To think that giving blood

[Sinkingfeeling]

is the most relaxing 45 minutes I've had since the last time I gave blood?

yanbu.

I haven't done it in nearly 5 years due to pregnancy, babies and an operation. Keep having to cancel my appointments as the dc's get a bug.

One day I will give blood again.

It took you 45 mins?

Lady, get your blood pumping faster! Mine took about 6 mins last time!

Well done and so it should be. DH needed 27 units in 12 hours plus a few more a few days later.

Donors are very special people to me as he wouldnt be here anymore if it wasnt for people like you!

I delight in the rest I get from giving blood. It's the only cup of tea I get to drink without 2 furry snouts trying to drain the dregs before I've finished!!

45 minutes - time to walk there and home again, time to read the paperwork, time to drink a hot cup of coffee and eat THREE biscuits. And the best bit? Categorically no heavy lifting (and my iron is sooooo heavy) for the rest of the day.

Aah!

Yes, I fail on the heavy-lifting bit - dd2 is physically disabled!

Dc's liked the "My Mum Gave Blood" stickers I got for them!

Eeek.
I don't weigh enough apparently.
I have tried many times to give blood. I heard you get free biscuits?
I have to buy my own biscuits.

I used to love giving blood but sadly the two units I got after DS was born has rather put paid to it.

Last time I went I was all ready until they did the thumbprick test. Then I remembered, OMG, this hurts, their gonna stick a big needle into me and bleed me, wtf am I doing?

Didn't do it for a long while as I was below the minimum weight, but will start again this weekend. Thank you OP for reminding me.

Hah to the heavy lifting - DD came with me last time and the first thing I had to do was heft her into the pushchair. She particularly enjoyed the custard creams...

My mum has had radiotherapy and can't give any more, so like to think I'm giving on her behalf.

The last time I went I was looking forward to reading a magazine while I waited and was none too pleased to find that I'd gone at a really quiet time and whizzed through the whole thing in less than 30 mins.

MuGGhoulWump - you need to be 7 stone 12 or over.

And yes, the biscuits only cost one pint of blood!

I wouldn't be here if it weren't for donors so it's a subject I am very passionate about. Sadly the treatment I had means I am no longer allowed to give blood, but I bully encourage DH to go every time there's a session on here and will encourage DCs when old enough.

They changed the haemoglobin/iron level cut offs a few years ago and I've never been able to give since. Used to scrape in under the wire but no more.

Irritatingly, my iron levels are not low enough to actually be a medical problem and I can knock out a pint in a matter of minutes and I'm never faint/sick afterwards!

Unlikely I'll ever get my silver badge now.

I've only just started to give - used to be too small, then iron was too low - I've given twice now

I've given blood twice now and both times have cried from the minute they start looking for a vein to when it ends. I'm such a wuss. It doesn't even hurt that much, I just hate the feeling of the thing in my vein and it makes me feel a bit funny. I think my local nurse people are hoping I stop coming!

YANBU! I enjoy the rest too.

A few years ago I went to donate platelets which involves taking out your blood, filtering it and the pumping it back in - only a few centres do it so I had to have a whole afternoon to myself to allow for the travel too!

Unfortunately, I couldn't donate in the end because my veins are 'too thin' - Only bloody part of my that is

Also considered donating bone marrow as that must be worth some serious child free time right???

I applaud you all
I cant give bloodas I've had a tranfusion myself

My I chummed my eldest son as he gave blood
He fainted!
But h was so proud
My younger DD finally got her weight up enough to donate
Hugs to her

Minimum weight restrictions never been a problem for me

The man beside me was giving his 100th donation!

I cant resist a blood donor thread.

Please look at my profile. Thats my girl.

She died from luekemia but blood transfusions kept her alive for two years, platlet donations meant she could die at home.

Thank you to everyone who gives blood or bothers other people to do it.
It matters, a lot.

Being on the bone marrow register makes you even better

MrsDeVeerie - that is very poignant. I hope my donations have helped other people like her too. The last one was being split for separate blood products.

I love giving blood. I get weirdly fascinated watching the blood flow out. I also always get complimented on my veins, as they are big and very visible. Easy work for a nurse.

Pregnant at the moment so can't donate, but as soon as I'm allowed again I will be hunting out a donation place. MrsDeVeerie you've reminded me why it's important.

I'm fairly certain I'm on the bone marrow list, and definitely on organ donation.

I'm on the bone marrow register. I am Queen Wimp, if I can do it then anyone can. Apart from people whjo don't weigh enough, have low iron, etc, etc.

I'm a very proud blood donor, as I told the Jehovah's Witnesses last week. I was told I would be going to hell.
I told him if it saves one life here on Earth, it's a risk I'm prepared to take!