Today, I gave blood for the first time, since I'm a universal donor. After it was done, I passed out, woke up, puked, and passed out again. The kind nurses told me I was the worst case they had seen all week. So much for doing something to help others. FML
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Autumn: Leaves and Laughter
When the leaves fall, the laughter rises. Discover autumn stories as crisp as dried leaves!
Today, as a veteran blood donor, I made a friend who was donating for the first time- I told her not to be scared and that I've been doing it for six years and that it was a great way to help people. While at the snack area afterwards, I passed out, started convulsing and went into shock. FML
Today, I got my blood drawn for a donation and they didn't warn me that I was borderline anemic. I passed out in the middle of Walgreens and woke up to people just standing there, staring. FML
Today, I donated blood for the first time. It wasn't until I passed out on the ice during hockey practice that I remembered the nurse warning me not to do any type of exercise. FML
Today, I went to donate blood for the first time. When they stuck the needle in my arm, I had a panic attack and begged that they take it out. The woman helping me told me she'd take it out in a moment and left. It was then that the Red Cross stole a pint of my blood while I had a panic attack. FML
Today, I went to the blood bank to donate plasma. All went well until the machine went to return my red blood cells. It turns out the nurse sliced my vein and the blood built up in my tissues. I now have a massive swollen arm and bruising, and look like a junkie. FML
Today, I donated blood for the first time, and all the nurses kept complimenting on how good my veins were. That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me in the past 2 months. FML
Today, I went to the doctor for a routine check-up. When the nurse took my blood pressure, I passed out, and fell off the table. FML
Today, I went to a blood drive. The nurse taking my blood mentioned that she'd been called in on her day off, and she swore she wasn't drunk. I didn't know what to do, so I just smiled and blinked back tears as she savaged the vein in my arm. FML
Today, I decided to give blood for the second time. I felt excrutiating pain when she stuck the needle in my arm. Another nurse came running over in a panic. Apparently my inexperienced nurse had put it in my tendon instead of my vein. FML
Today, I wanted to donate blood for the first time ever at the The 38th Annual Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive. Unfortunately, someone with my exact name & birthdate was already in the system and 30 minutes were spent trying to correct the problem. Eventually, I got frustrated and left. No good deed goes unpunished. FML
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Top comments
AirBusDriver 23
While your experience was unpleasant your gift of life is admirable. Thank you OP
tabbycat2007 22
Unfortunately it happens, OP. I passed out the first time I have blood. Next time, try sipping some juice or water while you're donating. That normally helps me!
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Comments (67)
catherinecas 30
Walmart occasionally has blood drives in its parking lots (though this could just be my area). And if you to a hospital they'll either be able to take it their or give you information on a donation site/event to go to. You have to be a minimum weight to donate and you can't be on certain medications to donate or certain conditions. The conditions that spring to mind first are low blood pressure, anemia (pretty much any type), and I think all of the heps.
gilligan_isle 6
Donating blood is so great, sorry you got sick though. If you ever want to donate again I used to drink some apple juice and eat a protein bar before donating to keep my blood sugar and iron levels up, and drink water while donating it usually helps :)
angelsaredicks 16
You can also just go to the Red Cross website and look for drives in your area.
Stuffaluffagus 25
I throw up every single time, don't feel bad
Alg1do 6
Its not so bad. I normally pass out and piss myself If I had too much to drink prior. I'm more careful now, best of luck OP.
LostInSunday 20
I'm sorry this happened to you OP. I know your pain, I've donated blood three times now (not a universal donor), and the last time I donated I didn't eat enough and ended up passing out, waking up, an then passing out again when I tried to stand up two minutes later. Thank you for doing something nice for others!
Pheonix91 15
Same thing happened to me the one and only time I gave blood.
ApplePie1994 27
*insert overused quote made famous by Rupert Grint's cinematic portrayal of Ron Weasley here*
ouijacorn 9
I hate to say this, but: you'll get used to it. If you're a universal donor and you are able to donate, you should.
flavia_horatio 6
Hey OP, I work with a blood bank as a phlebotomist and interviewer. The techs may have said your reaction is the worst they've seen that week, but don't worry, there are worse. I've had donors pass out and soil themselves the poor souls. Hopefully this experience doesn't keep you from trying to donate again, but if it does, don't feel bad. Your health always comes first.