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. 🙂

Inspired by you, I’ve just tried to register and get an appointment to donate. But even now at 23.55 the waiting time in the queue is 29 minutes. There must be something wrong with the website surely it can’t cope at this time of night? I’ve given up and will try again tomorrow.

I think the lack of sessions must play a big part in the shortages

Agreed, that and closing lots of donation centres !!!

I donated blood two weeks ago for the second time. It was quick, easy, painless and I'll do it again in three months time.

My first time donating was over 30 years ago. Then I had three babies in quick succession and moved countries to somewhere that didn't want my possibly BSE infected British blood. The rules changed recently so I decided to go and donate again.

The only annoying thing was I couldn't have a cup of tea afterwards as they classed it as a first donation, and I had to make do with a soft drink. On the plus side, they were very generous with the biscuits and snacks.

I haven't donated for years but I've just registered and have an appointment booked.

Although there were no appointments available until 6th August which surprised me.

500K get transfusions every year in the U.K.? Really? I'm astonished by that stat. No wonder blood is needed so much.
Where did you find that, I'd like to read a bit more about it.

You don't need to know to give blood. Just go along. They sort everything for you.

You'll see your blood type on your paperwork next time once it's been checked if you want to know it.

I do!
I was too light until after having kids in my 30s, then started regularly. Had to have a break in my late 40s again after losing a lot of weight, and now peri-meno has turned me chubby again. I always book my next appointment as soon as I have donated, while sitting having my snack.

They don't want my blood although I would happily donate.

But thank you to all those who do.

Best tip I’ve ever had was to eat a packet of salt and vinegar crisps in the hour or so prior to donation as it can help if you tend to feel a bit woozy (I had a funny turn once after donating when it was really hot ), the lovely donor carer held my hand all the way to the toilet because I was desperate to wee but also felt like I was about to pass out and then told me about the crisps - never felt faint since!

Also, some dogs can donate blood to help other dogs! They have to meet certain criteria but many are eligible www.petbloodbankuk.org/pet-owners/dog-blood-donation/can-your-dog-donate-blood/

I started donating again recently. My dc donate as do their partners

No appointments until the end of November near where I live.

I used to donate regularly until they made it so difficult to get an appointment outside work hours that I gave up trying. I now can't commit to long term dates as I work away a lot and it's usually short notice travel.

They used to get very agitated with how long it took to get my blood flowing and although some of the staff were nice, most were incredibly rude and contributed to me stopping going.

Every time I go my iron levels are too low. It’s frustrating but I will try again.

I am O- so just went on to book. No appointments until Oct and they are all when I am at work.

They could have my blood but it seems I can’t give my blood.

All blood types are useful! I'm A+ also, and once they were especially wanting that type.

I attempted to give my 29th pint last month but sadly I fear I may be heading in the same direction as you - my veins were so tricky that they couldn't get a good enough placement for the full donation and we ended up having to abandon ship at around 300ml (which frustratingly will have ended up in the bin). I've always been a challenging customer but I think I'm close to being told that I'm not viable.

I come from a family of historically regular donors but they've all been ruled out over the years for various health reasons (cancer treatments, blood thinners, transfusion recipients). I have managed to persuade a colleague to begin donating regularly and have badgered my husband into giving as well, so would definitely encourage you to continue to be a cheerleader for donating.

Did they check iron levels before the donation? I've always been deficient so haven't donated, but it's been years since my last baby/period so I might be ok. I don't want to go back to iron deficiency though. Is there a risk of that?

I've just booked the next available appointment in my area for the 15th of Oct. I used to donate regularly when I was younger and then stopped for some reason. The last time I donated was 10 years ago just after my Dad died. He needed 24 pints of blood to try and save his life but sadly it never worked. I also came close to needing one after my 4th miscarriage. I'm a bit nervous this time, because the last time I donated I felt really faint

I've been rejected the last 3 times I went. Not trying anymore, waste of time for me. I always encourage DH to go but he just won't.

There are no appointments in my area. The next available is 12 miles away and not until the middle of September. I've been trying to donate again for years but there are never any appointments my town.

I used to donate when I was unemployed and when I was a mature student. But quite frankly, when you work anti social hours, it's not really viable. The times I did attend, often my details would be lost so I would have to wait. Often the sessions were overcrowded and the staff irritable. One time there was a van at the uni campus, but I was told to go away as they were having lunch and they were fully booked anyway. Another time I got told off for not reading all of the paperwork, as I was rushed. The worst was when the session at the theatre was completely cancelled and rescheduled for the day before. It seems they want people to jump through hoops for the privilege of donating blood. They need to make it easier.

Next appointment is 12 miles away in October! There's a donation center 30secs from my house probably once a month, but I've never successfully got an appointment. I'm 0- and give when i can ( often ineligible due to babies and travel), but if there's no appointments nothing I can do.

@stormagain they check your haeomoglobin levels before you donate. It needs to be above 125g/l. Because giving blood also gives iron and if your levels are below that then giving blood would make your levels go too low. Here is a photo of the leaflet they gave me when mine was found to be too low to donate.

I used to donate as live in a city with a dedicated centre so it was easy and conve

However I can't donate now because I've had à number of blood transfusions due to having blood cancer.

When I received the blood transfusions the bag has the source origin on it. Mine were from other towns & cities than my own examples: Rotherham, Wakefield and Sheffield.

Thank you to all who tried to donate, I wouldn't be here without donors.

Can I echo @Babamamananarama and @ about considering becoming a stem cell donor? It's not that invasive
as it sounds and is another way to save lives.

Partner has been giving blood for 30 years but recently had low iron.

Whilst all blood groups are needed O negative is the most important blood type to have as it can be given to anyone regardless of blood group or rhesus factor.

Thank you to all that donate. Unfortunately I am unable to do so, due to having Multiple Sclerosis.