Convince me to donate blood.

[NinjaChick]

I was going to do it the week of my 17th birthday - it's something I can do to drastically improve the quality of someone's life (maybe even save it), so I can't come up with a rational reason not to. In fact, I want to do it, and I don't want to wait until the November blood drive at school.

But I keep going to register on the Red Cross website...and then closing the window. The idea is great, but I'm terrified to make it a reality. I have a serious phobia of not needles, but anything medical-ish. At my last doctors appointment, my resting pulse was somewhere in the low triple-digits. It's normally in the 60's.

But I want to do this: I know at least 4 people who have greatly benefited from blood transfusions before. It just seems like the right thing to do.

Encouragement, please? Tell me about how painless and stress free it was and how good you felt afterwards? And that I won't get all woozy or something after I do it? And tell me its the right thing to do?

[NinjaChick]

Preview, Ninja, preview...Should say "I keep going to register and make an appointment..."

[JThunder]

The procedure is extremely safe, and virtually painless. The needle isn't very large, and the pain from inserting it is minimal. Back when I used to donate blood, I scarcely felt it being inserted. (I did stop donating, but only because I contracted hepatitis from some contaminated food.)

[that_darn_cat]

Well, it's not particularly painful, but if med stuff stresses you out I can see your concern. For one thing, if your pulse was that high, they might not let you donate.

My suggestion is to call your local Red Cross and volunteer at a blood drive for a few hours. They have you serve cookies and juice or help walk folks from the donation area to the refreshments. That way you can contribute without the stress and get used to the environment, so that next time you'll be comforatable enough to give yourself.

It's really not a big deal once you get used to the idea and it's worthwhile. Which reminds me, I'm overdue to give myself.

Cheers,

tdc

[racinchikki]

I personally have no problem with needles, but I wasn't looking forward to the sitting-in-a-room-full-of-people-with-rubber-tubes-in-my-arms-thus-immobilizing-me, when I donated blood. However, it was really, really simple.

I walked in, registered, and waited my turn to go sit on a cot. They asked me which arm is dominant, and I explained that I'm right-handed but medical personnel get better results using my left arm for veins, and they complied. I was advised to look away while they stuck me, and then they gave me a rubber thing to squeeze intermittently, which apparently helps the blood flow. It didn't hurt at all; the only bad thing about it was the squeezy thing, which was rather annoying and tiring after a while. After we were done, they put a bandaid and some colorful bandage around my elbow, gave me a sticker and a free t-shirt (this was a college blood drive, and I guess they figured they'd get more people if they gave out stickers and t-shirts), and went out to the hall, where I got to pick my favorite kind of cookie out of a box, and pick between apple and orange juice, and sit down watching soaps for a few minutes in case I felt woozy. (I didn't.)

[Silentgoldfish]

Freeee coookieees...

The last 3 times I've had injections it hasn't hurt a bit. It literally felt like the nurse (then the doctor) was sliding the needle along the outisde of my skin -- no pain whatsoever.

[Johnny Bravo]

I do it for the cookies and juice. Mmm.

Anyway, kudos for your initiative. When you set up your appointment, explain your concerns and ask if you could have an experienced phlebotomist. A good technician can have the needle in your arm with almost no pain.

Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to directly help another human being. But to answer your pleas directly..


"Tell me about how painless and stress free it was and how good you felt afterwards?"

The worst part is when they prick your finger to test your iron level. Everything is downhill from there. I've never been woozy or even tired after coming out of a donation (though I'm a big guy and have plenty of blood to spare).

"And that I won't get all woozy or something after I do it?"

Honestly, you might get woozy, you might not. It would be wrong of me to tell you that you definately won't suffer any side-effects.

"And tell me its the right thing to do?"

You could end up saving someone's life. Your blood might be used in an organ transplant, or for a burn victim, or someone who has been in a terrible car crash. Donating blood is a mitzvah in every sense of the word.

[aphrodisiac]

At least you can donate blood. I'd love to, but am not allowed. Apparently, because I lived in England between 1992 and 1996 there's a chance that I have dormant mad cows disease in my brain tissue. If I donate blood, I could pass it on. At least that's was Red Cross told me. Maybe I should go back to England and donate there.

[Blonde]

It's easy and painless! I would not suggest donating in the middle of a work day - as others have noted, it drains a bit of energy, so do it in the late afternoon and go home (I once made the mistake of going shopping in a mall after giving blood, and came very close to passing out.)

Check with your doctor - and if you can donate, please do so. Donations save lives.

[SpiritHorse]

I've donated nine times so far and not one time has it been painful It takes about 10 minutes from the time they start taking my blood to the time they're finished. As for feeling dizzy, that's pretty unlikely too. To make sure you keep your energy the Red Cross volunteers give you cookies and coke or juice. I enjoy that part of it Plus the feeling that you may have saved a life is much more gratifying than the fear of the procedure. It honestly sounds worse than it really is. I used to be a medical phobic, but I'll give blood at the drop of a hat Give and I'm sure you'll be surprised at how easy it is!

Adam

[KP]

Purely anecdotal, but...

I donated blood at the maximal allowed rate for years (and I -ahem- may have 'accidentally' exceeded Red Cross guidelines when I was a student rotating regularly between different hospitals). I have never heard anyone else mention this, but unlike what others have reported, I always got a modest but definite rush after -- which I don't think was related to the joy of doing the right thing or specially doped cookies. I assume this is uncommon, but maybe there's a reason some of us are such devoted donors. I actually donated platelets for a while, because I could do it every two weeks, until I learned there was more local need for whole blood in my type.

There's a chance you might actually enjoy it!

On a lesser note, there are actually some studies that suggest that donating blood may be good for many people. It is a lifetime therapy (shades of blood-letting!) in some iron-storage dieases, but even normal people may benefit. High iron can promote inflammation, and can be a factor in coronary artery disease. There is some evidence that the usual iron load for many or most Americans, especially men, may be 'a little rich' even when it's in the normal range. Some studies found regular donors enjoy better helth and longer life, even after allowing for complicating factors (e.g. only fairly healthy people donate). The evidence wasn't conclusive the last time I checked (a few years ago), but the thought that you may be helping yourself as well as others is a nice boost.

[norinew]

Posted by Norinew's husband:

I have given over 3 gallons of blood over the years and I can tell you from experience that it is no big deal. I had to stop after they stopped accepting blood from people who had lived in England for more then six months. (I was there from 82-83).

Having said that, it is apparent that you have a fear that no amount of reason will be able to overcome. The only way, in my never to be humble opinion, to overcome that kind of illogical fear is either through brute force of will or desensitization. Since you apparently lack the will to do this through brute force (no offence intended but from your OP that is what it sounds like) then desensitization is the only way to overcome this fear.

The above is just a longwinded way of saying that you should work at a blood drive as that_darn_cat suggested. (whenever one of the kids asks me a question they always ask me for the "readers digest" version) That would be an good way to get desensitized and when you are ready you will be able to give blood.

Just for the record, giving blood is the easiest way I know to help your fellow man and that alone makes it worth the effort it will take to overcome this fear, so go for it.

As FDR said, the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.

[summerbreeze]

Johnny Bravo gives good advice. I donate as often as possible, never had a bad experience.

The Red Cross asked me a few years ago if I'd agree to have a procedure I don't understand done to my blood because I have a factor needed for premature babies. I agreed, of course, and now I'm called from time to time to donate for this purpose. Makes me feel very good.

[Anita Vacation]

The Red Cross is desperate for new donors. The measures they've instituted to prevent the spread of Mad Cow, West Nile, and AIDS has reduced the eligible population drastically. If you can find a way to work up the courage to do it, please do.

No one likes getting stuck, but the fear is far worse than the actual pain. I'd compare it to a burning sensation. I like to shorten the time I'm on the table as much as possible, and I'm convinced that drinking lots of water during the 24 hours prior to donating makes it go really fast. I think my record was about 6 minutes. I usually do it in the evening, and I feel fatigue - particularly going up stairs, but the next day I'm fine.

My area is opening a new donor center on Monday, and I have an appointment on Thursday. I'm kind of excited

Some day I hope to be brave enough to donate platelets. Those folks are the real heroes.

[NinjaChick]

All right. I completed step one - I registered at the website, thus enabling me to schedule an appointment. For me, that's a big step.

When (not if, when) I do this, do any of you folks know if I would be allowed to bring a friend with me - meaning, have someone to sit by me through the entire process? I plan on calling on Monday with a list of questions like this to ask, but any of you know if that sort of thing is strictly not allowed? Also, is the staying for free cookies and juice mandatory? I understand the importance of rehydrating and keeping your blood sugar up, etc, but will they go nazi on me if I put that off until I get home (I'm not going to be getting a ride to/from the center, FWIW). But medical-type places really do tend to make me wig out, the less time I can spend there, the better for me.

Thanks to you all for this help.

[Johnny Bravo]

They'll probably insist you drink, if not eat something.

If you explain your position to them, I'm sure they'll let you bring someone along.

FYI, I have never donated with the Red Cross. Where I live, a group called Life South is the only game in town.

[waddamaroon]

Originally posted by summerbreeze

The Red Cross asked me a few years ago if I'd agree to have a procedure I don't understand done to my blood because I have a factor needed for premature babies. I agreed, of course, and now I'm called from time to time to donate for this purpose. Makes me feel very good.

It sounds as though you are CMV (cytomegalovirus) free. CMV isn't a big issue for adults, but can be fatal to infants.

I'm a member of the 10 gallon club.

[waddamaroon]

Oops! Premature again.

I do it in memory of an Uncle that died at age 26. In 1971, a lot of the technology that is available today didn't exist. It took him 20 months to waste away. I hope I am helping someone else's Uncle Billy.

For what it's worth, if I give on an empty stomach, I'll pass out. I eat my lunch, I give blood, no big deal.

[OpalCat]

I would love to donate. Every time I've tried, my blood has been too low in iron. Not anemic, just too low to donate. Now that I've had my surgery, I'm under doctor's orders to never donate blood for the rest of my life, because my body absorbs iron much more slowly now so it would be hard for me to replace it.

This makes me sad, but it is added incentive for me to push my annual beginning-of-the-year online blood drive. If I can't donate myself, I can at least try to get as many other folks to donate as possible, no?

[Johnny Bravo]

Waddamaroon: Most people will pass out or at least get woozy if they donate on an empty stomach. Eating is pretty much required.

[AskNott]

My doc recently put me on a prescription drug (Avodart) that takes me out of the eligible pool of donors. Somebody has to donate that pint of type O + every three months. It won't be me, dang it.

[PaperBlob]

Hi Ninjachick,

Congrats on taking that first step! Just wanted to add my two cents to what others have said.

First off, I think the posters who told you it doesn't hurt a bit are either telling a little white lie, or have been very lucky with their own donations. Each time they 'stick' you (once in the finger, and of course once in the arm) it does hurt a little, but not for long.

About staying to eat/drink afterwards, I've never seen them physically stop a donor from leaving if she wants to, but they will try to get you to stay. Maybe if you schedule your donation at a non-medical-type place, you won't mind staying. I'll bet there's a blood drive going on somewhere near you most every day at a church, school, community center, library, or business. If you call your local Red Cross, they should be able to hook you up.

I've never seen a friend follow a donor through the whole process, so I'm not sure that will fly. Can't hurt to ask though.

I'd like to offer two pieces of advice. First, have something to eat before you go - there's less chance of you passing out that way. Second, have them use the arm that's not your dominant arm, if possible. If you put too much stress on the arm after donating, the hole in your vein could open back up, and most people are less likely to put stress on the arm they don't use so much.

Good luck on your first donation - let us know how it went.

[LucysLogic101]

i gave blood every time my high school had a blood drive (okay....every time i was LEGAL and there was a blood drive). the first time i was nervous, but since students volunteer to help, i had a friend hold my hand (Don't be ashamed if you really feel you need that, it helps - it's distracting, make them talk to you).
the anxiety that everyone feels is pretty unnecessary because giving blood really is not as big of a deal as everyone [who hasn't done it] thinks.

i think the reason it hurts so little is you're lying back, straining your eyes on the ceiling lights so you don't see the needle go in...you're feeling by your nerves alone, so there's no visual to emphasize the sensation. really, it's not very painful, a slight prick when they stick you but thats it. I always thought it was cool anyway, how you could feel the needle in your arm but it didn't hurt....sorry, im not helping.

honestly, if you don't qualify because of your BP or something, they'll let you know. They don't let you give blood unless you're physically capable, so at least make the appointment.

the one thing to remember: whatever time you make the appointment for, eat heartily before that. i've never had a problem with feeling light-headed because i made sure i wasn't starving during the day.

[TeaElle]

First of all, NinjaChick, you rock. Only 1% (one!) of people who are eligible to donate actually do. Every unit can save three lives, and I think that's a darn fine ratio of good to the the very minor inconvenience involved for you as a donor.

As to your questions -- it is very important that you stay for the cookies and beverages after the donation. They're not going to wrestle you to the ground and sit on you to keep you there, but it really is for your own good. Not only do you need the time to recuperate from the donation and need the calories and rehydration to buff you back up, during the fifteen minutes post-donation (that's always been the minimum, IME) you're being watched for any signs that you're not recuperating appropriately.

You may think that you're okay, but the medical staff in the canteen will look for signs that may not be obvious to you: pallor, inability to keep your body temperature regulated (inappropriate sweating or shivering) mild tremors or loss of dexterity, confusion, weakness, dizziness and so on. Chances are that you will experience absolutely none of these symptoms and your donation experience will be trouble free, but it is important that you stay where there are people who can help you should an adverse reaction occur.

Bright side: in every donation center I've been in (maybe 12 permanent centers, I'm not including mobile drives) the refreshment area is very non-medical. It's tables and chairs, like a canteen, and typically bright and cheery. There are folks around with scrubs on, yes, but it's much more like being in a hospital cafeteria than a doctor's waiting room.

As for "bringing a buddy" I've never seen a donor center that allowed someone to actually come with the donor to the cot (because of HIPAA and privacy concerns, this is even more difficult now) but they might if you request a special accomodation. There's no harm in asking.

If it's not possible, why not try to get a friend or a family member to come and donate with you, requesting adjacent cots. That's the kind of thing that most donor centers would be happy to accomodate, especially for a first timer (or two). The first time I ever donated, I went with my best friend and we were on cots next to one another and when we each took a turn at looked peaked, the other was able to reach out and grab a hand and give some encouragement. We were both really proud of ourselves when we were done.

And I know that you're going to be very proud of yourself when you've joined the blood donor "family" too. You rock, NinjaChick!

[InternetLegend]

I've been donating regularly since I was 19, aside from breaks for two rounds of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike some of the lucky people who've posted here, I have had some bad experiences, because my best vein is also kind of tricky (there's a tendon right under it and it tends to roll). However, none of them has been bad enough to make me quit donating. The important thing I learned is that, if you feel pain, tell the tech immediately! In my case, if the needle hurts, that means it's resting against the wall of the vein and needs to be adjusted so the blood can flow properly . It does no one any good for me to tough it out.

The blood people here (it's United Blood Services, not Red Cross) always urge me to stay for a cookie and juice, but if I'm in a hurry, I don't, and no one's ever stopped me. The main thing is to be sure you're well-hydrated going in and that you have a good meal after you're done.

I am needle-phobic, and I started donating partly as in attempt to get over the fear. It didn't work entirely (two pregnancies with the attendant blood tests did far more to desensitize me), but it gives me a good feeling to know I'm doing what I can to help people who need blood.

[Linus Van Pelt]

Let me add my voice to those urging you to donate, as well as add my comments (many of which have already been stated).

Those people who are telling you that it doesn't hurt at all? Don't believe them. I don't mean to impune the honor of the people stating that - they may truly feel no pain but they are definately in the minority. It does hurt, just not very much. Just a little sting when the needle goes in. Ever get pinched by someone? If they pinched you hard, it hurt more than donating will. If you're like me and your veins are deep, it may ache a bit during the rest of the donation.

Let me also encourage you not to skip the juice and cookies portion of the donation (the UBS center where I donate also has a soda machine). That time is necessary. Especially since you are going to be driving afterward. Although it's not too likely that you'll feel woozy or faint, if you do while you're at the blood center, it's no big deal. The staff will know how to handle it and there's no real danger. If you happen to be driving because you were in a hurry to get out of there on the other hand...

Lastly, if you have any friends that are old enough to donate, take them with you. Car-pool down, get adjacent couches, hang out in the lounge, then go get lunch. It can make the visit fun and may also help you fight the nasty "it's medical" sensation.

And one other bit of advice. They are going to ask you a lot of questions. Some of them are going to be very personal. They have no choice. Federal law requires them to do so. But I sincerely doubt you can tell them anything they haven't heard 100s of times before so just listen carefully, answer honestly (almost all of them are "yes" or "no" answers) and get on to the important business of donating. And don't be afraid to tell them if you're a little nervous. They're usually very nice and will do their best to put you at ease.

You're doing a good thing.

[Shaolinrabbit]

Ok, here's where I ruin the party for everyone. Ok, not really, but I feel the need to add my experiences even though I thought it might be better to avoid them.

The needle, at least where I went, was about the size of a pencil lead, and it did hurt somewhat. Not a lot, but somewhat. As I tend to be more sensitive to my body, there was a definite unhealthy feeling about having blood pumping from my arm into a little bag, which isn't as little as it looks, and they changed bags after the first one was full.

Giving blood is, however, a lifesaving gift. And it requires very little of the person besides some minor discomfort. I absolutely hate it beyond all else, but it is a good thing. If I can handle it, so can you.

[ENugent]

I'm with the people who say that the needle hurts a little, but not enough to make a big deal over. It's nowhere near as bad as a bee sting, or even a stubbed toe. If you don't like medical stuff, I recommend not looking at your arm or the bag while the needle is in, and you should be fine.

Do stay for the juice and cookies, especially if it's your first time. The first time my husband donated, he felt fine when he got off the cot (they had him lie down for longer, since he was a first-timer), he walked over to the table and ate a whole ham sandwich (a local restaurant had donated "real" food for the blood drive) in about 15 minutes. Then he looked up at a tech, said, "Should I be feeling dizz..." and passed out into her arms. No problem for them - they had him lie down for a while longer, and then he was fine. But it was a good thing he stayed for the food instead of getting into his car.

If you just can't stand the idea of staying in the blood center, see if they'll let you have your juice and cookies sitting on the front stoop with your friend. At least you won't be in the car, and help will be near at hand if you need it (but you probably won't).

It's a wonderful, important thing for you to do. I gave very regularly during high school after I was old enough - there was a blood bank at a transfer point for the public transit that I was taking every week, so it was very convenient - and it's really fulfilling and wonderful. I also was CMV negative, so they used to put my blood into these itsy bitsy bags that they used for newborns. It's especially cool to think that what you're doing could save the life of a premature infant. I haven't been able to give as regularly lately, as the demands of work make it more difficult to make time in my schedule, so I'm even more glad that I was able to do it when I was in high school and had more flexibility.

[cmosdes]

You are saving a life by donating. Think about that. 1 hour of your time = life for someone else. Amazing, isn't it?

Donate.

The needle will sting a little. You will be tired later that day. By the next day you are likely to be symptom free. In a few weeks, someone else will be alive because you donated. A grandmother will get to hug her grandson or a mother will get to hold her child because you donated an hour of your time and a pint of your blood. How can you deny someone that gift?

Donate.

There is NO rational reason not to. None. Even irrational ones are hard to come by. There are dozens of places to donate that don't look anything like a medical center. In college they would take donations at the student union.. a far cry from hospital setting!

Donte.

Let us know how it goes.

[Xema]

I'm sorta with Copaesthetic -- I don't like it much at all, but I do it anyway.

My trouble is that I have a bad reaction if I look at blood coming out of my arm, so I have to look away. And it usually takes me about 3 times as long as anyone to bleed out a pint (reason unknown - low blood pressure?).

What keeps me going back is the fact that I was once seriously injured and badly needed blood. So long as they'll have me, I'll be donating once/year, repaying my debt (measured in pints, I'm ahead; measured in value, I have a ways to go).

[misstee]

Another regular donor checking in.

I go for the free t-shirts and the cookies.


My kids have gone with me and had cookies while I was donating, they watched me donate and fully understand that while it hurts a little the feeling of knowing I may have saved some ones life feels so good. I do whenever I am next eligilbe to donate.

My only advice is DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS BEFORE YOU DONATE. It makes the blood flow faster and it takes less time to donate. My last donation time was right at 5 minutes for one pint.

[Gyrate]

I recommend getting a hold of a recording of Tony Hancock's The Blood Donor. Even if it doesn't help much, it'll make you laugh about the experience.

[TH]

"A pint? Why, that's nearly an armful!"

[/TH]

Needles don't bother me much, so the pain of the experience is neglible -- the finger prick hurts more than the IV needle does. You'll be fine.

[Plankspanker]

*sigh* i wish i had the guts to do it. i'm not afraid of needles, or even the pain (i'm getting tattooed and will therefore be inelligible for a while anyway). well, actually it is the needles, but the length of them. i'm worried about moving and my muscle snapping it off inside me. i heard a story about this years ago, happened to an infant, and it mortified me...
anyway, i dont trust myself to stay perfectly still for even 10 seconds, let alone 10 minutes. so it's kinda a no for me.

[js_africanus]

Originally posted by NinjaChick
At my last doctors appointment, my resting pulse was somewhere in the low triple-digits.

Make the appointment and go. If your heart rate is that high, then they won't let you give blood. They'll make you sit for a few minutes and try to relax. If you relax enough to make the cut, take it as a sign that you were definately meant to give blood.

[Black Train Song]

The Red Cross asked me a few years ago if I'd agree to have a procedure I don't understand done to my blood because I have a factor needed for premature babies. I agreed, of course, and now I'm called from time to time to donate for this purpose. Makes me feel very good.

I guess I should give a special thanks to Summerbreeze. My wife and I had a preemie that needed at least three blood transfusions (almost 9 yrs ago). Obviously since the chances are small that you specifically were one of the donors, it's people like you that I should thank (and I am). I hope that my child will in turn become charitable in life like you guys.

I, on the other hand, have never donated blood. I went once right downtown to the red cross but was told to go somewhere else. I've always worked tons of hours and never got around to it. (I just thought I'd be fair and say that.)

[Lockz]

NinjaChick, and everybody else, I want to thank you for donating blood!

I'm one of the people who depend on you and people like you to stay alive. I'm transfusion-dependant, and require blood about once a month. So you're helping people like me, which is a really good thing. Again,

THANK YOU!!

[Linus Van Pelt]

Thank you Lockz.

While intellectually I know that people benefit every time I donate, hearing that from you makes it much more personal, despite the fact that I don't even know you. Your post made me smile tonight.

[Nichol_storm]

Let me echo Lockz in saying THANK YOU to everyone who has donated or is about to donate. It's an easy, selfless, and important act, and can save lives. I've been donating since I was 17, with no problems. The prick on your finger-tip for the iron test hurts worse than that big-ole needle. So go down there and donate: it's one of the best things you'll ever do.

Btw, when I went in to my local hospital to donate blood to become a Bone Marrow Donor, a lady walked up to me while I was waiting in the hallway. She was weeping and told me that her daughter-in-law had been saved by a bone marrow donation, and said that I was doing a very good thing. It was very humbling.

[Scuba_Ben]

Okay, Lockz and Nichol_storm, you've pushed me. I've just dug out my blood donor card. I believe there's a blood drive by my office this week, so I'll go and donate a unit of B+.

[lno]

It's not fair! My next appointment isn't for another two weeks! I wanna donate now!

Mooooooooooooooooooooom! Make the Red Cross take my blood!

[ChordedZither]

NinjaChick, you might surprise yourself and find the actual experience is less of a problem than your anticipation of it.

I have a real problem observing even minor medical procedures. I nearly passed out when my (now) wife and I went for our pre-marriage bloodtests. (I was fine with mine, but I made the mistake of actually looking when they drew her blood.) Ditto the first few times I watched the pediatrician give one of my kids an injection. If I'm channel-surfing and happen to pass by one of those shows (Discovery? The Learning Channel?) that show actual operations, I can pretty much freak out in the time it takes to flip to another channel.

But I've given blood a couple of dozen times, with no problems whatsoever. I simply look away whenever they're actually doing anything. I usually bring a paperback book (small enough to hold in the hand of my unoccupied arm) to distract me both during the procedure and to minimize the temptation, while sitting and awaiting my turn on the couch, to look around the room at other people doing their donations.

[Superdude]

You need to donate blood for one reason:

Because I can't.

I have problems with my liver (nothing major, but my ALT's - or is it ATL's - are too high) due to some medication I took as an adolescent. Due to that, I'm not allowed to give blood to any donation site. Conceivably, I could donate for myself if I were going in for surgery, or to a family member - possibly - but that's about it.

[NinjaChick]

All right, I took the next step today, which for me, was calling and asking questions. DIdn't make an appointment yet, but I will make an appointment sometime this week.

I asked about if I'd allowed to bring a close friend with me for moral support - no luck, and the guy I had in mind can't donate (recent tattoo.) However, I'm pretty sure I convinced another friend (who donates regularly) to go at the same time as I am. The nice folks on the phone (who were, btw, truly kind and helpful) more or less promised we'd be given adjacent cots. That's good.

I also asked about how quickly I can get out of there (and whoa, I just realized that I said I was driving. That's kinda backwards - I'm am getting a ride. ) The answer: no, they techincally can't force me to stay and eat free cookies, but seeing as it's my first time donating, and I'm going to be very stressed out, it would be strongly, strongly recommended, and I'll probably get hassled if I try to walk out without at least taking something to eat, and especially to drink. So I'll probably end up staying for at least a few minutes. My concern is that I'll get further freaked out the longer I stay there, which could probably create problems that wouldn't otherwise occur. (Note to self: panicking about 'what if I have a panic attack?' is not productive.)

So, now I just need to get up the guts to actually make the appointment....I'll let you all know when I do. Again, thanks for all the support.

[Gyrate]

How can you possibly panic when somebody's giving you a free cookie? Inconceivable!