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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask one of you to take my place?

83 replies

Nosleeptillgodknowswhen · 25/09/2012 18:07

I was struck off as a blood donor today as I have become allergic to the skin cleansing solution, after giving blood for 23 years. So I felt I should try to recruit a replacement.

Anyone willing to give blood instead of me? (subject of course to health reasons/previous transfusions/dodgy lifestyles etc)

Thanks!

OP posts:
DanyTargaryen · 26/09/2012 09:23

I can't for two reasons a is I am always slightly anemic just enough for it to be a blood donation problem and b i am currently pregnant and was properly anemic with dd, so am probably anemic now (having bloods done thursday)

Poledra · 26/09/2012 09:30

Already do it, but it is a faff, as I have a card I have to show them because I have certain antibodies present in my blood and that needs to be marked on my donation. I always get the person who's never seen it before, and has to go get a supervisor blah blah blah. I wait it out though I'll do anything for free biscuits

bubalou · 26/09/2012 09:50

I am trying to rally my family round for this.

My mum went into premature labour at 26 weeks in 1995 with my sister.

My mum was haemorrhaging badly. The amazing doctors managed to restart her heart after it stopped twice and they used 64 pints of blood to keep her alive as it was coming out faster then they could put it in.

We are all so grateful to these people that donated. I started giving blood as soon as I was old enough and badger everyone in my family that is able as well as my friends on Facebook to do the same.

Blackballoon · 26/09/2012 10:04

I donated yesterday :)

GracieGirl · 26/09/2012 10:07

I'll donate in January.

I used to donate regularly as there were sessions where I used to work which made it really easy. I've not been for 5 years due to one holiday and 3 pregnancies but should be ok again to donate by January. I've donated 16 units I think.

I rang the donor helpline after I had a miscarriage (3 yrs ago) and they said I couldn't donate after a pregnancy or miscarriage for the length of time I had been pregnant for.

FutTheShuckUp · 26/09/2012 10:11

That seems like a really stupid reason considering how vital blood donors are! Theres NO alternative cleansing solution at all?
Have you considered writing to the blood service about this?

festivalwidow · 26/09/2012 10:11

I donated last week. Couldn't donate for ages as I was on anti-depressants, so being able to donate again marked two very nice milestones for me.

panicnotanymore · 26/09/2012 10:12

I'm currently up duffed so off list, but this thread has made me take stock, and I'll sign up when I can. I might need a blood transfusion one day after all, and it is selfish to just assume it'll be there for me when I've never donated for anyone else.

mumnosGOLDisbest · 26/09/2012 10:19

I'd like to do it so will find out if i can now that dd is 8 months. Also BF and symptoms of anemia since pg. This thread has prompted me to get checked out though. Thanks OP

Goldensunnydays81 · 26/09/2012 11:44

Well I just answered my own question I just called about being a diabetic and I can't donate as I use insulin Sad

GwendolineMaryLacey · 26/09/2012 11:52

I'm umming and ahhing. I've been a blood donor for years. Last gave blood in July after a 2 year break due to pregnancies and birth. When I gave blood in July I fainted for the first time ever, hit my head fairly badly on the way down and was out of action for a couple of days.

They told me to miss my next scheduled session and that they would understand if I wanted to stop. WWYD? I don't want that to happen again.

MyLastDuchess · 26/09/2012 14:30

They told me to miss my next scheduled session and that they would understand if I wanted to stop. WWYD? I don't want that to happen again.

Good question GwendolineMary (great name BTW!) I would give it a break for a while. I donated for the first time when I was 16 and fainted, then had a dreadful migraine for the rest of the day. They told me not to come back. By the time I was game to give it another go I had lived in the UK and nobody wanted my 'tainted' blood any more. Maybe wait a year and then try again if you are game. Giving blood is a great thing to do and saves lives, but you obviously mustn't put yourself at risk in order to do so.

I am also curious about the blood donor/organ donor bit. I am listed as an organ donor, but they won't take my blood as I have lived in the UK and also received a transfusion 2 years ago. I'm guessing that the chance of circumstances being right for an organ donation are so slim that they don't do a huge amount of pre-screening but worry about it if and when the situation arises. Here in NL it's common for pregnant women to donate their urine in first tri (it's where most of the hCG comes from for fertility treatments), but they wouldn't even risk taking my wee as I spent 2 years living in the UK!

ontheedgeofwhatever · 26/09/2012 14:49

I want to but they won't take mine as I've had unexplained blackouts in the past :( They used to take it before the blackouts started so managed to donate 6 pints or so which is better than nothing

OrangePlumPie · 26/09/2012 14:59

I've been giving on and off since I was 17 (pg/anaemia etc). Am booked in for November so I'll take a balloon please!!

PervyMuskrat · 26/09/2012 15:51

Thanks for the reminder. Have just booked online. Will be my third time this year to make up for not being able to go in the last couple of years due to pregnancy!

YoullLaughAboutItOneDay · 26/09/2012 16:01

I used to donate, but haven't for about four years as I have been pregnant/breastfeeding and there weren't any good local sessions once my daughter was old enough. I am moving soon so hopefully there will be something close enough.

GwendolineMary- I had this, although didn't hurt myself. Sorry to hear you did. I was relatively slim at the time, and was told this can impact. At what stage did you faint - as you were walking to the tea/coffee, or as you were leaving (assume you were standing up if you hit yourself?). I was having tea. I was told to do it again, but to eat plenty about an hour before going and to go and ask for a big glass of squash when I arrived (to boost blood sugar). Then afterwards to lie down for a bit longer. Spend a decent amount of time sitting on the bed before walking and to have a cold drink afterwards rather than a hot one. I did and was fine ever since. Worth a go?

Casserole · 26/09/2012 16:02

I must rebook, i haven't done it since having DD. Thanks for the reminder.

Can't you take your own antibac stuff in to cleanse your arm though OP? It seems silly that you can't do it any more because of that.

Casserole · 26/09/2012 16:08

This link gives you the chance to search for donation sessions near you:

www.blood.co.uk/giving-blood/where-can-i-go/

DoubleMum · 26/09/2012 16:10

I would like to as I've had 2 knee replacements and needed blood then, but my record for attempts at blood tests is 23 attempts before finally finding a vein, so I don't think they would be too keen. It also takes about 10 minutes to get one tiny vial so to get an entire donation would need me there the whole day I should imagine. Possibly I'm some kind of reverse-vampire.
(That may sound like a stealth boast, but trust me, it isn't.)
I think it's a great idea though, and I'll be encouraging my DCs to donate when they are old enough, presuming they haven't inherited my dodgy veins.

Casserole · 26/09/2012 16:14

You might well find it different Double - I don't think it's the same sort of needle for blood tests and blood donation, though i could be wrong.,

Anotherusefulname · 26/09/2012 16:22

I can't give blood for the same reason Doublemum, I went they found a vein but my blood doesn't flow fast enough so my half donation had to be rejected. DH gives regularly so I tried again after drinking lots and lotsof extra water over the few days before and it was still too slow
I hate it when people ask why I don't as most don't realise there is a time limit on producing your donation.

Beanbagz · 26/09/2012 16:27

Just been this afternoon so i'm afraid i can't take your place too!

I was a bit nervous as the last time i found it very uncomfortable. Maybe a novice at inserting the needle?

Was fine today though and i got my tea & biscuits and a nice sit down this afternoon.

DoubleMum · 26/09/2012 16:56

Really Casserole, thanks that's worth looking into. It isn't just blood tests though, it's putting a line in for surgery (one in the foot, anyone?!) as well, and believe me they've tried lots of different needles! But I have to have a blood test next week so I'll ask if the phlebotomist knows.

Original poster
Nosleeptillgodknowswhen · 26/09/2012 18:21

Thanks for everyone who has offered - it's great to have been the push people needed.

gwendoline good on you for going to the effort of checking it out but sorry you can't give.

Any other offers? You are all saving lives!

OP posts:
Original poster
Nosleeptillgodknowswhen · 26/09/2012 18:23

Oops golden not gwendoline. sorry - scanning quickly before bath time.

OP posts: