Donating blood?

[Carthage]

I'd like to donate blood.
I have low blood pressure, however, and have a history of 'fainting' (sometimes damaging myself on the way down).
I'm a bit worried that if I give blood, I'll pass out and look like a complete fool, as well as not being able to get home.
Any experiences?

[InertialTooth45]

That isn't unheard of, happened to my mum and a friend.

They generally won't let you leave if you don't look 100%. if you're worried have someone go with you so you don't have to drive afterwards, and don't do anything strenuous. Make sure you've eaten and drank plenty beforehad too.

[BigTom85]

Give it a miss, imho.

[daz3210]

Go along and have a word with them, tell them your concerns, or even ring the bloodline.

When you are donating you are laid on a bed, and they (normally) don't rush you to get up.

You are expected to sit for at least ten minutes and have a cuppa etc after they have taken the blood, and they have another bed on standby just in case. I have seen folks go faint after giving blood, and need the bed, I've even done it myself.

I did once ask what effect losing a pint of blood has on blood pressure, the NBT Nurse said very little if at all. She gave me the impression that they had not even thought about it.

As said above, if you are not right after they won't let you leave until you are, and if there is any danger to you, providing you are honest with them, they will thank you for coming but decline your donation.

[RicksAlfas]

They are the friendliest people in the world so just give them a ring and discuss your concerns with them.
0300 123 2323
As others have mentioned, if you do go, they will look after you and you won't embarrass yourself.
You'll get a free Penguin and cup of Kiaora too so you'll be hyper for the rest of the day.

[turbolucie]

I'm a 'fainter' and the time before last that I gave blood, it had to be abandoned halfway through as they said I looked a bit grey. But last time was fine. It's a satisfying thing to do.