To ask what to expect when I give blood for the first time today?

[WottaMess]

Tried a couple of years ago and there was a misunderstanding on my part about food - thought you weren't supposed to eat for 3 hours beforehand so couldn't donate. Then got pg and couldn't for a while. However, today I finally do so...

When and what should I be eating or drinking? Do I have to take my own water for afterwards? Anything else I should bear in mind? (Am a little nervous as get a bit squeamish around blood!)

There isn't a huge amount of space for pushchairs and prams at ours, one of my biggest problems with donating has been the childcare thing. Mine are school age now and the sessions start at 1.30, so I have to get an early booking to guarantee I'll be out by 3 for the school run. When they were younger I used to book the latest slot (6.30ish) and get DH to come home from work early. I have taken DS on his own (last year, aged 9, with an Ipod to play with) but wouldn't take them together, they play up too much. I have rarely seen children there.

I have to say, my donation frequency dropped off massively in the years after I had my children, partly because of pregnancies and breastfeeding, partly because of picking up bugs and illnesses from them and partly because of the juggle of fitting it in between work and childcare. I am back to being able to go nearly every time now they are 10 and 8 but there were a few years of only managing about once a year.

It's worth saying at the donation if you'd like to join the bone marrow donor register too. If memory serves they take an extra test tube of blood and bobs your uncle.

When I got my pacemaker I was told I was no longer eligible to donate blood, I don't know if this means I'm off the bone marrow donor register too?

Be prepared for a lot of hanging around. In my experience the donation part takes 5 minutes, but the rest of it takes forever, even with an appointment. They now give you a large glass of water to drink beforehand and there's the usual tea, coffee, squash and biscuits afterwards.

yy take a good book

Yes, the magazines are crap at ours. Although last time my bum barely touched the seat in the waiting area, in and out in half an hour, but that's very much the exception.

Yes, as everyone says. Also there's usually somebody sitting right next to you chatting to me and the person on the next bed which I like, so I don't feel I've just been left to it.

I find the appointment system a pain though, I can never seem to get a time! Luckily where I work puts on one or two drop-in sessions a year, and there are sometimes ones at village halls etc nearby so I go to those instead.

Finger pricked and it dropped like a stone. Only took about five mins but overall about 1hr 20. Think would be quicker next time. Thanks for all the support.

You always get left to it at ours. In the old days they used to stay and chat but they seem to have far fewer of them now.

Well done WottaMess

No advice but I wanted to say thank you for donating. I had a big transfusion after one of my births and to this day I'm so grateful to all the people who gave (and give) blood.

Same as weebles - it's thanks to someone like you that I'm still here. What you're doing is amazing. You are saving lives and keeping families intact. Thank you so much.

A nurse once told me I was a very fast bleeder. I was so proud, though in the event of a serious accident that might not be such a great skill.

Did you get a sticker telling everyone you gave blood?

I felt pathetically proud of that, too.

Well done.

Good for you WottaMess, did they sign you up for your next appointment there and then?

Last time I went I was just borderline for the iron test, and was just about allowed to donate - have been taking iron tablets on and off since.

They're all lovely and much better than your average blood test nurse.
They want you to come back so arent going to hurt you and they'll feed you tea and biscuits after.

Another grateful life-saved recipient, now medically unable to reciprocate. Thank you and all donors.

I donated blood last year for the first time. I was only a pound above the lowest weight limit and they took a full pint. Afterwards I was fine but for a few days my legs were like jelly and I had no energy. Climbing the stairs was a mission. I then had a tattoo done and am coming to the end of the year wait. Now I am heavier and will be donating again. There really is nothing to it

I would love to donate blood again. Will the fact I have endo and have had MRSA matter?

Thanks
FFF

Yes, all signed up for november . Very easy.

Fff - I don't know but the helpline is very helpful (!) and would talk you through any queries. 0300 123 23 23