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Original poster

Give blood!

32 replies

Sausagefingers9 · 19/11/2018 16:38

Hi,
Just a friendly reminder to make an appointment to give blood if you can. I went today and was chatting to one of the nurses, she said they are really struggling to get donors in my area, especially at this time of year.

So yeah, if you can give blood then please go and do it! It doesn’t take long and could save someone’s life.

OP posts:
ElideLochan · 19/11/2018 16:39

Nice idea, and I give blood mostly regularly, but we need more appointment availability

It a a nightmare trying to get an appointment

00100001 · 19/11/2018 16:40

I do...

DonaldDucksTowel · 19/11/2018 16:41

Doesn’t anyone know how long since you had a transfusion can you give blood again? Or is it never?

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General health
DonaldDucksTowel · 19/11/2018 16:42

Does* not doesn’t

Original poster
Sausagefingers9 · 19/11/2018 16:43

I’m no expert but I don’t think you can after a transfusion. The blood website has loads of info on it.

OP posts:
tangoed2 · 19/11/2018 16:44

@DonaldDucksTowel I rang to ask the same question, unfortunately you can never give it back!

Original poster
Sausagefingers9 · 19/11/2018 16:45

Oh no, is it really bad Elide? They don’t always make it easy! I try and book mine after I’ve donated so it’s weeks away, there tends to be more appointments available then.

OP posts:
GemmeFatale · 19/11/2018 16:46

It’s all very well begging for blood but I know loads of people trying and failing to get appointments.

I can’t at the moment, pregnant, but my midwife has already warned me because pregnancy will make my already tiny veins worse they might not want me in future as it’s too much trouble. I’m O neg. you’d think an extra few minutes would be worthwhile.

monty09 · 19/11/2018 16:47

I would love to give blood but because I have b12 injections I'm not allowed

Sadik · 19/11/2018 16:52

They don't want me any more - too short! (More specifically, I fall under the minimum weight requirement - not underweight, just short, and I gave blood for years until they either changed or became more strict about the rules.)

DonaldDucksTowel · 19/11/2018 16:54

Oh what a shame you can never give back
Thankyou to whoever’s blood saved my life!

ElideLochan · 19/11/2018 16:55

I had to miss an apt due to being in a restricted country, I had to wait 2 weeks. By the time I could get an apt it was just about another 3 or 4 months (my next session )

SpoonBlender · 19/11/2018 16:59

Booked for tomorrow. I've not been able to go for a while due to surgery and whatnot, and the text messages have been coming thick and fast!

DiveBombingSeagull · 19/11/2018 17:02

I've an appointment next month, but I had to book it in September to bet it, the available appointments here are non-existent - I work in a town 25 miles away so I searched in both towns and the two in between and nothing at all. I think more people would if they could find available appointments.

xTinkerhellx · 19/11/2018 17:06

Ha.

I'm trying.

The next available appointment is 12/04/2019 (which I have booked)

No other appointments available in a 20 mile radius of me until then.

darkriver198868 · 19/11/2018 17:07

Had a massive blood transfusion when I was 18 which saved my life. Unfortunately I am not able to give it back.

I am greatful for those that donate.

Original poster
Sausagefingers9 · 19/11/2018 17:10

They don’t half bombard you with messages don’t they! I suppose it stops you forgetting.

I winder why appointments are so hard to get when it’s such an essential service?

OP posts:
Meet0nTheIedge · 19/11/2018 17:18

See this thread. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3427954-giving-blood-why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-an-appointment?msgid=82703273#82703273

I do try but due to the difficulty of getting appointments I only manage once or teice a year.

babysharkah · 19/11/2018 17:26

I would love too but I can't as I have had transfusions.

3in4years · 19/11/2018 17:56

I have a feeling I can't. Over the past 5 years I have either been pregnant or breastfeeding. Had a lot of blood tests and frequently anaemic. And sometimes weigh less than 7.5stone. I also have some weird antibodies 8n my blood. If they go away and I am not anaemic any more, and the I put on some weight, I'll look into it when I've finished breastfeeding.

trevthecat · 19/11/2018 18:10

I donated last week. Same issue round here, not enough appointments. Took me ages to get one and had to travel for it

Crazyeyes3 · 19/11/2018 18:13

I used to give regularly but then I moved and I have found it impossible to book an appointment in my new area.

SerenDippitty · 19/11/2018 18:14

Can’t donate, I’m a mad cow risk.

UnalliterativeGeorge · 19/11/2018 18:15

Ditto with appointments here made worse by having to book one around DH shifts so that I don't have to take two preschoolers with me. I have to book, hope for the best, then normally rebook when he gets his rota. Finally going back next week.
It doesn't help they've stopped booking the next appointment when you go to give blood either!

PestoSurfissimos · 19/11/2018 18:15

I do but I’ve got low iron at the moment