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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My children can never be donors, what do I tell them?

229 replies

Beaaware · 14/05/2012 16:33

My children are 19, 22, 24, they were all born during the BSE crisis, the other day one of them asked me 'Mum I want to donate my blood when I travel overseas' , I know that this is not possible because all three of my children are banned from doing this in most other countries around the world.
AIBU not tell them exactly why this is, or should I let them find out for themselves, how do you tell your kids that they have potentially been exposed to deadly rogue prions?

OP posts:
IWishIWasSheRa · 14/05/2012 16:49

I am 29 and had a bl

Olympia2012 · 14/05/2012 16:49

Is this in a website somewhere? I need a proper link..

suzikettles · 14/05/2012 16:49

Beaware is very keen that we all be aware of the risk of VCJD (see posts passim).

I don't think her/his children are actually champing at the bit to donate blood overseas (it's kind of an odd thing to just come out with isn't it? Unless they were hoping to fund their overseas trip this way maybe?), this is just another "in" to the subject.

Greenshadow · 14/05/2012 16:49

Why on earth wouldn't you tell them this?

It's hardly likely to be a threat to them.

Are they still all PFBs even when in their twenties?

SoldeInvierno · 14/05/2012 16:50

If you've lived in the UK during those years, you are not allowed to give blood in Spain either. It seems to be a widespread practise.

PetiteRaleuse · 14/05/2012 16:50

It's not because they were born during the BSE crisis it is because they have lived in the Uk through the BSE crisis. I can't donate over here in France because I lived in the UK between x and y years so am considered a high risk for BSE.

I can't donate in the UK as I have received a transfusion abroad (in France)

Clytaemnestra · 14/05/2012 16:50

I mean, it's fine to have a cause you feel strongly about and to campaign about it, but don't be disingenuous just because you want to post on a high traffic board without being moved.

gafhyb · 14/05/2012 16:50

Aaaagh

I seeeeee

CatPower · 14/05/2012 16:50

But... why would it put the fear of god into them? Surely if there was any risk to their health, it would have been back in 85-96, not now?

Your children are all adults. Keeping something as insignificant as this from them is just plain daft. Explain to them that in Oz they can't donate blood because of the BSE crisis and that'll be that. I doubt it'll impact on their holiday/gap year at all.

wentshopping · 14/05/2012 16:51

It's true that you just have to have lived in the UK during the 1980s to be banned from giving blood here in the US.

WipsGlitter · 14/05/2012 16:51

If they can't handle this information then that's ridiculous. As a poster above says this seems to be a cack-handed way if posting about this. Your user name is also a red flag.

PetiteRaleuse · 14/05/2012 16:51

That said just tell your DC they can't donate. I'm sure they'll cope and would worry if they can't

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 14/05/2012 16:52

OP are you for real? 'Fear of God'? Really?

Just tell them they can only donate blood in the UK. End of discussion, surely?

gafhyb · 14/05/2012 16:52

People travel to Australia all the time and decide to donate blood in between selling Encyclopedias and surfing

SodThat · 14/05/2012 16:52

well in that case it is straightforward. Tell them about the bse crisis, tell them that they amongst however many million other children who were born during said crisis are not allowed to donate blood in other countries. ?ell them it is the decision of other countries but that they can donate freely in the uk.

I dont think this would put the fear of god in them. How long is the incubation period for bse anyway. surely 20 years on there would be an epidemic of sufferers?

LoonyRationalist · 14/05/2012 16:52

Hmm Weird weird weird op

Oh & what Clytaemnestra said

BerryLellow · 14/05/2012 16:52

OP, just tell them, and if they start majorly freaking out then point out that no one else their age or over seems to be bothered (aside from possibly you)

It's just different countries having different policies.

I can't donate due to having had blood transfusions after giving birth, which is a shame, but there we are.

:o at mountain meet molehill

WorraLiberty · 14/05/2012 16:52

Why would it put the fear of God into them?

And what on earth makes you think they won't find out for themselves anyway? Confused

CatPower · 14/05/2012 16:52

munches beef sausages

devours a still-mooing sirloin steak

God, now I really do fancy beef for dinner.

BlackAffronted · 14/05/2012 16:53

The OP has an agenda.

KurriKurri · 14/05/2012 16:53

I've reported this thread.

BerryLellow · 14/05/2012 16:54

And what Clytaemnestra said :o

Original poster
Beaaware · 14/05/2012 16:54

It's a horrible thing to have to tell them, but I will, thanks for the advice and lets hope oneday the ban will be lifted.

OP posts:
backwardpossom · 14/05/2012 16:54

Aw CatPower I'm hungry now!

GravyHadALumpyMashBaby · 14/05/2012 16:55

It wouldn't put the fear of God into them surely?! They're adutls, and it's hardly earth shattering is it? I'm 24 and I did not know this. Nor do I care. If those are the rules... (Not that I've ever tried to donate blood abroad...)

Just spat my drink everywhere at Clytaemnestar's post! Grin