blood stocks low - will anyone donate in my place?

[outforblood]

My time as a blood donor is over. I tried and failed to donate yesterday for the last time. Having donated regularly since I was a teenager, this was the second visit in a row where even the most experienced senior nurse was unable to access a vein.

Apparently my veins are very small, buried deep, and the one stretch where they come close to the surface is now unsuitable for further attempts due to being used so often. No need to try again: "Looks like we've got all we can out of you."

I always found giving blood very life-affirming. I've been very lucky to be in good health most of my life so I always felt fortunate just to be in a position to do it. I know many can't. So I felt very sad to be turned away, but even worse to then read that blood stocks are currently dangerously low, particularly of rarer types (like mine).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw4y2x2kn4ko

I thought I'd come on here in case I could spur someone on here who is eligible to donate but on the fence to take my place. Maybe you've been meaning to donate but haven't got round to it, or maybe you haven't done it for a long time, or maybe you're a first-timer and nervous. But it's such a positive thing to do, the staff I've encountered have always friendly and gentle and professional. And of course you get and afterwards!

If you have any questions or concerns let me know and I'll do my best to help. But it would make my day if even one person pledged to donate in my place. 🙂

I can't but thank you for being one of the many who did!

I have an appointment to donate for the first time next weekend.

I donated on Monday - I’d urge anyone who can to do so. It’s painless, and you get free tea and Club biscuits afterwards 😄
sorry to hear you’re no longer able to give blood @outforblood

I’m just frustrated that recently I’ve had appointments cancelled, even when they’re appealing for more blood. I booked into the main donor centre this time.

if you’re thinking about it, please go ahead, there aren’t many things we can do in life that help other people as much as this.

You've spurred me on to sign back up again, I used to donate regularly but an illness stopped me for a while, and then I'm guilty of not getting around to doing it again. I'm getting around to it right now.

Edited to say that I was directed to a page where I'm in an hour long queue - I hope that's because so many people are signing up and not because something has gone down!

O read that only 3% of people eligible to give blood actually do which is a shockingly low number!
its hit and miss if i can give blood as often i go and my iron levels dont pass the finger print test. Managed to recently

I can’t give again for another 2 months but have the first available appointment for when I can.

You've actually reminded me to make an appointment. I had surgery a few months ago so haven't been for a bit.

I used to donate regularly and now I find myself on the other side of needing regular transfusions to keep me alive. I would remind anyone who is on the fence about donating or thinking about it, you never know when you will need a transfusion yourself. Donation is painless and quick and you get a snack at the end so please, please donate.

The website appears to be overloaded at the moment. But thanks for the reminder OP, I used to do it a long time ago but fell out of the habit. Will sign up again once I can get onto the website.

I used to work in an office with a lot of young healthy men who spent their lunch hours at the gym. I once offered to buy a pint for anyone who’d accompany me to the next blood donor session. Not a single one took me up on the offer; you’ve never heard so many excuses!

(Obviously the pint was going to be consumed on a different day to donating). I’m always astonished that the take-up is so low.

I tried tonight and unfortunately failed the iron check 😦

I'd love to, but I had a blood transfusion in 2018 and am no longer able to give blood. Well done for your service though!

I can't donate again either. I'm AB- and they always wanted my blood.

I'd ask anyone who can, but hasn't, to please consider it. As a recipient of several blood transfusions I thank anyone who donates.

Unfortunately due to having received transfusions I'm no longer allowed to donate

I want to but they won’t let me as I’m always anaemic 😔

I my doing my 47th donation on Wednesday.

Yes! I saw that article and it reminded me to book in.... But they must be really busy as there was a long wait and I timed out!

I used to donate regularly and then paused while pregnant and haven't got back to it yet, so I'm pleased to get a reminder and will certainly be back into it soon. I'm common blood type but they need that... I'm also registered for bone marrow.

@Impossiblyimpossible
Thank you 😊

I'm another that would love to but can't after a blood transfusion in 2008 (pp haemorrhage with dc1).

They need more mobile units so people can pop out of work quickly to do it rather than having to mess around with time off to go to the hospital and having to pay a lot to park.

Thanks OP.

I used to donate regularly but now I'm a cancer survivor sadly it's not allowed for me to donate blood or plasma any more. Please could someone who hasn't donated before donate on my behalf?

I would have grown up without a mum if it wasn't for donors answering an urgent appeal - she was haemorrhaging seriously after giving birth to my younger sister and the blood transfusion saved her life. I always felt donating was really important for the sake of future mums, and am sad not to be able to continue.

Just please do.

I've donated over 75 pints, but now can't due to health issues. Anyone who does is saving lives.

Just do it.

I wish I could do it more often but they don't have convenient appointments.

It's a shame they make it so hard to do.

Thanks OP - this is really timely. I’m a HCP and going to an energency hospital meeting tomorrow to enact our low blood stocks plan.

I suspect it will meet cancelling elective operations in patients who might need transfusions to protect energencies. This is a very real situation.

I have been doing a good stint this year. Currently ill with flu so will have to reschedule my 31st July apt. You've actually reminded me to rebook, so thanks for that OP!
I love the little text saying where it was used.