Apheresis -- Blood Platelet Donation

I'm squeamish and hate needles and blood -- particularly my own. I also try to face my fears and overcome them. Not that I'm not squeamish. I just manage it better. So I started giving blood partly for that reason. About 2 years ago I started giving blood platelets, a 2 hour process where the blood is drawn through this needle, the platelets are centrifuged out and my remaining blood product is returned to me (again through this needle). The platelets are mainly given to cancer patients recovering from aggressive treatments. I can give 3 units at a time and donate every 48 hours (but only 24 times per year). I also can watch a DVD, work on my laptop (with one hand), make phone calls, or -- if I get REALLY bored -- take photographs. The part of the needle you can't see is about 3 (perhaps 4) times longer than the exposed part. It actually doesn't hurt and, because my red cells are returned to me, it doesn't even make me woozy. Oh, and all that red on my arm is sterilizing wash, not blood. The Apheresis Dept. at the blood center has awesome technicians who can insert this needle and -- I swear this is true -- you usually don't even feel it! The worst part, truth be told, is at the end when they start ripping off the Scotch tape that holds the tube on my arm. Now that hurts!