Anyone else simply unable to donate blood?

[dave64o]

I've tried six times to donate blood over the years and I simply can't do it. The only time they got a usable pint was my first time but even then I had the same reaction as every other time. I get chills, start sweating profusely, get lightheaded, and my vein simply refuses to let any more blood go out. I haven't passed out yet but I always assumed that was only because I was lying down at the time.

I was driving into work this morning and on the radio they were talking about a very successful blood drive they ran this past weekend and it got me thinking about this all over again. I want to donate, but I've been unsuccessful so many times I don't bother trying anymore and I kind of feel guilty about that. The first time I did it was when my father had surgery for colon cancer and the hospital asked if we'd consider donating. I agreed without even thinking about it but then I had this experience. At least that time they did get the full pint.

I'm OK having blood drawn for tests, getting injections, and getting Novocain for dental work so it doesn't seem to be a general problem with needles.

Anyone ever experience anything like this and manage to get over it?

[drteeth]

Do you get the same feeling when they take a smaller blood sample (for tests)?

[dave64o]

Originally Posted by drteeth

Do you get the same feeling when they take a smaller blood sample (for tests)?

Ahhhhh..... covered that one already

Originally Posted by dave64o

.
.
.
I'm OK having blood drawn for tests, getting injections, and getting Novocain for dental work so it doesn't seem to be a general problem with needles..
.
.
.

[TallLankyBastyd]

Originally Posted by dave64o

Ahhhhh..... covered that one already

You'll have to excuse drteeth... he'd just given two pints prior to posting that...

...at the sperm bank.

[stylonpilson]

Originally Posted by dave64o

Anyone ever experience anything like this and manage to get over it?

Yep, I'm basically the same. I've just had to resign myself to the fact that I'm not going to be a blood donor.

S.P.

[Ripper]

heh... i dont do needles the size of my little finger

[Rune Bivrin]

It's fairly common among men. Women not so much. Don't know why - I've been a blood donor for 10+ years without much of a problem.

My nephew, on the other hand nearly faints if he's stung by a mosquito, and his father (my brother) is nearly as sensitive to seeing blood.

[OliverH]

Hypnotherapy can do wonders for fear of needles. It often has to do with a bad experience with doctors in early life.

I used to give blood but due to rules concerning "at risk" areas and years for CJD, I can't anymore. I sorely miss it, as it's such a worthwhile and selfless act.

[Chriss62]

They do not want my blood. They need it, but do not want it.

[theory028]

I've never been able to donate blood because of Iowa law not allowing me because I had tattoos done out of state within the previous year. It was for a high school fundraiser and I haven't really tried since then. My friend did donate and ended up passing out. The story spread through the school's grapevine pretty quickly.

I was able to donate plasma and make some decent money without any trouble. But that just filters out the plasma and returns the blood into the stream.

That is unfortunate that you have such a poor reaction to blood donation. At least you tried to help out, though.

[taquitos43]

They don't want mine either!! I spent more than 6 months in Western Europe since 1980. They are afraid of Mad Cow disease... Thanks US Army!! Who'd have thought that a modern part of the world with all the accoutrements would disqualify you?

[dave64o]

Originally Posted by TallLankyBastyd

You'll have to excuse drteeth... he'd just given two pints prior to posting that...

...at the sperm bank.

I have to admit, that's a pretty impressive donation.

[TheDarkReaver]

At the moment I'm not able to, because I got my tongue pierced within the last 6 months.

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by taquitos43

They don't want mine either!! I spent more than 6 months in Western Europe since 1980. They are afraid of Mad Cow disease... Thanks US Army!! Who'd have thought that a modern part of the world with all the accoutrements would disqualify you?

They don't want my blood either for the same reason. I lived in England from 1987-1991. That's more than six months, right?

But in all seriousness, they don't want my blood, and it drives me nuts that I can't help... so I volunteer whenever I can for the ARC.

[WickedPissah]

I don't do needles.

[Joe Gress]

I could, but I can't.


I lived in Europe during the mad cow season, and therefore I am blacklisted for a few more years.

[UnsungZeros]

Of the three times I've attempted to give blood, they were only able to extract a full pint out of me once. No fear of needles here, although I prefer to look the other way when they first puncture the skin so that I don't jump in my seat and mess it up. Apparently, my veins are just ridiculously hard to find. It sucks because they end up puncturing me 2-3 times on each arm for nothing and they wiggle the needle around inside off me. I'm a skinny guy with not too much muscle, so I think that's part of the problem. I need to hit the gym. Weird thing is that like the OP, I've never had a hard time giving blood for a blood test.

I've been wanting to donate again as I know they need blood now since the student population of the town is mostly gone for the summer and that's where they get most of their donations.

[popinfresh]

STI's and that..

But not really, have had plenty of blood taken over the years but never for someone else, would like to start giving blood one day.

[Boostedrex]

Originally Posted by taquitos43

They don't want mine either!! I spent more than 6 months in Western Europe since 1980. They are afraid of Mad Cow disease... Thanks US Army!! Who'd have thought that a modern part of the world with all the accoutrements would disqualify you?

I'm with you on that one bro. Between Europe and SW Asia, I'm not allowed to donate blood either.

[jojobean39]

I pass out immediately. I have had to get blood drawn for tests before and I pretty much just have to lay down on the couch or table to get it done. It makes me sick. Shots don't bother me, but getting blood drawn sucks.