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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To feel really sad I can't give blood?

55 replies

Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 16:11

I read a book when I was young where blood transfusions were needed and it must have stayed with me because as soon as I turned 18 I tried to give blood but every time I am rejected!

I'm strong as a cart horse normally and I just feel a bit sad I can't help as I've had so many emails thanking me for my help it almost feels fraudulent!

OP posts:

mrsmugoo · 23/02/2016 17:04

I can't give blood either - I'm a fainter. But I have tried! If you've tried, you've done your best.

Original poster

Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 17:05

Thank you - will try the water trick! :)

OP posts:

BeautyIsTruth · 23/02/2016 17:05

I've only just donated. Wasn't able to for years due to being below the weight threshold and a few other factors. I went for the first time a few weeks ago and they couldn't get a vein. I was really disappointed but they got a senior nurse and he managed to get it luckily! I've got quite deep veins so they're not that easy to get blood out of but just about manageable. I agree with drinking loads - think I must have gone to the loo about 3 times when I was there.

There are other good things you can do as well, join the organ donor register, even volunteering at your locan hospital. They're always wanted for things like helping at meal times on elderly wards and things like that, even if it's just for a couple of hours a week. And if it makes you feel any better, my local blood donations are nearly always fully booked. In fact, the staff at my one were moaning as all the appointments were full AND they'd got loads of walk-ins so hadn't had a break for ages. So there are loads of people out there donating blood so don't feel too bad for not being able to do it. :)

Nicky333 · 23/02/2016 17:08

I used to give blood regularly (got a pin badge and everything) but I had two transfusions during a major operation in 2006 and am not allowed to give blood any more.

It's weird that they are happy to take blood, and to give you blood, but once you've been given blood they don't want to take it any more.

BeautyIsTruth · 23/02/2016 17:09

Also, take a multivitamin with 100 per cent RDA iron in. I get mine from Holland and Barrett. I've been a vegetarian since I was a young child, have fairly heavy periods and a pretty shit diet (lots of processed ready meals and that kind of thing) but my iron levels are at the higher end of normal. Have never been able to work out how but I think the tablets really do help.

insideout · 23/02/2016 17:29

I used to give regularly too, but needed a couple of units after DS was born 18mnths ago. I was really gutted that i could no longer donate blood.

CigarsofthePharoahs · 23/02/2016 17:38

I have the same problem op. I went to donate once, but they took one look at my elbows and sent me away.
It was so embarrassing! The nurse said I could still have a cup of tea and a biscuit if I wanted, but I just high tailed it out of there. I've since had problems with anaemia so I think I'll never manage it.

Gruntfuttock · 23/02/2016 18:31

That's something I've always wished I could do too. Unfortunately I am always on medication, so can't. It's a shame, because it's a very good cause indeed and as I have no fear of needles it would be something that I would be happy to do as often as I could.

Shannaratiger · 23/02/2016 18:35

I can't either anymore because of epilepsy medication. Feel guilty when I hear the requests.

YesterdayOnceMore · 23/02/2016 18:43

I have problems every time! I am borderline anemic. I take iron tablets for a couple of weeks before donation to get my levels up (and even then my blood has to be tested in the machine to make sure) - I also take them for a week afterwards to help me return to normal. I also make sure I eat lots of iron rich food too!

I also have invisible veins- not sure if they are small or deep or both. I drink plenty of water, not just on the day of donation, but for a week before as well to give my blood volume a chance to increase. Also exercising your arms (baked bean tin lifts) can help pump up the veins before a donation. And it helps if your arms are nice a warm as well.

I have also fainted once as well!

I hope that helps. I have persevered and I am shortly going to give my 24th donation. I am also signed up as a bone marrow donor. People important to me have needed/will need both blood and bone marrow and it feels like I am helping them.

Outfoxed · 23/02/2016 18:45

I can't either, and I'm gutted because I have one of the rarer blood types and I wish I could be more useful! But even getting a blood sample makes me pass out, so taking a full batch is off the cards. Passed out three times so I'm out the running for 2 years I think, then I can try again.

hazeyjane · 23/02/2016 18:49

I would love to give blood, but the cancer and meds I had 13 years ago means I can't - I have harassed dh into donating instead!

Sidge · 23/02/2016 18:54

I used to give blood regularly and being O neg means I'm a universal donor. Apparently I've also got wonderful platelets and I had a marker on my file so my blood often got rerouted for PICU/NICU and got a special sticker on the bag

However I haven't been able to donate for a couple of years now due to my medication for rheumatoid arthritis. I was unnecessarily sad and still wish I could donate as it's such a remarkable thing to do. DD2 had blood transfusions in NICU and she wouldn't have lived without it, so I hold blood donors in high regard.

NotCitrus · 23/02/2016 18:55

Lots of people can't - could you perhaps offer to babysit for someone so they could donate? I might be able to donate again now (did 11 donations then none for 10 years) but lots of mothers with small children could only do it with help.

DP has tried 3 times and fainted each time so has been told not to come back.

IDismyname · 23/02/2016 19:02

Thanks, Nogood

I agree with others - you get all ready (mentally) and then 'Poof' - its like 'Thank you, but not today'.

I was offered a cup of tea, but was too embarrassed to stay!!

nokidshere · 23/02/2016 19:02

i can't give blood due to having a transfusion when I gave birth. My son would have died at aged 5 without blood being given after a major accident and he is gutted that that nie means he will never to be able to give blood himself.

I dont really understand why they can give safe and screened blood to someone but then refuse because of that when you try to donate.

Ijustshatadiamond · 23/02/2016 19:08

Ive got a rare blood type that blood bands are usually begging for.

However chronic fatigue syndrome in my teenage years has meant that I cant donate blood.

necklaceofraindrops · 23/02/2016 19:10

I can't give blood because I'm on a high dose of steroids. I asked the blood donor service what I could do instead. They said sign up to be a bone marrow donor or sign up to be an organ donor.

You could also raise money for the Red Cross (which started the blood donor scheme in the 1920s) or for your local hospital.

OvariesBeforeBrovaries · 23/02/2016 19:16

I'm also not allowed to :( so I hassle others to do it instead! DP started giving blood at my request a few years back - he's just had his 10th Donation pin badge! :) I used my dissertation to get a few new blood, organ & bone marrow donors too.

I'm on the Anthony Nolan and organ registers so anyone feeling bad about not being able to donate blood, please look into these registers instead! :)

Original poster

Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 19:23

I'm o the organ donor register but I do rather hope I'm not needed too soon!

OP posts:

UptownFunk00 · 23/02/2016 19:27

I too am sad as I can't give blood as had blood transfusion after DD2 was born nearly 2 weeks ago.

I am still on Anthony Nolan register though. My Dad gives blood as my uncle died in relation to a clotting disorder.

I greatly sympathise but hopefully you will be able to in future. If not maybe you could do some voluntary work for them or raise money? I might consider this myself.

Good luck :)

pinkiponk · 23/02/2016 19:43

I feel your pain, I can't give blood as I don't weight enough (I'm petite, not unhealthily thin) and my DH can't because of his job... I might get the dogs along to do it!

lljkk · 23/02/2016 19:48

I have had bad experiences giving blood & too chicken to risk it again. Do miss it though. Fab Kudos to anyone who goes regularly.

CalleighDoodle · 23/02/2016 20:14

I cant give blood either due to blood transusion so i try to persuade others to do it instead.

Original poster

Nogoodblood · 23/02/2016 20:15

If a non-blood giver signs up as a result of this thread I will feel better!

OP posts:

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