I'm thinking about giving blood for the first time. What should I know before hand? What should I expect? Are there any reasons I should not give blood?
if you are in the u.s.a. and, if you have had sex with a bi and/or gay male since 1977, you will not be allowed to donate blood. your blood will be tested for hep. a, b and, c, as well as hiv. if your blood test positive for any of these, you will not be allowed to donate blood.
It's not that bad. I give every quarter in my grandfathers name becasue he has lukemia. You go in, lay down and they put the needle in you. Hook up a bag and then you just wait. After your done you get some juice, cookies and usually a t-shirt. Even if my grandpa didn't have lukemia, I would still do it for the cookies.
I felt a little nausiated when i left the blood van, but proud. I filled the whole bag in 20min. Its worth it, blood saves lives
As someone who has blood-transfusions I have to say that those of us who need that blood are VERY thankful, so I believe it's beyond worth it. I can't tell you what exactly to expect though. I've never been able to do it.
Good news! I was afraid I wouldn't be able to give blood because I got a tattoo within the last twelve months, but I just found out that this state regulates the tattoo parlors. I will hopefully be giving blood either March 3, 12, or April 1 for the first time! Now I just have to hold onto the will power not to ingest some illicit substances and stay clean until then, haha.
