To not try a 3rd time after 2 failed blood donations

[SlummyMummy77]

As the title says. I tried in September and again in December to donate blood (it would have been my 16th blood donation) but my veins were just not cooperating and if the donor carer doesn't think they can get blood then they are no longer allowed to try.

It's upset me as I know only a small percent of those that can actually donate. Am I being completely unreasonable to not want to waste my time or should I try once more ?

You can try a third time and if this one isn’t successful they will take you off the donor list. If you do try again make sure you drink plenty of fluids in the days before you go as well as on the day as this makes it easier to draw blood.
Good luck

You could try again, making sure that you’re fully hydrated as that really does help with finding veins.

I used to be a donor carer so I know just how ‘gutting’ it was from a donor carer pov when we had a failed venepuncture. Back in those days if a donor had 3 failed venepunctures then they would not call them back again under the stance that we didn’t want to cause the donor anymore distress.

But no, yanbu if you don’t want to try again either. It’s your body.

Try one more time, my friend tried three times, at the third they told her (nicely!) not to come back. Ask for someone very experienced and as above drink plenty in the days before and on the day. Then at least if it doesn't work out you know you've tried your best!

Be well hydrated. Warm your arms - warm hot water bottles if necessary. Ask for experienced cannulater as you’ve had difficulties.

I rang them earlier. I have booked in for my last try. Thank you for all of your responses, I really appreciate it.

I am afraid I am in the group who was asked not to come back after two fails and have been feeling bad about it ever since - Your post has inspired me to try again now a bit of time has gone by!

This happened to me OP, apparently I have small veins(?) and they always struggled to find them - even with lots of hydration, baths before etc - they always had to get the doctor to help and do all that slapping etc.

After a few failed attempts on multiple occasions i managed to do it finally but it was slow and painful and they said they couldn’t use it in the end after all - so suggested I come off the register. I was disappointed as I really wanted to give, my sister was saved by blood transfusions when she was small, but sometimes it’s not meant to be.

I really hope it works for you. I'm going to take all the advice above and I'm sure you probably will also. Give them a call, the guy I spoke to in the call centre went off to get advice from somebody medical and came back and said to try once more and like the hydration advice above to drink lots of water.

Third time lucky! I never drink enough and I’m always a bit dehydrated so they always have difficulty finding my veins, but on my last donation the lady that took my blood told me she used to work as a phlebotomist at the hospital, and she found a vein instantly and put the needle in so quickly and painlessly you could really tell the difference.

I’ve had exactly the same thing, always donated for years with no issues but in March they struggled to find the vein on my right arm but once in donation was super quick. Then in July they decided to just use my left arm going forward but was not flowing quick enough so only gave half a donation. I tried again Christmas Eve and decided if they struggled that would be my last try, I drink plenty and am fully hydrated but this time she couldn’t see a vein on the left very well and as soon as attempted to insert the neee the vein collapsed so was taken out and I was sent on my way. They told me to come back in the summer as the warmer weather can help or my veins could be scarred and need a rest but I just think it’s a waste of an appointment that someone else could use. They’re always short of staff and refusing walk ins so feel bad taking the appointment and not donating anything. Plus waiting an hour to then not help is not appealing.

Not much to add by way of advice but as someone whose life was saved by donations as a baby (and therefore I can't donate as I have received a transfusion) - thank you xxx

This happened to me too, although I've had a transfusion so can no longer donate anyway. I have regular blood tests and even phlebotomists have problems getting the blood out of me.