So I went to give blood yesterday.

I'm generally OK with needles. So far in my life i've adopted the idea of just not looking when they do it - for the reason that I HAVE almost fainted when looking at a cut I received once - and it's worked (never had a problem when having blood tests etc).

But having felt faint when being sewn up after having a wisdom tooth removed (I could feel the needle going in and out of my gum and the mental imagery fucked me up!) I did wonder if I would flake out during the donation.

Then as I'm on the table, a Dr comes over and recommends I do leg-tensing exercises throughout to keep my blood flowing "because some people feel faint on their first donation".

So that was the mental seed sewn into my head really. I thought he could have done without planting the idea of fainting in there LOL

Anyway, needle goes in (stung more than I thought it would, I guess it's a larger needle when taking this much blood), but everything's fine. Then as we're approaching the full pint, I start to feel it.

"For fuck's sake" I thought.

I have no idea if it was psychological or from blood loss (scary to think one can pass out after losing only a pint).

Anyway, a male nurse spotted me and asked if I was allright. No point in pretending I thought and I laughed as I said "I don't think so"

I couldn't help but laugh because there were loads of people there. Grannies, teenagers and everything - all doing just fine. And then there's ME flaking out like a dickhead.

Strange sensation laughing and joking with nurses as you start to go out.

So anyway, the male nurse isn't subtle about it and shouts for help (wanker!). Then I'm surrounded by nurses - one fanning my face, one patting me down with a damp cloth , one tilting my feet up/head back, and another giving me juice through a straw. I said I'd definitely be coming back if I get this treatment every time.

So yeah, not really an emergency. Just posted here for shits and giggles. But it was a funny experience.

To save SOME face though, I did go for a run earlier that day! I'm putting it down to that... yep, definitely that

It's a shitter aint it.

# raises eyebrow humourously .. #

If it's any consolation I've had my eyebrow pierced twice and have got it to the point where you can do absolutely fine until 4 mins afterwards, it is possible to mediate somewhat.

Like you say though.. Can be embarassing.

Although I think you did absolutely fine, nothing really to be embarassed about. I wonder how many of the people that receive your blood would agree.

Nothing to be embarrassed about, but it was an entertaining story, and I could just picture you in that position.