My First Time Giving Blood!

Hey guys,

This week is quite a different post, I am going to tell you about my first time giving blood. This will probably be a shorter post than normal as not a lot happened haha.

When I was born my mum needed some extra blood in order to live. So I've always said that I will give some back, I guess to repay them.

Although I don't think I was so fond of the idea when I was little because of the 'needles', I only had bad experiences with from the dentist. But as I got older I didn't mind as much.

As soon as I was 17, I asked my mum to sort it all out as it's quite an adult job. In my mind anyway. So I got registered, and got an appointment for the 21st of July. The week before, leading up to the appointment I wasn't scared or worried really. I guess I was ready to do it. You could say 'curious' of the unknown. Meaning, I wasn't completely ready to do it, I still had my concerns in a way. I didn't know how I would react to the needle, or the process.

Moving on. On the day, I was quite excited. I knew I was doing something that would help someone else out, maybe even let their mum live too. However I was still unsure as to how I would react to the whole process.

When I got there, I handed my form, sat with my drink and waited for my name to be called. They have to make sure you know the procedure, I guess that was more because it was my first time... They take a sample from your finger to make sure you are okay to give blood. They test for iron or something I'm not completely sure what it was. Then I get sent to another seating area and wait until they come to collect me again. This time to actually get some blood taken out of my body. At this point I was quite nervous, again just because I had no idea what to expect.

The chairs that you sit in are like a bigger versions of a car seat, and I must say the little pillow is so, so comfortable. I could've stayed there a lot longer. I'll be honest, when she was preparing my skin for the needle (cleaning it), my heart started beating a little bit quicker. I just didn't look. I wouldn't say it hurt - even though I did whisper 'ouch' to my mum afterwards. It wasn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be. If you've had a needle at the dentist, they hurt like hell. This didn't. As my mum put it, 'it is just uncomfortable'. Which I agree with. When I looked at the whole thing going on my arm, it felt so unreal. Because as children, we never think these things will come as quick as they do.

I did feel like I couldn't move for a while, like if I did, the needle would move. As it went on though, it was a breeze.

Afterwards, I didn't feel any different, which is odd because I was expecting to feel something. Dizzy maybe, but nothing. They make sure you have a drink and something to eat before you go (which I certainly didn't mind, free biscuits? Yes please!) but I didn't even feel like I needed that. I felt absolutely fine.

I recommend you guys (if you're old enough) to book an appointment. Help someone out. It's not even that bad, I promise you. You will feel so great about yourself afterwards. Here's a photo and a quote which I think relates quite well to the whole experience.

Adios amigos!xo