I'm going to start doing this next month. I've decided it's time to "Start giving my bit back to society" kinda thing.
Bit scared of needles, but had 2 jabs in September and didn't notice anything so I'm going to take the plunge and give it a go.
Anyone who has done this care to share any light on what happens?
& I'm booked to go into the next session at 2.35pm on 24th Feb... just under 3 hours before the Europa League game that night, I've made I'm in the Centenary so won't be standing all night. Do you feel alright after doing it or does it make you dizzy?
Mate, the pain you 'receive' doesn't compare to the lives it saves. Well done for signing up. I think I've done it about 20 times now.
You go in and read some notes. Answer 20 Q's and then wait to be called. 1st stage is checking through your answers and checking your iron levels. They'll prick your finger with a very neat and harmless gadget, check your levels and then put you in line for the 2nd stage.
Called up again, they lay you down on a bed, tighten 1 arm and insert needle into your arm. The needle is much thicker than having an injection down the docs, but it's merely a scratch. Discomfort for 1-2 seconds max. Don;t look at them doing this. I never have and I've been fine!
Squeeze and relax your your fist for 15 mins (to create a flow) and then you're pretty much done. They take about as much to fill up a coke can. Once done, you go over to a biscuit/drinks table where you 'relax' and are observed (the wound) for about 5 mins or until you feel comfortable to leave.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AFTER GIVING BLOOD.
That's about it! Some people feel a bit woozy, some people feel great. Just be careful not to put much pressure on the arm you've just 'used'. Going to the match should be fine as long as you feel ok.
Wanted to do this last month. I waited an hour and answered close to 50 questions only to be rejected right before the blood taking part, because I told them I had lived in Cameroon for more than 1 year back in 1998 and so my blood is potentially harmful. Shame really.
I think the quesioning is changing as I've complained about this for 2 yrs! More that I've been out of the UK for more than a year, but never stayed in 1 place for more than 6 months. I used to have to go through the Spanish Inqusition each time, but that's now relaxed. Potential Malarial areas, however, have not been relaxed for obvious reasons.