Going to give blood today for the first time

[MeinKraft]

But a couple of things are worrying me! Firstly, I had a blood test done a couple of weeks ago for something else and the doctors receptionist told me everything was normal but I had to eat more iron rich foods. I'm guessing my iron is on the low side but not low enough to medicate then, will I still be able to donate?

Also when I get bloods taken the nurses often tut at me about having bad veins, will they even be able to get a useful amount of blood from me?

I'm a bit worried that I'm wasting an appointment someone else could have used but they literally emailed, texted and wrote to me asking me to donate because levels are critically low so thought I might as well try!

Be proud of your achievement. It's a rewarding regular habit you can get into. I will be donating as once again as soon as I am able, having just had an operation I needed to hang on to my own blood recently

Bravo to you!!
And Thankyou for reminding me to make my next donation appointment for next month 😃
(You've just potentially saved another life)

As a previous blood recipient I thank you!

Well done! I am a regular donor. One of the benefits of being through the menopause is that there are now no problems with my iron levels. Excellent advice to drink a lot of water during the day. On one occasion when my blood was flowing a bit too slowly I was advised that I might be better to make appointments for the afternoon as I would be better hydrated by then, so I stick to that now.

One of the best things about being a blood donor is that a couple of weeks or so after you donate you get a text telling you which specific hospital got the blood. For some reason that really bucks me up and reminds me to book the next donation.

Well Done 💪 - I hope you enjoyed your snack afterwards? 🤣

Pint number 33 for me today. Don't forget to book your next appointment via the app as soon as you can.

Well done! I’m on number 58 I think now, I agree its lovely when you get the text telling you where it’s gone.

Well done, it's such a good thing to do. I'm on donation 24 and I'm always encouraging others to donate as it's so important. I like the little messages afterwards, there is something about my blood that means it often gets used for tiny babies so that always makes me feel good (O-ve and CMV -ve) so they like me to donate as often as possible.

I ate 6 Garibaldi biscuits

As a haematology nurse who transfuses patients multiple blood products on a daily basis, thank you. You are an actual lifesaver ♥️

Yes to this.
I give blood and they are really nice nurses and I've got deep hard to find (tiny) veins and they managed with me.

It helped to drink water and eat before hand and I did some of the clenching exercises they recommended.

I love it when they text to say where the blood was used. I feel really tired about a week after but then load up on iron rich foods.

Well-done for helping someone x

@MeinKraft What a superstar!

This thread has made me feel quite emotional.

Thanks for doing it. I am not allowed to donate and I am 0 negative, so I am really miffed, they need as much blood as possible from people who can.

DH is a donor but had some health issues recently and needs to wait another 3 months to get the clear to donate again.

Just giving this old thread a bump to say I've been and given my second donation today! Would recommend everyone to go along even if you have worries and give it a go

Well done! I'm booked in again for later this month.

Well done for giving it another bump.

They won’t take mine any more, which saddens me.

Just waiting to get to 6 months postpartum so I can give again, seeing as my pregnancy cancelled my second donation.

Well done, you!

Well done. I'm on my way to 50 donations, (should be more, but having children, heavy periods etc stopped me) my Mum, sister and son have all had to have blood, so I'm glad to give some back.

If I hadn't had a blood transfusion I wouldn't be here today, or for these last 30ish years.
I couldn't give blood after that. I think everyone who donated blood.

I'm on 54, had a long hiatus when I had small children and dh worked away but I now give as often as I can.
Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling knowing I have done a little bit to help someone.

My friend said she can't donate because she has bad teeth 🙄.
She likes to make up lies all the time it's just what she does ! But is this true because she was adamant they said it 🤔

@MeinKraft Amazing!

People like you saved my fathers life.

My brother and I both donate to try and repay our “debt”, but people like you are ones who matter so much!

@eatdrinkandbemerry

Google:

You cannot give blood if you have an infection in your teeth or gums or you have a dental abscess.

I've always wanted to donate my blood. I'm on the organ donor list and have been since I was old enough to register but donating blood is a bigger issue for me- I'm scared of veins, specifically needles and veins.
Heavens knows how I got through 2 pregnancies but every time I have my bloods done (even last year) I faint. Embarrassingly, flat out faint.
Surely I would not be a good candidate for this, although I want to, I'm too ashamed to ask that question.

I'm off to do a little research after parking the idea for a number of years.
Hats off to all of you who have donated, you're amazing.