I’ve tried to donate three times since I graduated from college. Every time, they’ve told me that I don’t have enough iron. I donated twice in high school, and was perfectly fine. So I’ve either developed anemia, or the Red Cross has a higher standard than Lifeline. Very annoying in any case.
It’s not the pain that makes me dislike giving blood, as others have said it is really not painful. I just get very unsettled at the feeling of the needle in the vein, and yes, I can feel it in there. I was ok with it the first few times I gave. Then I started donating plasma and had a few bad experiences in a row, as well as a few blood tests gone awry. I think it gave me a psychological fear of getting blood drawn, and for the next few times I had to get tests I would feel very faint and sick at even the mention of it. Now I have had a few easy experiences again and I am better than I was, but I still have to practice breathing and calming techniques before I can do it. I request a butterfly needle when I need it done now, and that seems to help, as well as asking for someone who is good at finding my difficult veins. So my advice to those who are afraid like me, speak up and say you have had trouble before, and ask for someone experienced. The right person can make it go much easier.
I am working up to being able to give again, I know how important it is. I am also glad I had the chance to give plasma a few times as I have now benefitted from others’ donations. My blood type is Rh negative and now that I am pregnant I get shots to prevent Rh disease that are made possible by plasma donations! So hooray to all the donors out there 