To think that giving blood

[Sinkingfeeling]

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

The funny thing is, I find the team that I usually go to, to be the most miserable bunch. I sat there waiting for my turn while the nurse manning the reception barked at people and was so horrible that at least half a dozen newbies, in the 15 mins I was watching, shrugged, said they'd leave it then and left. I shouldn't say that really, don't want to put people off, but I was horrified.

So I don't find it particularly relaxing but I 'enjoy' doing it, if you can enjoy it! I am proud of myself that I do and miseries don't put me off. :)

Must google what's involved in bone marrow donation...

You should all definitely consider the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register. You only need to give a saliva sample and if you get called, you get a couple of days in London with all the biscuits you can eat!

I'm on it, and the organ donation register, and I gave blood until DS was born, and will start again as soon as he's old enough (9 months?).

I'd be really interested to know about marrow donation too, if anyone wanted to share their experience. I'm a blood donor, in rude good health, have excellent veins, and my Mum is in her 3rd remission from leukemia thanks in part to donors.

There's some info about it on the blood transfusion people's website, but I'd like to hear someone's own experience from the donor end.

firstmrsdeveerie, what a beautiful girl and lovely baby.

wish I could give blood - for some reason I checked the blood donor website yesterday - but can't as had a transfusion myself. Will check out bone marrow donation too.

1. Sinkingfeeling: Thanks for the kick up the arse for me to start giving blood again.
2. Twirlymum: Major thumbs up to ya!
3. Note to self: Get to blood donor clinic pronto.
4. Nuf said.

1. Bon soir.

You're all heroes - thank you. Premature DS needed four transfusions this summer and wouldn't be here without you all.
I've always been too pathetic to sign up before but as soon as I stop bf, I'll be right there!

When I gave blood last week it was not busy at all. The nurses told me that donating was about 30% down from last year. Usually where I go you have to wait, even if you have an appointment and there are usually three or so people waiting outside the "buses". This time I was the only one giving blood and a couple more people came in just as I was leaving.

I used to do platelets too, and it was blissful - an evening watching telly and being brought tea, biscuits and sarnies while lying down.

My brother has done platelets for 20 years, and at every 6 weeks, 2 units a time, it's an awful lot

OK thanks for reminding me to get giving again. I haven't since I was pg with DS.
Although I might have to have a slice of cake first to make sure I weight enough :o

Last time I went (a couple of months ago) I was a bit irritated that it was quiet, so the nurse kept talking to me. Would it be impolite to say 'Go away! This is my me time.'

Oldest sister would not be here without blood donors, DD3 nearly required a transfusion also, so feel duty bound to keep giving. Have missed about 6 years due to 3 pgs, loads of dental work and low iron levels, but that's all behind me now!

I used to give blood as soon as I was able to after the last one, and I loved doing it, but I'm now considered a dodgey foreigner and no longer allowed. It makes me very sad.

I used to give blood, but like another poster, I had a transfusion 11 years ago after DS was born, and am now precluded. I think it is very ironic that once you yourself have had a transfusion, and can especially appreciate the importance, you can no longer donate.

Have just looked at the Anthony Nolan website, to see if am also precluded from joining that due to transfusion, and they say no thanks if you are over 40! That is a surprise!

I used to donate but can't anymore due to the parasite I worked on for my PhD - DH can't donate because of it either (sexual contact!) and any DC would be regarded with suspicion (it's often transmitted mother-child). I'm not even infected with it, but there's that risk (it's a bitch to test for). good on all of you who do donate!

I started giving blood on my 18th birthday and used to give blood every time I was able to - I'm well past the 25 armsfull stage. But something weird has happened to my veins since I had DS and they slither around too much now so the donor people can't get needles in them. Very sad. I can try again in 3 years time apparently.

I'm on the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register and have been since I was at uni.

If you want to sign up to be a Bone Marrow donor then here is the link to their homepage and there is a huge JOIN UP button on there!! They're a great charity and keep so many people alive. Basically you just give a saliva sample and go on the register. If they ever find that you're a match for someone that needs your marrow the'll then be in touch and ask you to come in for further tests.

And I carry an organ donor card and in my will I've left my body to medical science [warm fuzzy glow emoticon]

I'm going on Monday to give blood, and I'm a little bit scared! Yes, I know I'm a wuss!

I've done it a few times before though and it's always fine. Although a couple of times they haven't been able to get enough blood in the time allowed which is a bit gutting, and the last two times I tried I'd been on medication too recently so wasn't allowed. Also a bit gutting when the things you are on medication for are so minor.

There's a lady near us who's son's life was saved by blood transfusions, and she makes loads of jars of jam or little packs of chocolates or biscuits wrapped up with ribbon and cellophane to give to the donors to say thankyou. It's so sweet that she does it every time, and it makes you realise how much difference it makes.

I agree, everyone can do it. I give whenever there is the chance, but that only comes up every year or two.

It has never really hurt, and I do find that I really enjoy some red meat afterwards.

I like the poster that says "you just saved the lives of 6 premature babies. Makes you feel good.

I give whenever I can - I too have issues with low iron levels and haven't been able to donate a couple of times as was borderline aneamic. I now take a multivitamin and iron tablet every day and "top up" with some extra iron pills for a few weeks after a donation, and that seems to have helped.

The new appointment system where you can book online is much better than turning up and waiting - I used to be stuck for around 2 hours sometimes in my hometown where it got very busy when they visited. I'm in Bristol and the Southmead Hospital Donor Centre where they do platelets also take regular donors, and it's very fancy up there - daytime appointments every day and swish reclining chair/bed things rather than the foldup tables. Much nicer than a village hall!

I have Strep B, so I cant give blood so Ive been told, so not everyone can..

Can you not give blood if you have had a transfusion? I had one during birth.

No, having had a transfusion since 1980 (I think) means there is the chance you could have been infected with CJD and so not allowed to give blood. Not entirely sure I like knowing there is the chance I could have been infected with it, but not much I can do about it now.

40,000 of us at least may be incubating vCJD (human form of mad cow disease), this is one of the reasons why if you have had a blood transfusion you cannot donate blood.

I also cannot due to the medication I take. I definitely would otherwise, I would take great pride in doing so.

Have always wanted to give blood but I live abroad (Belgium) and they won't take British blood here! Apparently we all have mad cow disease or something...

yes, it's an incredible shame that those of us who have received transfusions can't actually donate anymore, ourselves. As has been mentioned above, we have been in the position to appreciate just for vital a resource it is.

Thanks to everyone else who is still able to donate!