this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2023
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Anyone else here given blood and not been able to fill the bag? I gave blood and followed the normal procedures (like drinking all of the water, having snacks beforehand etc.,) and yet I couldn’t completely fill the bag. It got close but the flow pretty much dwindled down to drops. Normally my body freely gives blood but this time around it was like “nah bruv, that’s as much as I’m willing to part with”.
Maybe your body just needs its blood atm?
I keep meaning to go & give blood, but I’m a bit phobic about needles, so it can be hard for them to get blood out (stress seems to equal reduced flow)
Maybe. I think from memory they've used the same vein for the last few appointments and I'm wondering whether that's part of it too. But I have also been pretty stressed/burnt out so that could be it as well.
My wife is the same about being phobic towards needles. She'd love to give blood but needles are just something she can't handle. Sounds like though you've been able to at least get to a point where you've donated before, albeit with a bit of trouble?
I did try once, but got faint and they had to stop. I really should have another go. Nurses have commented about the stress/flow thing during blood tests before, and it does make sense - your body would be preserving its resources.
If the needle stick pain bothers your wife, I’ve found Emla cream handy to numb the spot. Having one less thing to stress over makes it a little easier for me, at least.
Being the stats nut, I try to beat my "personal best" time on filling the bag. Just like my runs though, present-day me can't compete with 30-years-ago me. In my prime, I could fill that bag in just over 4 minutes. These days, I'm happy if its under 5 minutes.
I didnt know it was a good thing for blood to leave your body quickly?