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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be a bit miffed I can't give my blood.

107 replies

float62 · 12/08/2013 20:08

I've known for some time that I can't donate my much wanted O- blood because I was given blood in 1981 during a life-saving operation and because of the unfounded risks associated with nvCJD. After reading in the news that 0- blood was again in short supply I decided to re-investigate my ability to donate as the nvCJD "epidemic" hadn't materialized as the doomsayers of the mid-90s had pronounced. Through the web I read different dates and thought it would be ok now, it wasn't, nothings changed and I was turned away. I just think it's really silly, the science is completely unproven and had I lied, which I could easily have done, my blood would have been taken. It's not like I'm talking about a handbag or whatever. This is blood, it saves lives, including mine.

OP posts:
OnTheBottomWithAWomensWeekly · 12/08/2013 20:11

If you are British pretty much no service in the world will take your blood, you're banned worldwide.

NotYoMomma · 12/08/2013 20:13

I am also o- and have had therapy and hypnotherapy to get over an extensive needle phobia

I had my first needle without crying in 21 years last week.

I'mhoping to donate for the first time as soon as I get tge ok after having this baby.

I would be foaming if I coukdnt donate becauseof some pretty daft loophole

NotYoMomma · 12/08/2013 20:14

why will no one take British blood genuinley ignorant

nokidshere · 12/08/2013 20:14

I object to not being able to give blood after having a transfusion myself. Should I be suing them for giving me "bad" blood in the first place?

jollyjester · 12/08/2013 20:15

I know how you feel.

I am type A and can't donate because I have low white blood cells. It makes me feel bad when I see ads for it because I would love to help.

I am on the organ donor register though which if the worse happens ill be able to help!!

DontCallMeDaughter · 12/08/2013 20:16

And they still won't take blood from men who have had sex with another man within the past year. It's just bonkers, it's well proven that HIV isn't a "gay" illness...

AKissIsNotAContract · 12/08/2013 20:17

I'm in the same situation. They won't take my blood because I've had a transfusion. It's crazy as people who've been saved by transfusions are very likely to want to give blood.

superbagpuss · 12/08/2013 20:18

I am b positive
I was asked not to come back as my veins are hard to get too and I need an experienced vein poker so too much trouble

I gave blood three times a year for six years before I was asked not to go back

Original poster
float62 · 12/08/2013 20:19

Well that's a dreadful shame isn't it? This surely isn't all based on the nvCJD belief is it? It can't be concerns about HIV because I've been tested for this several times (eg: pregnancy (UK), marriage (Ca,USA) and visas (medical Oz,USA).

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 12/08/2013 20:21

I don't get the transfusions thing AKiss. Surely the blood received has been scrutinised very carefully. Where's the risk?

MimsyBorogroves · 12/08/2013 20:22

I'm in the same boat. Had a transfusion after a haemorrhage thanks to DS2's giant head and now I'm unable to donate.

I did ask the nurse at the time why, as it was deemed safe enough for me to receive, but I think she thought I was having a painkiller-fuelled rant she may have had a point

SingingBear · 12/08/2013 20:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
float62 · 12/08/2013 20:25

Sorry X-posted and was responding to On the Bot, I wasn't expecting to see so many others feeling the same so quickly. Thank you, my miffedness (actually restrained anger) isn't 'U'.

OP posts:
ThursdayLast · 12/08/2013 20:27

Oh no.

I had a transfusion post emcs and was really hoping to give back. Karma and all that.

Such a shame that my inspiration is now the reason I can't.

MrsHoarder · 12/08/2013 20:29

Because if there's something that's not known about to screen for one donor might pass it to ten recipients. If they donate it goes to 100, then 1000 etc.

It could be something rare or that makes one in a thousand ill so they have to be careful. The more people's blood going into yours the more at risk you are of rare diseases

Irishchic · 12/08/2013 20:29

I agree OP.

I am O neg and after a blood transfusion 10years ago for a massive pph i now cant give blood. I always used to before.

And yes, it does pretty much suggest that the blood they have given me during the transfusion cannot be 100% guaranteed, else i would be allowed donate.

milbracat · 12/08/2013 20:29

DH gave blood last week (he's A+ btw). On the form it said about that men who have sex with men had to be "celibate" since the last donation, but the pre-printed forms said it was 12 months again. They keep changing the rules. DH says it gives the wrong impression as it appears they do not really know what they are doing and their policies have don't have a rigorous scientific basis - only being over cautious.

They also only did pre-booked appointments. Throughout the day, they turned away eight people who just turned up on spec. Rather poor given how desperate they are.

AKissIsNotAContract · 12/08/2013 20:30

I don't get the transfusions thing AKiss. Surely the blood received has been scrutinised very carefully. Where's the risk?

Apparently there's a theoretical risk of CJD, which would be a right fucker for me as a life long vegetarian.

SingingBear · 12/08/2013 20:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsHoarder · 12/08/2013 20:30

The need for donations is why they start relaxing rules but the "ever had sex with a man" rules are actually less risky.

Sparklingbrook · 12/08/2013 20:32

Oh I see AKiss.

CruCru · 12/08/2013 20:32

I think it's that they can't screen for vCJD as its so small. There have been cases if people catching it as a result of receiving an organ (I was told when I tried to give blood last time).

Random question - as I can't donate blood usually, does this mean I can't donate cord blood? I have emailed the cord blood helpline but haven't had a response yet.

IKnewHouseworkWasDangerous · 12/08/2013 20:32

Me too. No one knows how important blood is as those who have recieved it. However I KIND of understand why my blood maybe riskier as i have taken on the risk level of the people the blood came from.

If I could leave it like that it would be fine. But then I start comparing my sexual history and habits to those who are allowed to give blood and I start questioning again.

minibmw2010 · 12/08/2013 20:34

I'm in the same boat, had a transfusion when I was 16 and had a burst appendix, have a rare blood group and because I did actually donate before they changed the rules I often get calls asking if I would again as there's so little of my rare group ... hmm yes I would but you're the people who say I can't? Make your minds up please ....

Phineyj · 12/08/2013 20:35

I'm not allowed to donate because I had donor egg treatment -- does anyone know the rationale for that?