Giving blood has always been something that I've supported and wanted to do myself. I knew this year was the year I was finally going to donate blood. I hadn't been putting it off because I was worried about it, because I dislike needles or because I'd heard horror stories. I guess it was something that I just never really made the time for. I'm actually quite annoyed at myself because of this because I could have donated so many times by now.
I created an account online and it was here that I booked my appointment. You can add your postcode and it will show all the blood drives that are going on in your area around a specific date.
My appointment was for 3pm and I got there about ten minutes early. I was warned that they were running behind due to the temperature of the room and asked if I was okay to stay and wait, which I was. Generally, when you have an appointment, they aim for it to take around an hour. I filled out a yes/no questionnaire and was given some literature to read - mostly about why giving blood is important and the potential side effects of giving blood. I was advised to drink some water and wait to be called to the 'screening' area.
In the screening area, a blood carer takes a sample of blood from my finger to test to ensure I was eligible to give blood. After that, they went through my questionnaire with me and asked me for more information around the questions I'd answered 'yes' to. In my case, it was explaining that I'd been outside of the UK in the past 12 months and where I'd been. I also answered 'yes' to having previous operations - I had to explain that I had skin graphs as a child and show my scars. I was advised that a Nurse was going to come and ask me more questions about that.
I went to another waiting area and waited for another blood carer to come and get me. The lady asked me if I had a preference for which arm I'd like the needle to be in. I opted for the left arm, but when she did her tests she asked to see my right arm. Long story short, I ended up switching seats and had the needle in my right arm.
For anyone who is hesitant about giving blood because they are worried it hurts or dislike needles, let me reassure you, it's not that bad. When the needle went in there was a sharp scratch, it wasn't horrendously painful and it was over within a second. It felt exactly the same as having a cannula inserted in your arm/hand if you're in hospital. In terms of it hurting, it didn't really. I was aware that there was a needle in my arm, but it wasn't painful or terribly uncomfortable. I can't remember how long it actually took for my bag to be filled, but I know it was slower than usual because I was so cold (they ended up getting me a blanket, hah!)
While I was in the chair, a blood carer came over to ask if I was okay every so often and check that everything was as it should be. I just sat there opening and closing my hand mostly. Some people played on their phones, others read, others just sat and relaxed. When they took the needle out, they applied what looks like a large white plaster and they advised me to apply pressure while I walked over to the refreshment area, where I then got free juice and biscuits - hurrah!
I sat there, drank my juice and ate my biscuits and that was that. Honestly, it's really not bad all.
I just received my blood donor card this morning and found out my blood group. I'm O Negative, which is apparently quite rare as only 7% of the population are this type. O Negative is an essential blood type, because it can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type. What it means for me, is that I can only have O Negative blood.
Giving blood is literally so important. I cannot stress how important it is. It literally saves lives. All you have to do is spare an hour of your time. It's not at all painful, there may be some discomfort but it does not hurt. All the blood carers at the appointment reiterated how amazing it was that I was giving blood and every single person I spoke to thanked me. I've always thought that if I was ever in a position where I needed a blood transfusion, needed surgery, or needed treatment for certain blood diseases, if I was okay to happily accept, then I should be willing to donate blood myself (exactly my reasons for being an organ donor). I plan on regularly donating now for as long as I remain eligible.
"If you're a blood donor, you're a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life"
If you're able to give blood, then please, please do. It's something that is so small that can make such a huge difference. If it's something you're interested in and would like more information, check out the NHS Blood and Transplant website: https://www.blood.co.uk
Love,
Brogan
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