getting blood drawn.

[Wolfgang]

As the title says I'm getting blood drawn, this saturday even and I'm really nervous. I've never had blood drawn and people have told me that the needle hurts; and what I'm really worried about is what happens afterwards. I've heard that afterwards you get lightheaded and that you can't drive yourself home. I don't think that getting 2 pints of blood taken out of me and I'm 133 pounds and driving a half ton wrecking ball that is my toyota will be safe.

I just want some advice from people on what todo when they put the needle in and if one of my parents should drive me home?

[Puncia]

Don't worry about it, they're all terror stories. As far as I've heard, you can transfer 2 litre of blood every time you donate. And a litre is close to 2 pints. So there's no worry about blood loss.

If you get dizzy, it's rather your fright that gets you than the actual blood loss. Especially if you're a large person (in any way). Just remember to eat and drink in good time before going, it will keep your blood sugar up and your brain powered.

I would talk to the nurse about this, to hear a professional opinion just in case though. They know best.

And as to the pain, it's all about your mind set. If you're scared, you tense up, it hurts more. Adrenaline is also a natural painkiller so there's nothing wrong with being nervous.

[Vosur Aekira]

For the driving home portion, don't take the risk and try to do so. Have someone drive you home.

As for getting blood drawn, I had blood drawn a lot and I don't like needles a lot either, definitely keep your eyes away from it while it's being done.

[Wolfgang]

thats what I thought Vosur, I don't think I could make it home.

well I'm not donating blood I'm getting it for medical reasons, Its a part of a complicated process to get into my community college.

When I heard that I was getting a blood test I was kind of freaking out; being that I'm not that heavily built.

[Vosur Aekira]

When they're about to stick the needle in, turn your attention away from it. Look at something on the walls if they have any pictures or anything that you'd be able to read. The idea is to distract your attention away from the process, which makes the fear worse.

[Wolfgang]

okay, thanks for the advice Vosur. I'm relaxing right now watching TV and talking with friends.

[Kaprika]

SCREW THAT

i did it ONE time to ya know..help out.
but the dang lady couldnt find her a dang vein and went like too deep.

i couldnt straighten or bend my arm for like 3 weeks without it hurting. and thats my DRAWING arm
<

[Egan]

Turn away and think of something deeply.
I wouldn't do it myself,but I have a needle phobia

[^Geist^]

Don't worry about it. Im not scared of needles and to be completely honest with you barely feel anything. Think some one poking you with a pencil with a sharper point.  Not trying to make it sound worse but you only really feel the needle itself when your skin gives way. The after needle(when you have left the hospital and the blood has already been drawn.)doesn't hurt as long as the doctor/nurse etc does it properly. With that being said try and resist the urge to twist around too much or else they will miss and your arm will hurt after a while. If your arm really hurts that bad you can always ask them to prescribe you minor painkillers or just go pick some up off the shelf( wouldn't recommend it as it's always nice to stick it out as long as possible imo).I'm only about 100 pounds and have had about 500mL drained and you do feel a bit light headed/dopey. I felt completely functional but it depends on your tolerance. Since I don't know how easily or how tolerant your are I would recommend trying to get a friend or someone to drive you back or even take pub transit/walk etc.

[Wolfgang]

Thanks for the advice everyone. The reason I worry about driving myself home is that to get to the lab where I'm getting blood drawn is that I have to drive on a busy highway and if I'm going to be lightheaded/dopey as Geist said then I really don't want to drive myself home.

[ArcticSkyWolf]

it will be over before you know it.

just eat a lot of food and drink a lotta water

[Alicia-Korean-Soviet]

I hate getting blood drawn. >:U

I would suggest to just try and be brave as you can. Bring your music player or look at something in the room to distract yourself from the pain. Also, ask the nurse to go gentle or use a small needle. I remember I had to get blood drawn two times in one week (believe me, it sucked), and I tried my best to remain calm both times. It might be different for you, as it is different for me.

Good luck.

~Alicia

[✡]

driving yourself home lightheaded ain't a problem. you just gotta keep a clear mind and you'll be fine.

[Puncia]

When it comes to needles (I've had my fair share of them due to piercings, and those are large and hollow), I've found that the best way to ease the pain is to focus on it. Put all your energy into explore it, try to figure what it feels like, push it away, and then it doesn't hurt nearly as bad anymore. It's not a masochist thing, it's just about understanding pain and removing it.

Then again, it's my personal way of dealing with it, so there's no guarantee.

[Blackfang1002]

I've had blood drawn god knows how many times and truthfully it does suck. Just look away and focus your mind on something else around the room. I hurts at first but it soon goes away. Close your eyes or look at a poster and dont scare yourself. The doctors there do this for a living so they know what to do. When I enlisted into the Army I had plenty of holes poked in my arms so trust me when I say it sucks but it isnt bad. As for the after effects Id say have someone drive you home. Its better to be safe than sorry. The first few times I had blood drawn I had my dad drive me home. Even if I wasnt light headed I always had someone there. Just in case. Hope I helped