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AIBU?

To feel really sad I can't give blood?

55 replies

Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:11

I read a book when I was young where blood transfusions were needed and it must have stayed with me because as soon as I turned 18 I tried to give blood but every time I am rejected!

I'm strong as a cart horse normally and I just feel a bit sad I can't help as I've had so many emails thanking me for my help it almost feels fraudulent!

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LadyIsabellaWrotham · 23/02/2016 16:17

What's the problem, is it iron levels? If so then a steak and orange juice, or an occasional tablet should sort you out.

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BeardMinge · 23/02/2016 16:17

Why do you keep getting rejected? Are you anaemic, travelled recently to certain countries? Is it something that could change? If not, then get yourself taken off their mailing list and you won't get the emails.

FWIW, lots of people can't give blood. My dad can't because of something he had when he was a child, my other friend can't because she had a blood transfusion. I've had long periods when I haven't been able to due to anaemia, tattoos, travel and childbirth.

Would you be able to join the bone marrow register instead? Google 'delete blood cancer'. They just take a swab from your cheek and ask you some questions before you go on the register.

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Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:18

It's different things every time frustratingly! It's been iron levels before but I take a vitamin. Today it was thin veins!

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ThursdayLastWeek · 23/02/2016 16:18

I'm sad that I can't repay the gift of blood I had after DS was born.

I never donated before that and it's a great regret of mine now Sad

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Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:18

Bone marrow sounds good - thanks! :)

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Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:19

That's how it feels Thursday; I really want to do something good to help someone else and can't!

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Katenka · 23/02/2016 16:20

Many people can't and it's a shame. Please do look into bone marrow.

I was going to do it and then found out I have some health problems. Hopefully once they are resolved I will be able to.

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MaxPepsi · 23/02/2016 16:20

I can't give blood either.

As in literally can not give it!

I can't even give a test tube of it for blood tests let alone a pint for the blood bank!

Frustrating as hell but some of us are just like that apparently!

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Germgirl · 23/02/2016 16:21

I'm too old to donate bone marrow (im only 43!) and my veins are too dodgy to donate platelets. I sometimes manage to donate blood. I know how you feel op, I feel the same. I want to help but I can't!

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Osolea · 23/02/2016 16:23

There are other good things you can do to help other people, so while it's disappointing when you wanted to do this thing, being unable to could be what encourages you to discover something else where you could make an even bigger contribution.

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BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 23/02/2016 16:24

I can see why you're sad because it's something you really want to do. I can't because I've had a transfusion & Glandular Fever. I think I would if I could but because I've always known it's something I can't do I don't let it worry me iyswim. I'm very grateful for the blood I received when I needed it.

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iwillbemrsminty · 23/02/2016 16:29

I understand how you feel. I have wanted to give blood for years and I have been several times and each time, none of the staff can get any blood out of me! They say my veins are too small Confused and each time I go and try again (and fail) they say they are withdrawing me from the donation program.

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Katedotness1963 · 23/02/2016 16:31

I can't give blood anymore either. Living in the UK in the '80s means I can no longer donate. Much as I hated needles I still went when the Red Cross came to our town, a friend dragged me along the first time.

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Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:31

Yes, I was told my veins were too narrow this time. Last time I was told my iron levels were too low, and i think the time before that too.

Sad It's daft, it's just something I really want to do!

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Xmasbaby11 · 23/02/2016 16:32

I can't either because of low iron. Even though I have a good diet, I'm always just below normal so they won't take it.

There are other ways to help people and be a good person so I don't feel guilty about it.

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FishOn · 23/02/2016 16:34

I used to in the UK but can't where I live now as anyone living in Britain or france in the 'Mad Cow' years is banned.

I wouldn't mind but they had mad cow disease here too Hmm

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onemouseplace · 23/02/2016 16:37

I can't because of medication I am on - it makes me very sad as well as I am 0 Neg so a universal donor as well.

I was very glad to be able to donate cord blood when my DC were born though.

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IDismyname · 23/02/2016 16:38

I usually give blood, but was sent away yesterday from my appointment because I'd had a d&v bug 13 days ago.

You have to be clear for 14 days! Grrrrrr!

Should have read the document fully. Had to cancel the time before that as I had a heavy cold.

I feel you pain, OP - but I'll keep trying. My DF has cancer and had a blood transfusion 3 weeks ago, so I felt duty bound to go and donate.

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honeyrider · 23/02/2016 16:51

I cannot give blood because I lived in the UK during the 80's/90's and it's something I'd love to have done as my dad had a lot of surgery and required a lot of transfusions.

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ApollO88 · 23/02/2016 16:54

I can't as I have a bleeding disorder. But I would if I could. Someday, it someone's donation could save my life.

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Almostfifty · 23/02/2016 16:56

Try having a large glass of water about half an hour before you try to donate. It apparently makes the veins easier to get blood out of.

I've been giving since I turned 18 but have had plenty of years unable to, due to various factors but I'm still trying even when I end up having to have blood taken from both arms to ensure I've enough iron to give.

Don't give up!

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Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:56

Coca my best wishes to your DF Flowers

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LucyMouse · 23/02/2016 16:58

OP you're not alone in feeling like this; DH got turned down at the weekend due to exposure to DS' impetigo. DH took it really personally and was genuinely gutted!

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Barmaid101 · 23/02/2016 16:59

I can't as I am too small, wish I could though. Never know when you may need it.

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howsyermammy · 23/02/2016 17:02

I got knocked back last week my haemoglobin was just a bit low. A bit frustrating because it took lots of organising for me to make that appointment.

I've realised it was my own fault. I hadn't been eating very healthily and hardly any exercise.

When I can donate again in 6 months time I will make sure I'm as healthy as I can be.

Better luck next time and don't let a knock back put you off.

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