AIBU to give up trying to donate blood?

[Flockameanie]

First donated blood three years ago. Nearly fainted afterwards (had to be popped back in chair, legs up, etc). I've never fainted, or nearly, before so it took me a while, plus lockdown etc, to steel myself to donate again last year. That second time, I had to bail after waiting nearly an hour because I had to collect the DC from school - so a wasted trip. I went to donate again (3rd time) today. Waited nearly an hour for them to call me. Then, once I was all set up with needle in, they had to abort the session after a few minutes because my arm was aching! They got about 150mls (no idea if they can use that). The whole process, inc. travel time, took about 2 hours.

I really really want to donate blood. It's such an easy thing to do 'for the greater good'. But after today I don't know if it's worth persevering. I'm worried I'll either a) faint, b) have to wait so long I need to leave before being able to donate or c) have another failed donation... Should I just give up and take my name off the register, or is it worth trying yet another time?

@EBearhug

Lots of people faint after first donation, including me - I've now done over 50. So don't give up yet, unless they tell you you shouldn't.

Ah, that's reassuring. I shall keep on giving it a shot until they tell me 'no thanks' then.

I'm boring old common-or-garden O+, so that at least makes me feel better at the prospect of not being able to donate

I gave up trying to donate blood, actually was told not to bother them again (nicely) as my veins are too deep and hard to find. Wastes their time. I'm regularly canulated for meds and they always go into the back of my hand due to pesky veins. Giving blood is not for everyone but thanks for trying.

I’ve been twice now, first time they had to stop the sample as I wasn’t going to give enough blood in the required time.

Second time they managed to get enough, but it took 3 people to find a vein and then it was slow going and I had to constantly squeeze a stress ball to try and get the blood flowing. They politely suggested my veins are really built for it and that I was welcome to try again but may find it difficult.

I asked if it was more helpful to keep going or to leave them to focus on people who wouldn't need their time to monitor. (Turned v dizzy or fainted maybe 3 times out of 10). They said thanks for asking, unless we have an emergency appeal for your blood type, better leave it. Signed up to bone marrow register, made it known to relatives happy to donate whatever after death, left it at that. Loved doing it but it doesn't need everyone.

9 stone at 5ft 7 is fairly light. I think they really prefer male donors partly because they have bigger blood volume and bigger veins and partly because women who have had pregnancies can have antibodies in their blood that means the blood can’t be given to men. But there are fewer male donors than female.

Do you have a male relative you can persuade to go on your behalf?

Gave blood yesterday. Welsh blood service is a joy. They set up in a village hall, give you 500ml squash 1st, are lovely and chatty, you go in straightaway, answer the questions, you have to be 7stone 12lbs, get tested for iron, then lie back on their lovely tilt chairs, more chat and takes about 5 mins, you then get tea or squash and digestive or club biscuit orange or mint, more chat and can go if you feel fine. I’m A- and they text me when they need my blood again.

I desperately want to but have shit veins. Have tried twice, they turned me down unable to find a good vein in the pre check, i practically begged her to try anyway but no-go.

I am not allowed to donate any more for medical reasons. But yes I found it frustrating as well. I waited up to an hour after my appointment time to be called up, more than once. (Drop in was far more efficient)
My veins can be a bit tricky, and they won't have more than a couple of attempts at venipuncture. I know they need SOP's. But after giving up a lot of time and nothing to show for it. It got frustrating.

I fainted once. I discovered that hot drinks would make me vasodilate and drop my BP even more. Cold drinks were fine.

@Almostwelsh

9 stone at 5ft 7 is fairly light. I think they really prefer male donors partly because they have bigger blood volume and bigger veins and partly because women who have had pregnancies can have antibodies in their blood that means the blood can’t be given to men. But there are fewer male donors than female.

Do you have a male relative you can persuade to go on your behalf?

Yes, I've told DH he needs to do it!