To think that giving blood

[Sinkingfeeling]

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

MrsDeVere, thanks for being so brave and sharing your story, I really hope it encourages others to give blood.

My sister needed a transfusion after the birth of her DD, and my Dad also had several during his treatment for cancer. I go every time I am called up - I know not everyone can donate but I really believe anyone that can, should.

I know it can be a pain to get there, wait about, blah, blah but it is so worth it! Oh and in answer to the OP - yes, I too enjoy the chance to put my feet up for a bit and have a guilt free biscuit afterwards (I think I heard somewhere that a pint of blood is worth 500 calories??)

It's not shameless or exploitive, MrsD, it makes it real. Everyone knows that giving blood saves lives but I wonder how many really understand what it means and how many different ways it is used.

My needle phobia has put me off for many years, but three children, blood tests, IV lines and assorted other stuff have kind of lessened that.

I donated last friday and they made me feel so wonderful, kept thanking me and making me feel special! It was quite relaxing as I got to lie on a bed with my feet up!

I so want to donate but am far too light apparently, which is odd as I am donating a kidney (far bigger organ than blood) for DH and I am apparently ok for that. I was laughing with the donation nurse - she said I should just put weights in my knickers when I go to give blood .

DH can't donate for several reasons either.

How do I find out about donating platelets?

Thanks for the reminder! I've just booked my appointment for next month :)

I didn't realise Billie would have had blood transfusions, I am woefully ignorant about such things. I will think of her every time I go and will get nagging. I do nag but the moment someone says "squeamish" I ease off. I might not be so understanding now...

I'm in remission from acute leukaemia. I have received countless transfusions of blood and platelets. I didn't realise the value of blood and it's products, until I actually needed these myself. I wouldn't be here today but for the kindness of blood donors.

It really is a special day when a patient on the haematology ward/unit is told a bone marrow match has been found. It gives the patients and their families such hope.

A big thanks from me to all you donors.

YANBU.
I gave blood until I had a problem after one donation - big lump in the vein, very sore, took ages to go away. Kind of put me off - but then I did work for the blood transfusion service for 5 years so see that as part of my contribution.

I cannot give blood now (in Australia) as I lived in the UK between 1982 and 1996 and am therefore almost certainly infected with vCJD .

Can't be on the organ donor register here either.

gremlins - you being too light is about the relative volume of blood in your body - it will be smaller than heavier people and therefore removing a pint of it is a bigger percentage than it would be for other people. This makes you more of a risk for anaemia, and passing out after donation.

Phone the local BTS and ask about donating platelets.

Well usually I find it relaxing. I'm an easy bleeder and takes around 4 minutes to get their bag... but this time I had two re-bleeds the second as I was reaching for the crisps and managed to bleed over the table, chair, my bag, coat, shoes all down my arm and a lovley puddle on the floor. The first timer opposite me then promptly fainted

I was banned for a year last march because my hb was 106 when the limit is 115.
(actually, can't remember the exact numbers, but it was something like that).
I'm not anaemic or anything, but they wouldn't even let me back in 3 months or anyhyting - blanket ban for a year. (I often have difficulties with the blood in the spring - I think my iron must drop in the winter). I tried to tell them that but they wouldn't listen.
But they kept sending me letter asking me to sessions, so last time they did, I rang them to make an appointment. They got all confused because the computer wouldn't let them make the appointment. then they put me through to "someone who knew" and they said "no, you can't!"
told them to stop asking me, then.

It's like giving a child a toy then telling them they can't play with it!

But I'll have to wait until at least may because of my history with spring...

oldraver I had that problem once too - I grabbed my coat in my blood arm, then went to get my tea and the lady yelled out "we've got a re-bleed!" at the top of her voice, whilst someone ran over and ushered me behind a big screen and onto a stretcher. and then left me there! (after re-bandaging)

Yes that seems about right. At this session the nurses do the teas and also book your next visit and thye were standing pretty close and have a re-bleed kit handy, but obviously have to get gloved up which allowed me to decorate the floor somewhat. They did very nicely clean my coat and bag which I didnt expect

Thank you! Someone like you saved my life once!

Can you give blood if you are on prescription medication?? I'm on it for life so it's not a short term thing but have always wanted to give blood.

I need to set up an appointment for next week. My blood group is O RH D Neg, and I always get a call to remind me to go. My blood can be given to anyone. I've done 38 donations, despite breaks for kids .

New thing seems to be to get people to drink a pint (of water ) beforehand as it reduces fainting, etc.

I'm also on the bone marrow register and once got a call to say I was a potential match, but someone else turned out to be a better match, so I wasn't asked to donate in the end.

I'm happy to donate. My mum always wanted to donate blood too, but thought she couldn't as she'd had hepititus as a child. turned out that as there's more than one strain, you can get a blood test done and if it's clear you can donate, so mum managed to donate some blood before she contracted cancer (she's fine now, caught early, etc)

hangingbasket it's best to just phone them and ask about the specific medication.
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