Task # 7 - Needle Assault!!!

Ok so people might think that a fear of needles is an absolute joke, but I would love to just have them walk in my shoes and feel the fear the extremely sharp and pointy things bring on. Its unreal, and hard to explain, but the thought of a needle is enough to make me lightheaded, dizzy, and sick to my stomach. The sight of it turns my insides out, I start to feel extremely cold and stiff, and at any moment you could probably bank on the fact I may hit the floor.



I don't know where this fear came from, but I did have this one traumatizing moment as a child - I needed to get a booster shot or something (which I didn't want), So I got pinned down by the Doctor, my mom and an assistant as I cried and squirmed. To this day I can't look at a needle without feeling uneasy.



The benefits that come from donating blood totally outweigh the negatives, so I just decided I needed to suck it up, bite the bullet, and deal with the fact that my fears can't control my life anymore. Throughout the day it felt like I was carrying a bowling ball in the pit of my stomach. People tried giving their friendly advice, but it didn't help to make the nerves go away. I'm one of those worst case scenario type of people; I see the glass half empty. It's a drag, but the fact people have put up with it thus far, shows maybe its time to just let it all go, no more baggage.



Its 3:30 pm @ 1575 Carling Avenue - Canadian Blood Services Clinic.
Rush is there ready and waiting for me with his big smile, as though I wasn't walking into another traumatic ordeal. I felt slightly lightheaded, but the place was packed, so I just had to snap out of it, I didn't want to make a scene. The finger prick to test my Iron level was not a good start, it hurt...a lot, but I kept it inside. Then comes the most awkward conversation you may ever have with a person, the pre-donating questionnaire all applicants must endure. "Have you ever paid for sex from a person who may or may not have had sex with a monkey carrying the HIV/AIDS virus??" Obviously I'm embellishing quite a bit, but the questions were just as weird. I give them points for being very thorough with their screening process.



All the nurses and staff were amazing, extremely kind and gentle. I explained my fear to just about anyone who would listen because I wanted to make sure they took me seriously. I'm sure I wasn't the first person with a fear of needles and I won't be the last, but even still, they were all very empathetic and made sure they took good care. It felt like I was there forever, Rush was already finished donating his blood before I even took a seat in the comfy Lazy-Boy. My nurse made sure that she explained everything before she did it, but her one mistake was allowing me to see the MASSIVE needle before she put it in, oh dear my head started feeling like it was a thousand pounds. I turned my head, and I felt the sharpest pain surge through me.....then and there I dropped 1/3 of the "F" bomb. Apologies to everyone who heard it, I just couldn't help myself.



My arm was covered with paper towels so that I couldn't see what was going on; it really helped that I had someone there to talk to; Thanks Rush, you helped dull the pain and fear. This is definitely something I could not do alone, moral support is always a plus.



Before I knew it, it was all over, THANK THE ALMIGHTY!! Turns out my blood goes to newborn babies in need, which felt very gratifying. I kind of feel bad that I've been so selfish, this is definitely something I will have to do again; there are so many people in need, and if I can help by putting my stupid fear to the side again, I will. Almost Halfway done!!