I did platelets for a few years, both double needle and single needle. I had above average platelet counts so they were happy to get me in. I've also done a few pints of whole blood over the years. I stopped doing the regular platelet donations when the woman that always got the stick the first time retired. I'm usually a hard stick except in my hands. Also my wife, an RN and CRNI certified, told me I might want to save some unsecured veins in case I needed them one day.
Way back when my wife was pregnant with our first son Kaiser required husbands to donate a pint of blood. It was my first time donating blood. I turned green and had to breathe into a bag. I've been on accidents with blood and injured people, no problem, but I was busy. Getting stuck isn't a big deal. It's the anticipation then laying there while doing the donation that got to me. Over the years I've learned to control breathing and relax.
Gene363 wrote:
