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Original poster

Who donates blood? If not, why not?

171 replies

PinkPotterWeasleys · 20/07/2007 21:04

Just curious

OP posts:
kittywits · 20/07/2007 21:44

I've wanted to but have either been preg or bf for the last 9 years Isn't there a weight restriction as well. I rather like needles though

whomovedmychocolate · 20/07/2007 21:45

They won't have mine - factor 10 deficiency. My dad has a shiny badge though having kept Coventry in the red stuff for over 40 years (he's too old now and they've retired him from it though).

ChipButty · 20/07/2007 21:45

Can't as had transfusion in past 5 years and because I was born in Singapore (WTF?). Understand the transfusion bit but not the place of birth bit (I was born in a Forces hospital to British parents). I would love to be able to give blood though because my dear FIL has leukaemia: PLEASE GIVE BLOOD IF YOU CAN!

IdrisTheDragon · 20/07/2007 21:46

I can't as I had a blood tranfusion after I had DS . I at least gave more before he was born than I took after he was born .

Original poster
PinkPotterWeasleys · 20/07/2007 21:46

zippit - you have to be under 60 I think.

find out here if you can donate

OP posts:
sparklygothkat · 20/07/2007 21:47

you have to weigh 7st 12.

ValnBen · 20/07/2007 21:47

can?T* or receive that should have said.

ValnBen · 20/07/2007 21:50

Bah ? give or receive?( no mad cow here!!)

pobletsmum · 20/07/2007 21:50

Have never been, as I'm frequently faint/vomit after blood tests. Asked mum (regular donator) to ask the nurses whether they would want me, and they said no - I'd be too time-consuming, and I would have to lie down etc. At least I offered. It's something I feel very guilty about, and would love to be able to do. My blood is A+ though so not quite so short-in-supply as others, I think.

whoops · 20/07/2007 21:58

I was gutted the last time I went to donate and my iron levels were too low
Was told to wait another 12 weeks then try again

CalifrauniusFudge · 20/07/2007 21:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hazygirl · 20/07/2007 22:01

i cant as had transfusion when retained placenta,but husband and son do,started doing it in december

LaDiDudleyDursley · 20/07/2007 22:02

I'm not heavy enough. Never have been, except when pregnant.

weebleswobble · 20/07/2007 22:03

I did once but it hurt and I haven't been brave enough to go back.

whoops · 20/07/2007 22:05

I can't understand anyone that says it hurts! I find the finger prick for the iron levels to be checked the most painful

MumzarelloMcGonagall · 20/07/2007 22:12

I can't but used to.

Had blood transfusion when I had dd.

Agree is totally ridiculous that if you have had a blood transfusion you can't give - that's a whole chunk of society that would be most likely to donate regularly!!

chocolatekimmy · 20/07/2007 22:19

I had three attempts when they had to give up - couldn't get into a vein and ended up sore and like a pin cushion. That was about 7 years ago and I haven't tried since due to being pregnant (3 times) or breast feeding.

The nurse has trouble getting a blood test and it was a nightmare having a line put in for a drip - ended up black and blue!

I would love to be able to still, I had managed sucessfully about 6 times before the problems

Miaou · 20/07/2007 22:20

Whoops, I find any kind of blood tests very painful (and I have a very high pain threshold - I very nearly suffered a burst appendix last year because I didn't believe I had appendicitis as I wasn't in enough pain!!). I have deep veins that don't yield easily. The most painful part of my appendectomy last year was the canula in my arm. Some of us are like that!!

(that said I would still give blood if I could but don't weigh enough)

clayre · 20/07/2007 22:21

i'm not heavy enough , and it would take hours to get a pint of blood out of me, took half an hour to get my preganacy bloods done

Dumbledior · 20/07/2007 22:22

I used to but am on ADs, so can't now.

Aufish · 20/07/2007 22:26

I would but can't due to a blood transfusion given in 1997.

munchkinmum · 20/07/2007 22:26

I do!! But not as often as I used to as they cannot provide childcare so have to do community sessions when dh available to look after dd.

My mum was looked after by haematology when she had cancer and was surrounded by people having transfusions which has spurred me into keeping my donations as regular as I can possible can manage it.

onlyjoking9329 · 20/07/2007 22:28

i used to give blood but developed a latex allergy.

ChorusLine · 20/07/2007 22:30

I can't due to medication i take - I also wanted to join Anthony Nolan Trust but I can't

whoops · 20/07/2007 22:33

Sorry Miaou - didn't want to upset anyone I find blood tests painful sometimes but never found giving blood painful