if you have a needle phobia, dont look. I pinch my leg so my brain concentrates on that pain, that I can control by releasing the pinch....(mind of matter).
Last time I donated a few weeks ago I promise I didn't even feel the needle going in. He had tied the pressure monitor quite tight around my arm so that was a tad uncomfortable but no actual pain. I would advise making sure you drink plenty of water in the hours before you go and be nice and warm or it could make it harder for them to find a vein, as has happened to me a few times.
More uncomfortable than painful; painful when they cannot find the vein and have to be poking both arms. They do this to me all the time and each time I always say to myself "this is my last donation".
It was fine. Not even uncomfortable. I didn't have time to wait about afterwards because my time was running out on the parking meter. Drank a juice, grabbed a chocolate bar and left the building.
Felt like I'd smoked a cigarette after not smoking for a few days..
Im afraid im a fainter (not normally-wasnt anxious) so gave up after the 4th time.I did however manage to donate blood each time.Didnt find it painful nor uncomfy-just didnt agree with me unfortunately:(
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Thank goodness for you and people like you !! x