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 have thyroid issues and am a regular donor. As long as you are stable on your prescription they are happy to take your blood.

I have an appointment on Monday, booked before this latest appeal. I think this will be my 25th pint since we moved to Scotland, plus however much I donated in England before moving.

I donated for the first time yesterday. For years I thought I couldn't because of the drugs I am on.

Turns out the rules changed and I can. Already booked the next session!

Like other PP I wish I could as I used to give regularly but had a transfusion in 2016.
Does anyone know if there's any chance the rules on transfusions might ever be relaxed? I l think the rule exists because of the contaminated blood scandals of the past (although tell me if I'm wrong) but surely since we've been better at screening blood this is not a risk anymore?

I’d encourage anyone who’s nervous or unsure to give it a go. I was scared to do it as I get panic attacks when I feel trapped and being hooked up with a needle is the ultimate trapped! The first time I donated I was terrified, but I made it to the end of the donation…then had to be reclined to stop me fainting, but I was absolutely fine once I calmed down again. Now I go as an often as I am allowed. It occurred to me that I always assume that if I needed a blood transfusion it would magically be available but that’s only because people take the time to donate. I am fit and healthy, and have a rare blood type, so I feel it’s time to do my bit. And hopefully, if I ever need it, then I’ll be on the receiving end of other people’s generosity. I’m in Scotland so not part of this particular blood drive but it’s a good reminder to do your bit, if you can, wherever you are. It’s an hour out of your day (plus travel) and it saves lives.

I’m O- so always donate every 16 weeks. I don’t know anyone else who does it; it’s a shame.

I've donated today. It was really busy. Talked to my DS about it too... he's much too young but I want to normalise it. My DH won't do it as he doesn't like needles

I'd like to know this too. I donated regularly as soon as I turned 18, but had a transfusion after dc1 was born so can't any more.

I can’t donate because I have a mouth ulcer. That’s how ridiculous the rules are. I have braces and often get ulcers. I explained this to a nurse once and she gave me a lecture about how sick babies could get my blood. Never been back since then.

I love this new thing where the NBTS follow up and show you where your blood donation is sent for use. I was particularly chuffed that they sent mine 200 miles away to a hospital in Devon (where my DD had coincidentally had transfusions after his cancer diagnosis).

I wish I could give blood, can’t as I had x4 transfusions as a newborn in 1990. I’m now under investigation for having hep B from contaminated blood from those transfusions. Thank you to every single person who donates!!!

It’s a good feeling to find out where it has gone. I am o- and the last couple of times I have donated the blood has been issues within less than a week which shows how low supplies have been.

I am South African. I donated regularly since I was 17 - they had a program where, with parental permission, they would accept donations from high schools students and they would come into the school to do it.

But then I moved here. And I have tried multiple times. But they won't let me. The most recent time I tried, I was told that I could not donate as my husband is South African.... So I can donate, because they can test my blood, but in case my husband has given me something, I can't. we've been married nearly 20 years, If I've got something, I think we'd know by now.

It really annoys me. I understand the point of being careful, I really do, but this feels so irrational.

I would also like to donate platettes as I am A- and I believe that is one fo the omre useful blood types for platelets. But the only way to do that is if my DH comes with me to get his blood checked. He was not keen but did agree to try do it.... but this was pre covid and finding a day time period when we could both make it (had to drive 15 miles to a proper hospital) and we didn't have at least one DC was impossible.

This thread sort of inspires me. I will have to ask him again - DC are older, so it's easier to find a slot when we could go and get ourselves tested. And the hospital is actually near where he works now.

Just went online to book dh in and have this screen, no wonder people don't ....

Well done you OP (and everyone else) for so many donations.
I have just returned back from living overseas where they never wanted my rare group blood, despite being a young, super fit and healthy and willing donor. Looking forward to getting back into it here in the UK. I struggle with the website though - they never find my details and it is so frustrating I give up. Will give them a call.

I hope your post encourages more first timers or returners!

I really wish they’d do this in Scotland. You have no clue what happens to your donation.

I’d also like to know if the rules regarding blood transfusions would be relaxed soon. I had a transfusion in 2011, if my blood is considered unsuitable, why was I given one if there were already concerns then?

I’d love to donate but because of this I can’t.

I did mine a few weeks ago, I’m O+, I love my club biscuits and my little text after.

It’s not a ridiculous rule at all. They cannot just take your word for it that your ulcer was caused by your braces! It very well might go to sick babies, and if you had an ulcer for a different (infectious) reason that you thought was due to your braces, it could be catastrophic for that baby. Not worth the risk.

On a more amusing note, DS is O-. I told him when he was young that he'd need to donate blood regularly as soon as they allowed him as his blood is the most important and useful one as the universal donor. He was not keen....

... turns out he thought it would be his full time job! And he'd have to do it all day, every day!

I can't as I had a blood transfusion in 1995. I donated blood for a few years after that then they changed the rules.

I guess it's a bit worrying if your veins are now all knackered due to giving blood. What if you need chemo or something in the future ? I guess they would have to insert a Picc line. I try to give regulalry as I'm O neg. When I went recently i was also told that my blood is 'pure' as it's CMV negative so each donation I give goes to help 12 prem babies in a neo natal unit. Not sure whether they say these things to encourage you to keep on donating but it does make me feel like I'm really doing some good ! Sorry to hear you can't donate any more. op and hope others do.

I would but my blood isn't useful. Hopefully enough with the right types come forward to give blood.

In which case it’s no wonder there’s a huge shortage. I’m amazed anyone is eligible.

Does anyone know if it's possible to donate blood when just visiting the UK? I have an NHS number and have donated blood in the UK before.

I can't donate blood where I live because anyone who lived in the UK in the 1990s is ineligible due to BSE.

I just did my 5th donation today - am very late to doing it as I always felt a bit nervous about it, but was really pleased I braved it and intend to keep going now until I can't donate anymore!