Giving Life

So yesterday I went for the first time to give blood. Anyone that know's me will know I 

hate needles! 

Before giving blood I texted my cousin a regular in giving blood asked how long the process took. She tried to talk me out of donating down to the fact of my phobia, this made me more determined to give. So off I went walking down my road to the local blood donation centre. Seeing all the needles and blood did make me a tad nervous, but I was determined not to let it get the better of me.

I have to admit sat in the waiting room drinking my cup of water, waiting for my name to be called I was nervous and I could of easily walked out. However I knew that donating would help someone! 

5 minutes passed and my name was called, I went into a little booth where they asked me some questions. Then came the part where they prick your finger and check your haemoglobin levels,  after that I went and sat in another booth waiting for name to be called. What was another 5 minutes felt like an hour!! Finally my name was called and I was sat in the chair, no turning back now! 

I was tilted back and had my arm checked for a good vein to take from, it wasn't to hard to find. I had my arm cleaned and then came the worst the insertion of the needle. I looked away, if i'm honest I was expecting more pain. I sat there for a whole 7 minutes, fascinated in the whole process. 

The machine made a funny noise as if I'd won something on the fruit machine, and that was it. The needle was taken out and I was done, I went and enjoyed an iced water and some biscuits. Then walked home.

Moral of the story, don't let your phobia's hold you back. Donate blood and save a life!