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AIBU?

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Original poster

Blood donation

355 replies

ImperialPleather · 13/06/2019 19:58

I’m so fed up of being told to donate blood? It’s happened 3 times in the past week I’ve been shamed for not giving blood.

I have no good reason to not give it other than I don’t want to but given I have bodily autonamy AIBU to think it’s no ones damn business?

It’s amazing some people give so well done to those who do!

OP posts:
Solasshole · 13/06/2019 22:42

Hope for your sake then OP that you never have a loved one in hospital during a blood shortage where clinicians are required to triage who can and can't have transfusions Hmm

If you don't want to help others by donating then you shouldn't be willing to receive that same benefit in turn. Fortunately for you it would be unethical not to save someone's life because they don't want to donate. Stop relying on the kindness of strangers in case you're ever in need when you won't return the same favour. Utterly selfish imo (except those who can't donate). But then I work in a blood bank so I know how shit it can be when there's a platelet shortage and you're rationing out whether Mr X in oncology whose platelet count of 3 and bleeding on his brain is more important of having a transfusion than the woman bleeding to death in obstetrics. Angry

nespressowoo · 13/06/2019 22:43

I used to give regularly and looked forward to it. As a nurse I knew how valuable it was. I had a massive PPH with my DS and received about 7units of RBC. Can never donate again, which saddens me but obviously I am so incredibly grateful.

Don't be dick, donate if you can. If you don't want to, fine, still no need to be a dick about it.

Solasshole · 13/06/2019 22:49

@M3lon

They're not dumb rules, don't be so deliberately obtuse. I suggest you read up on the infected blood incident that happened due to poor screening procedures.

vCJD donation criteria doesn't apply to UK blood donors within the UK, only to those donating outside of the UK so your point is largely irrelevant anyway. UK blood donations are treated (leucodepletion, MB treatment) after collection to reduce the risk of vCJD transmission. Only albumin and some frozen plasma is deliberately sourced from outside the UK. Red cells and platelets are taken from UK donors and used for UK patients. And really the amount of lost donations in non UK countries by excluding UK donors will be minimal at best.

HIV screening is necessary because there is a latency period where an individual may have HIV but not test as positive so could accidentally transmit it. It's generally considered poor form to infect someone with HIV or Hep C because we couldn't be arsed screening donors properly.

And FYI, vCJD guidelines are being reviewed at present so will largely be made obsolete in the future, transfusion centres don't make up random guidelines and then never change them for fun. They do it based on what's safest at the time and then review it later based on newer evidence, etc.

carrie74 · 13/06/2019 22:50

I only started to give blood a few years ago. It was something I'd been wanting to do for ages, but for a number of reasons I either couldn't or didn't. But now am firmly in the system and give when I can. My last appointment was cancelled - presumably they had enough donors with my blood type that week. It really came to the forefront when my best friend's sister was struck with leukaemia, and from then on I committed to it. Luckily it doesn't really affect me as long as I make sure I'm well hydrated and have a big meal beforehand. It's a great feeling to know you're ultimately helping someone too. I don't particularly care if the next person gives or not, but I think it's an amazing thing to do, so I'd recommend it!

chockaholic72 · 13/06/2019 22:51

I gave my 14th donation on Monday - at the Manchester PG donor centre they have Jacobs Clubs, mini Cheddars and Seabrooks crisps :-) I've only thrown a whitey once, and that was because I went before work and didn't have enough breakfast. Now I start and finish early, and call on the way home after stuffing my face all day. Apparently it comes out quicker and easier if you drink 500ml of water just before you donate, and squeeze your bum cheeks! I'm A+ so pretty common, but like my mum said - if it's common then lots of people need you.

I love the texts you get nowadays - my most recent ones were used in Liverpool and Newcastle. Makes my heart leap when I get one through.

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 13/06/2019 22:55

I've never given blood. I looked into doing it after an interesting experience having dc1 but they only do it by appointments around here (I'm a sahm to 2 small children who lives rurally and doesn't currently drive) and they go really fast as they only come once every 3 months or so for 2 hours.

I wouldn't take blood though, I find the idea absolutely repulsive.

M3lon · 13/06/2019 22:56

I can't donate because of the IN UK vCJD rules that pertain to people who received blood since BSE kicked off.

People at higher risk of AIDS are now allowed to donate but not people who had blood transfusions 10 bloody years ago...because of the issue detecting vCJD.

Only vCJD isn't a thing at all anymore....and hasn't been for several years.

So obviously they aren't that desperate are they?

M3lon · 13/06/2019 22:57

dino why on earth would you find having a blood transfusion repulsive?

Lizzie48 · 13/06/2019 23:09

Dino you mean that you wouldn't want your life to be saved by a blood transfusion? I'm assuming you're not a JW, so what reason could you possibly have for not wanting your life to be saved?

Emptyspacex · 13/06/2019 23:12

Hi does anyone know if you can donate on blood thinners (apixaban)? I presumed I couldn't but didn't know for sure.

M3lon · 13/06/2019 23:13

I met someone while I was in hospital who was deeply horrified by blood transfusions and was refusing one she needed. It turned out she thought the blood would be in her for ever. Once I'd told her it would all be replaced by her own manufactured blood within a couple of months she decided to crack on with it.

Ignorance can be a real killer.

Vinorosso74 · 13/06/2019 23:18

Emptyspacex I woyld also think not. However, if you go on the website blood.co.uk it will tell you. Look in the health, travel and eligibility section and there is an A-Z where hopefully you will get a definitive answer.

over50andfab · 13/06/2019 23:19

@M3ln Solasshole already answered your post upthread re vCJD.

As for “people at higher risk of AIDS”, if you mean men who have sex with men and HIV, well they are in the higher risk category, but although they can donate now, they can only do so if they haven’t had sex in the preceding 3 months. So safety procedures are in place there, although it’s also rather a shame as many gay men, like heterosexual couples, are in monogamous relationships and already tested, so in effect no risk.

MorondelaFrontera · 13/06/2019 23:21

the adverts for blood donation boil my piss on a regular basis.

trying to save lives, how irritating indeed Hmm

EleanorReally · 13/06/2019 23:35

it was on this forum that reminded me I should donate, and so in the last year I have donated 3 times, and just booked my next donation.
No problem,
I used to work with a woman who donated in the morning, took the morning off work to do so.
i work with people who want to donate but dont want to wait around all evening.
Perhaps we should be given Time Off to donate

EleanorReally · 13/06/2019 23:37

i wiggle my feet, i thought that helped the blood come out, will squeeze my gluteals next time

profcalculus · 14/06/2019 00:03

I would like to donate blood but I don't believe I'm eligible - I will phone to double check but do any of you know?

My partner has in the past (about 10 years ago now) had oral sex with men, he's been tested clean of everything and actually donated blood himself since, but the blood site says women cannot donate if in the last three months she has had sex with a man who has EVER had oral sex with a man even if they used protection - but it also says there are exceptions so check, which I will do.

Would the fact that it was a decade ago plus my partner has donated himself mean I am allowed or not? Not sure I'm up for going three months celibate otherwise tbh...

SpoonBlender · 14/06/2019 00:08

I'm a useful blood group (A-, near-universal donor) and mine is usually drawn into tiny bags rather than one big one - it goes to neonates. I get texts sometimes saying my blood has been used at various hospitals - it does travel around! And knowing it's going into babies gives me a bit of a happy glow.

Eleanor If you're in the UK they give you a 'do these exercises' sheet which is largely about squeezing your buns.

SpoonBlender · 14/06/2019 00:10

Prof If he's been honest on the details and been given a green light then it would make no sense at all if you were barred. Give them a call. 0300 123 23 23

smokyburgandy · 14/06/2019 00:18

I was a regular donor for many years before I needed 3 pints myself a few years ago. Now I can't give blood because I've had a transfusion. Not sure why that rule is there. Makes me sad.

smokyburgandy · 14/06/2019 00:21

Oh, to do with CJD apparently.

netflixlove · 14/06/2019 00:24

I'd love to give blood but can't as I take certain medications for my health conditions. I am an organ donor though.

I agree that if you'd accept blood you should give it a few times a year maybe?

RamblingFar · 14/06/2019 00:26

I give every 16 weeks as I've got a rare blood group they need more of. I wouldn't have known I was a rare blood group unless I'd donated before. There isn't enough of my blood group available - as it's not common in the UK amongst donors, so I try to give as soon as I'm able to again.

Appointments can be tricky unless you have an easy access to a car and time to give though. I had to cancel last week's due to illness and move it to this week. Got an appointment, but it's an hour away tomorrow rush hour. I'll be booking September's appointment as soon as I know tomorrow's was successful. Had to search all the nearby cities to find one this time.

thatwouldbeanecumenicalmatter · 14/06/2019 01:02

What does it mean to 'throw a whitey'? Is that when you don't pass the finger prick/iron test? I thought that was called the walk of shame? Grin I went this week and couldn't donate as my iron levels were 4 points (whatever they measure it in) lower than the minimum accepted level. Gutted I have to wait 3 months til I can donate again/get my free biccies.

Runkle · 14/06/2019 01:09

Time off for it? My last donation took 7 minutes!
For those who don't, please consider it. It's something wonderful to do for those who need it. Plus they do amazing snacks (mint clubs!).

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