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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Giving blood

26 replies

Booboooo · 01/04/2020 11:00

I am supposed to give blood tonight. Very nervous. Husband thinks i should stay home but surely they will take extra special measures to keep us all safe? Has anyone done this since lockdown? AIBU to still go?

OP posts:
CakeAndGin · 01/04/2020 11:18

I was looking to give blood before lockdown started, they were advising that it is still counted as medically necessary and they had altered the sessions to allow for social distancing. I would ring the blood donor line though, the situation has changed so rapidly that even if some did give blood last week, the situation might be different now.

cologne4711 · 01/04/2020 11:19

I donated yesterday, it was fine. You're really not going to catch anything, they are very careful at the best of times.

cologne4711 · 01/04/2020 11:20

I would ring the blood donor line though why?

SoapyChoc · 01/04/2020 11:21

From what I have seen on their facebook page they are spreading out the beds a lot more as well as the seats to wait on all being quite far apart. They have seen a 15% drop in donations lately so if you are well and feel able please still go.

SwerfandTurf · 01/04/2020 11:28

Absolutely give blood if you can.

Remember the current lockdown is not to protect YOU (third person you), it’s to protect vulnerable people, save lives, and flatten the curve to reduce pressure on the NHS.

Staying home saves lives. But giving blood will save more lives and do more to help the NHS than staying home for the 30 mins or however long it takes you would.

CakeAndGin · 01/04/2020 11:28

why?

Because as I explained, it’s a rapidly changing situation and advice might have changed quite quickly. There are also some sessions that have been cancelled due to the donor teams not be able to ensure social distancing for donors. The blood donor line can also explain the measures they are putting in place at the session OP will be attending to allow OP to assess the risk.

InTheSummerhouse · 01/04/2020 11:34

I also donated yesterday and it was fine. They took extra care.

You are probably at more risk of catching CV in a supermarket than when giving blood BUT if you are vulnerable then extra care is needed.

People don't stop needing blood - and a lot of donors have had to cancel so they really do need it.

Wynston · 01/04/2020 11:35

I think that giving blood is beyond brilliant and for all of you that go thank you so very much!!!
I used to go regularly......I had to have a blood transfusion myself so I am no longer able to donate but I will be forever grateful to those who can Flowers

cologne4711 · 01/04/2020 11:36

it’s a rapidly changing situation and advice might have changed quite quickly

they will phone you if they cancel a session. And they have a website full of CV19 information. There is zero need to clog up their phone lines unless you are a special case (eg yesterday someone turned up who was frontline ambulance staff, so wasn't sure if she could donate as she felt it likely she'd come into contact with the virus).

PuckleP · 01/04/2020 11:39

I gave on Monday and thought that all precautions were in place. I think if you are well then you should go, after all the number people able to donate is likely to go down so our blood us more important than ever now.

chockaholic72 · 01/04/2020 11:40

I donated yesterday too. We waited outside and were called in, asked questions at a distance, and filled in our forms all spread out. They are managing appointments based on this method. Lots of alcohol gel, and a lovely guy constantly cleaning anything that stood still long enough. I felt really safe and never at risk, and I always come out of there with a smile on my face - it's free gratification. Please keep your donation - they need it as much as ever.

Original poster
Booboooo · 01/04/2020 11:43

Yes fit and well. Just self isolating at home with the kids. Only going to the shops when absolutely nescessary. Yes i still want to go. Its DH putting doubt in my mind

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 01/04/2020 11:51

Tell him to wind his neck in. Blood donation is on the government list of specific reasons to leave the house.

clareOclareO · 01/04/2020 11:56

Giving blood will increase your risk, of course it will. It means going outside, being around other people, so naturally there is more of a risk to you if you give blood than if you cancel and stay at home. You have to weigh up whether you believe it's worth the risk, whether there's any danger you might pass the virus on if you do catch it.

ohfourfoxache · 01/04/2020 11:58

Can I ask 2 really stupid questions please?

I’ve been horrendous with needles all my life, it has taken dh, mum and 2 phlebotomists to hold me down in the past. I then had CBT which has been AMAZING - I can go by myself, not pass out and behave in a way that is age appropriate!

I’ve always wanted to donate, and want to do this now when it’s needed most.

How long is the needle actually in for? And does anyone know if it’s possible for it to be taken from my hand instead of my arm?

Sorry for the hijack OP

Original poster
Booboooo · 01/04/2020 12:01

About 15 minutes I'd say. I just dont look!!!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Booboooo · 01/04/2020 12:02

I've never seen it in anyones hand before

OP posts:
ProfessorofCunning · 01/04/2020 12:04

My friend works for the blood donor team. She’s moved out of her family home as she has immunocompromised children. Please carry on donating if you are well. People still need blood. From someone whose life was saved by someone like you.

Wynston · 01/04/2020 12:05

It used to take about 15/20mins.....i was the person who would put a jumper over my head so I couldn't see what was going on.

LtJudyHopps · 01/04/2020 12:06

ohfourfoxache it has to be your arm. It can take anything from 5-15 minutes but won’t be anymore than 15 minutes as it isn’t allowed. The arm is better because you can ignore it more easily! The lady I had was absolutely brilliant, found my vein quickly and I barely felt a thing. I was so nervous and anxious but kept telling myself that people go back and donate again so it can’t be that bad!
You go in and fill out a questionnaire.
They then do a finger prick test (and that is the worst part tbh) to check your iron levels
They check your veins to see if they are viable
You then sit in a chair which is half laid back with your arm stretched out.
You’re given something to grip throughout to keep your blood circulating and told to clench your bum and flex your legs.
They take about a pint of blood
They then gradually bring you upright, allowing your blood to flow.
At this point I came over very faint, but they took good care of me.

Sorry if that’s too much information, but it would have helped my anxiety if I’d known the exact process! The day after I donated I booked to donate again, so it honestly isn’t that bad.

PeterPiperPickedWrongAgain · 01/04/2020 12:10

I will be going & I have a person at home in the shielding category. Their infection control procedures will be good enough that the risk will be minimal.

midgebabe · 01/04/2020 12:11

Not fond of needles myself but can manage blood donation, though I do think I lose more fluid through sweat than blood!

Tell the nurse you are nervous
You are basically lying down so much harder to faint
I don't look

ohfourfoxache · 01/04/2020 12:26

Thanks everyone, off to book an appointment now x

NiceLegsShameAboutTheFace · 01/04/2020 12:35

I went on Sunday. All fine. There were extra hand washing requirements and refreshments were served at your bed.

Please go if you are able.

chockaholic72 · 01/04/2020 12:44

I’ve only felt faint once but that was after an early appointment where I hadn’t had enough to eat or drink. They ask you to hydrate before you go and then you drink a sports drink when you get there.

I got out of the habit for a while but have started to go back and the change I like the most is that they text you when your donation has been used, and where. It’s out of the blue a couple of weeks later and puts a smile on my face for the rest of the day. My dad had plasma transfusions as part of his cancer treatment so I see it as a way of paying those transfusions back.