Should I give blood?

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

I last gave blood (the only time I've ever done it) 20 years ago, when I was 22. I passed out and the doctor asked if I'd had a history of fits, because of the way I behaved when I was out, iyswim. I mentioned that I had fainted a few times as a child (not much, never knew why, dr at the time didn't seem too worried) and I later got a letter from the blood service saying "thanks but don't come back". Tbh, I've always been rather glad....

I'm now looking at the bone marrow registry because a friend's daughter has leukaemia and whilst I don't imagine I would be a match for her, I do think it would be amazing to donate and to actually know "I am saving someone's life".

But you have to be a blood donor.

Should I just go along and ask? It makes me feel very nervous.

Any thoughts here?

20 years is a long time. Some people do twitch a bit when they faint - I have seen it before. I think there would be no harm in asking, it may have just been an off day you had.

I haven't given blood for ages but I really should.

I think you should go, their own rules and procedures will have changed anyway in 20 years. Or ring and ask? They have a helpline.

0300 123 23 23 blood donation helpline

I haven't fainted since, except the time I was having a c-section and I think it was some reaction to the anaesthetic. There was a bit of a flurry of blue scrubs and they gave me a shot of something else and I came round ok.

Please feel free to nag me into it. I think I need "encouragement".

I was told they didn't want me back because they didn't have the facilities / staff in the blood donating place to handle someone having a fit.

Does anyone know if there is a lower weight limit for giving blood? I'm between 7st 9lbs and maybe 7st 11lbs , which doesn't sound much but I'm definitely NOT underweight for my 5ft 0 frame.

I've always wanted to give blood and I have the O negative type they are always after , however I am a bit wary after someone telling me the weight limit is 8st or over and also seeing my ex (who was 6ft 3 and big built) fainting after it years ago!

You have to be 7st 12, Reggae. This is my prob too, I'm only 7st 6.

Reggaegirl I was about to ask the same. I am the same as you, and on the website it says the limit is 8st, but maybe that's just an estimate?

Also, is it true that if you faint during they have to chuck the blood away? I don't mind going and passing out quietly on the bed as long as they get the blood.

I talk crap sometimes.

Little girl with leukaemia is enough encouragement.

I will give them a call and ask for advice.

Thanks for listening whilst I witter.

It might be worth looking at different blood centres if you can donate. My sister got very light-headed the first time she did it (church hall plastic chairs type set up) but she works in London now and the West End centre has swanky bed things that they can tip back if you get dizzy, and screens to put round you for privacy whilst you're all pale and about to be sick. If you think you might faint/be light headed try and find as accommodating a venue as possible.

Kitty not sure, but maybe if you pass out then your blood pressure is too low? I got turned away because they couldn't find a vein big enough and the woman said that they can only keep "full" donations, so I suppose if the fainted person's donation isn't completed then they have to chuck it.

I've been a regular donor for years and they are constantly tweaking the procedures to make it easier for donors. For instance, you now have to drink a pint of water or juice before you donate and you sit up during the recovery time, because they've found that these make it less likely that you'll pass out. I think you should give it a go, if it doesn't work for you at least you tried. And as you say, a little girl with leukaemia is enough encouragement.

Please do it. You might not be able to help your friend's daughter but you could save someone else.

I have just been given a new lease of life by someone donating their marrow. Without it my chances of survival were very slim. I have also had numerous pints of blood that has kept me alive for the last few months. I have been dependent on blood transfusions for a while.

Whatever minimal discomfort you might feel, it will only be for a short time, but your contribution could help someone.

Go ahead! your blood will save someone's life and if your bone marrow is a match thats excellent.
please do it as someones marrow saved my mums life. if that person is a mn thank you !

I really must start donating (when not pregnant). I have a fear of needles that has put me off, to my eternal shame.

The one time I plucked up the courage to go (and it was a lot if courage I needed) they turned me away for having a cold (I didn't have a cold).

I've had a lot of blood taken for tests over the last couple of years and my fear is subsiding.

It's time to go back, it's too important not to.

Thanks for the thread, OP. Good luck when you go back, and best thoughts for your friend's child.

And thanks to all of you who donate. The rest of us are in your debt.

Just to bump the thread and may be ask another question that many others are wondering about.
I used to donate too when I was a student, then moved abroad where they refused for confidentiality reason and fear of BSE.
Then was underweight, pregnant... In brief, I am not pregnant anymore, not underweight either
but I had blood transfusions after an emCS;

Can go back to giving blood or am I ban for life?

Good luck OP, I think it is worth a try.

Thanks for those who had given enough for me to get better and enjoy my DDs

No, if you have received transfusions AFAIK you cannot donate any more.

exclusions list is here

I used to give blood regularly but since having children have always "failed" the fingertip haemoglobin test at the donor centre (then get a letter from them some weeks later letting me know that I am not actually anaemic).
I have a DS who was recently diagnosed with leukeamia and has had blood transfusions - so I am especially keen to encourage blood donation as well as joining the bone marrow registry!

It may of been something as simple as not eating enough beforehand. They are also now very hot on you drinking a pint of water beforehand

I should also add that they seem to heat the halls to a high temperature. One place I used to go to was a church hall with five bar electric heaters on the wall and you could fell the heat right on your head. It was that that made me feel bad a couple of times

Huh!? They have me on the register and I've donated too but I am unsuitable to give blood (only because years ago I failed the iron test three times and the blood transfusion service automatically tells you to never darken their doorway again when that happens).

I wish I could give blood. I'm AB positive, but think I'm unsuitable now due to having a transfusion in 2006

Do you really have to be a donor to register for the Anthony Nolan? It's a shame there is so many people willing but unable to be donors

I went to do it but you have to be able to go to London for a medical/to donate so I can't Will make sure I give blood soon though, haven't been for ages.

The bone marrow thing I mean