time I went they gave up in one arm cause it was a drip a minute so asked if they could try my other arm. I agreed and again it was very very slow but I was okay and they eventually got almost a bag full but when I went to get up for my cup of tea I felt really faint! About 30mins later I felt okay to sit up so was brought tea and biscuits and eventually after another 30 mins they let me go home! I'm afraid to say I've never gone back.

> I went once and fainted!!

Me too.

I've got my silver badge, for 25 pints now, go as often as I can, my Dad has done it since he was 20, he's 61 now!

I've given about 20 pints (and I'm only 27 before anyone says anything :)) and I had the same problem with my left arm so now they take it from the right arm and there is no problem so maybe ask them to try your other arm.  It may be worth trying the local anaesthetic too in order to numb your arm.

Maybe give it one more go then if it's too painful call it a day, that's what I think I'd do.  Or leave it a year then go back and try again.

I've never seen anyone bleeding but imagine it could well put people off!!

Yes I shall try again, it's something I really want to do.  I have an appointment for January.  My arm is still really tender though, and I'm afraid
to pull the plaster off!!

The plaster removal is DEFINITELY the worst bit - it makes my eyes water every time!!

general post for those who donate- your all stars and its a great thing your doing.

they don't want mine yet because of nasty medicines :(

"When they pull the needle out I have what looks like a piece of cotton, about an inch long, attached to the hole.  Do you think this is a bit of vein?"

Have you found out if it's a bit of vein?  Reading this made me shudder.  I used to give blood, but since I had a transfusion in mid 90's, they don't want it.  Shame since I'm O neg.  Always been a bit curious about this.  This was the height of mad cow disease, and I don't think blood was screened for it. 

I used to do it too, now as I have to take daily thyroid medication it's not good enough :(
I am rhesus negative so it is a shame as it seems such a waste.
My son has joined the bone marrow register, I 'm pleased he is willing to do that as it is altogether a more serious thing to volunteer to give!

Karen

> I used to do it too, now as I have to take daily thyroid medication it's not good enough :-(

me too.  I had a needle phobia until I had to get used to the regular blood samples after being diagnosed with thyroid issues and flipping typical, now that I can give blood and can cope with the needles they don't want it.

I have good veins but when giving blood it used to take ages.  I then started to donate plateletts (sp) that is where you get to have a lie down for up to an hour or more and they take the plasma out of your blood and return the red cells.  You can donate every three or four weeks or less if you prefer and you get a local aneasthetic for the needle going in. LOL

Not to bad for the wee lassie the nurse had to detach from her desk at primary school for a rubella injection :-)

> I then started to donate plateletts

Abbeypap - did you offer to donate platelets, or were you asked to? Last time I gave blood I noticed two people were doing this, and I thought I'd be happy to since you get such a long lie down!!
I do give blood now about every 3 or 4 months and I am lucky as I never feel faint and find it easy to do.

I offered after visiting my Nana in hospital and watching her having a drip which contained plasma.
I have never had a bad experience while donating, staff are 2nd to none.  The local is not used because they use a bigger needle or anything, it is only because you have the needle in your arm for quite a time.  I've never had any problems not even a bruise :)  If you have certain antibodies etc your blood products can be used for different procedures, a lot of the time mine is used in treating babies, by taking the train on a 30 min journey I am making a difference to someones life.

Only once have they refused to take from me and that was when I had a coldsore on my lip, this infection can be passed on in the blood.

Visit the blood transfusion service to read more http://www.blood.co.uk/index.html

Thanks Abbeypap. I will find out more and hopefully will be able to do this too, it really is worthwhile.

I'm a complete wuss when it comes to needles, but I braved it and went with a colleague about six weeks ago for the first time.  If I can do it, I really feel anyone able to can.  I was absolutely terrified beforehand, but felt it was something I should do if I could.  A couple of other guys are going to come with us next time when we go in November.

I'm not so much of a wuss- first time was fine, 2nd time I passed out after returning to my desk ( we used to do it at work). And as I'd been fine at the time had the lemon squash and the biscuit etc, it un-nerved me and I've never been able to go back since.

I'm hard to get blood from as my viens run and hide<sigh> I need 6 weekly blood tests because of medication I'm on so can't give blood either. Wish I had done it before the medication well done all who do

> I offered after visiting my Nana in hospital and watching her having a drip which contained plasma.
> I have never had a bad experience while donating, staff are 2nd to none.&nbsp; The local is not used because they use a bigger needle or anything, it is only because you have the needle in your arm for quite a time.&nbsp; I've never had any problems not even a bruise :-)&nbsp; If you have certain antibodies etc your blood products can be used for different procedures, a lot of the time mine is used in treating babies, by taking the train on a 30 min journey I am making a difference to someones life.
>

Most definitely! My 13 year old neice was admitted to hospital on Monday due to what was initially a common cold on Sunday, turning into passing blood, stomach pains and jaundice by Monday morning.  Yesterday she had her 2nd platelet transfusion in as many days and she may have to go onto dialysis :(

I used to give blood regularly through work but had to stop when I had my children.  I haven't been back since but with whats going on with my neice I am definitely going back as soon as I can.

Do hope your neice improves soon,