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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Blood donation

219 replies

talksensetome · 10/02/2017 12:46

AIBU to tell you all that I am going to give a pint this afternoon, just because I love these threads and how they inspire others to give.

I wanted to donate platelets but I am too tiny so a pint of the red stuff it is!

OP posts:
PurpleWithRed · 10/02/2017 13:29

Ive been donating blood and before that plasma forever (175 donations in all - plasma could be donated about once a fortnight) - but am very frustrated by lack of appointments round here - I get emails and texts encouraging me to give blood but even if I try to book immediately after my session I often have to wait 7 or 8 months till i can get a place at the next one. Very sad.

pyrowall · 10/02/2017 13:29

Donated yesterday - no. 43!!
I was trying to get to 50 by 40 but I'm not sure I'll manage it now!
Also on the Anthony Nolan list as well but I've never been matched with anyone.

ifyoulikepinacolada · 10/02/2017 13:30

What? Cake?! I do it for the orange squash and penguin biscuits but now I want my centre to up their game...

Original poster
talksensetome · 10/02/2017 13:34

Hats off to all of you long term donors! It is hard to get appointments at ours too and this will cost me a fortune in a taxi as I could only get in very soon after I finish work but Hey Ho it's definitely worth it!

OP posts:
Iwantacampervan · 10/02/2017 13:36

My last donation went to Norwich - if anyone there has received A+ lately then it could have been mine! I was speaking with someone who was really pleased that her blood had gone to Birmingham as that's where she's from - it had 'gone home'!

Biscuits and crisps here - plus hot and cold drinks. No penguins though or cake!

MsVanRein · 10/02/2017 13:40

Super OP well done Star

And FlowersCakeWine for all you others as well who donate.

So important. I can't donate as I've had transfusions but I love hearing about people that do. Thank you so much.

ILoveCheeseMoreThanYou · 10/02/2017 13:42

My dad has given blood over 90times, shamefully I've only given 14 and my partner ZERO!

Original poster
talksensetome · 10/02/2017 13:44

Strangely enough I find most people I encourage to donate really aren't interested. it is seen as a weird thing to do and people question me why I do it.
I guess that ties in with the 4% figure above.

OP posts:
ArriettyClock1 · 10/02/2017 13:45

There's something in (or not in, I am not sure) my blood which means my donation gets used for neonatal babies.

This makes me more determined to never miss an appointment.

I am always surprised so few people give blood. Out of my team of 10 colleagues, I am the only one. One of them is unable to donate, one is squeamish, but the rest just aren't interested (I have tried on occasion to persuade them). One of them has a family member that was involved in a car accident and urgently needed a transfusion. I would think that experience would make me determined to become a donor, but not him!

Blood is only there because people make the effort to go and donate.

Starduke · 10/02/2017 13:47

My work does blood drives...I wish I could go but as I'm British in France no-one wants my blood Sad

I try to persuade everyone around me though Grin

Borntoflyinfirst · 10/02/2017 13:51

Well done to all you donors! I'm very sad that I am
No longer able to give after receiving blood after the birth of my third child. I used to give regularly and was proud of doing so. Having been in the receiving end I'd like to say thank you!

To anyone thinking of going for the first time please do! I only ever encountered kind and caring staff and it's so worthwhile!

SalmonFajitas · 10/02/2017 13:52

talksensetome I know for the Anthony Nolan Trust register you need to be 30 or under when you join the register (but stay on it after you're 30 if you see what I mean). When you join they just need a small blood sample. If you're matched with someone who needs your bone marrow the process is usually similar to giving blood but happens in a hospital. 10% of the time (I think usually if the recipient is a very young child) they'll need to take bone marrow directly from your pelvis under anaesthetic so a more involved process.

ginnybag · 10/02/2017 14:06

I used to be a very active donor, but lately I've been having the same issue as a pp - I just can't get an appointment.

For the heck of it, I've just been online to check (again), and of the six venues I can get to, the earliest appointment I can make that's after 2 pm is in August.

It's hopeless, and it is putting people off. I do try to encourage people to sign up, but when they do, and then can't go without taking whole days off work, there's not much chance of them bothering.

Trooperslane · 10/02/2017 14:09

I had to cancel mine because I was ill.

Thank you for the reminder op.

The80sweregreat · 10/02/2017 14:13

i really want to go , but am low in iron so they put me off for a year! really gutted, the people are lovely and I just like to think that i;ve done a small good deed by giving. (regular donar before this)
Once the levels are up , i am hoping to go along again.

InMySpareTime · 10/02/2017 14:15

I book my appointments about 6 months ahead using the app, so I can enjoy my club orange biscuit after donating without needing to remember if I'm busy on a particular date 4 months away.
I would like to be able to donate more frequently, anime know when the frequency study results are out? 16 weeks between donations seems aaaaaages!

UsuallyJustLurk · 10/02/2017 14:20

Well done to everyone who donates blood, I usually do but can't at the mo (pregnant). For those wondering about donating stem cells, I joined the register via the Blood Service years ago (if you donate blood you can opt in) and as far as I am aware, they'll let you join even if you're over 30 (unlike Anthony Nolan as a PP pointed out).

I was a match 2 years ago and was able to choose how to donate my stem cells (i.e. Via a machine that separates the cells from my blood rather than out of my bones under GA) at the hospital I was asked to attend. I don't think everyone can have a choice though, it depends on the patient that needs them. Everything is anonymous and the Anthony Nolan trust coordinates everything. It was a very good experience, albeit lengthy due to the checks and appointments involved but I'm proud to have done it and only hope my stem cells helped the patient they were destined for. If you're thinking of it, please do it. You can change your mind at any time and so many people need them. My cousin received a donation last year, though sorry to say he didn't make it, it did extend his life for a few more months

Crunchyside · 10/02/2017 14:25

That's interesting Iwantacampervan, do they tell you where your blood goes?! I've never heard of that.

I am not sure if I want to donate Sad I have regular blood tests for my underactive thyroid, which I absolutely hate, and always feel lightheaded afterwards. I think it's purely psychological. I also have fairly low blood pressure so concerned I might pass out... What do you think?

Sunnie1984 · 10/02/2017 14:27

Does anyone donate blood who gets dizzy from blood tests?

I have to lie totally flat just to have blood taken, so I'm worried I wouldn't be able to deal with blood donation, although I would like to and feel I should, particularly as I'm pregnant with my third child, makes you realise how important blood donation is.

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 10/02/2017 14:34

I am proud to be a regular donor as my ( a very long time ago) husband died tragically of leukaemia aged 29.
As I saw first hand what a difference it makes I am passionate about giving.
And I also get the texts-my last donation went to St Bart's.
The text does make me feel much closer to the good it does-very good idea.
And we had blackcurrant squash and tiny packets of Oreo's Biscuit

Lolimax · 10/02/2017 14:39

Thank you to everyone who gives. I was a regular donor, unfortunately a nasty brain thrombosis and a lifetime on blood thinners has put an end to that.
For those who have never given and are considering doing so, it's a fabulous thing to do, and you will feel very proud of yourself afterwards.

Crunchyside · 10/02/2017 14:41

Sunnie1984 That's exactly my question too. I lie down for blood tests but I'm 90% sure the dizziness is mainly psychological for me. How much does the volume of blood taken for donation differ from the amount taken for blood tests...? (Not sure if I want to actually know - could put me off even more!)

OneOfTheGrundys · 10/02/2017 14:42

I love giving blood. I really like the text system too-mine went to the BRI last time. Smile

babybat · 10/02/2017 14:44

I've been meaning to become a blood donor for ages. Just signed up and have my first appointment booked for two weeks time. Thanks talksensetome!

Sunnie1984 · 10/02/2017 14:46

Crunchyside I also have a thyroid problem, so maybe there is a link between that and dizziness!

It's quite a lot more blood I think. That's what concerns me.
I think I'm going to book in (have to wait six months as I'm pregnant) and just see how it goes.

I find eating breakfast two hours before and sugar about 30 minutes before helps for blood tests, so will try to adopt the sama process x