First Time Donor

Donated blood for the first time today! I wanted to do it since I know the significance and help it has on people and I’m O-. I was a little curious though as I did research as to what to expect and it was not what I was expecting.

Tw: pain and needle description
I was told the finger prick was the worst part, but that was definitely not the case. There was prolonged pain during the insertion and consistent dull pain that grew when I squeezed the ball thingy. The person performing it said there wasn’t much she could do and just encouraged me to do whatever was comfortable. It hurt significantly more than my routine blood draws and it caught me a little off guard.

Just curious as to what could have caused this, but it certainly didn’t turn me away and I will likely donate again. Thanks :)