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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:
BadKreacher · 20/07/2007 22:33

I got taken off the list when one of the doctors decided that psoriatic arthritis excluded me. I was really upset as I'd done it for years and didnt really understand why I'm not allowed anymore.

ChorusLine · 20/07/2007 22:35

Snap Badkreacher!

BadKreacher · 20/07/2007 22:39

oh good ChorusLine - its sad for you too, but its good to know its not some arbitrary decision by an over zealous doctor. I wonder why it is?

Deux · 20/07/2007 22:39

Have managed it once and it came out incredibly quickly - nurse in a right old flap as a consequence. Failed since then - not heavy enough; recent transfusion etc.

Curious to understand how come DH can give blood regularly - he's had malaria and had a blood transfusion when we lived in Africa, some blood was from the local bank and some flown in from France. And that was only a few years ago. The service know all this. Anyone any idea? Could it be for blood products rather that actual blood? They keep ringing him up regularly too.

Must check out to see if I can donate as transfusion was last year. If I can I will, afterall, someone else's donations helped saved my life and DH's.

dassie · 20/07/2007 22:42

I was told I am not allowed because my husband was of a sexually mature age in Africa.

Very annoying1 Basically the nurse said I can't unless dh does and he is therefore cleared. V annoying

nooka · 20/07/2007 22:44

I don't because I'm another fainting type. It's not the pain, but even having small amounts of blood taken makes me very woozy indeed. Also some plebotomists seem to find it very difficult to find my veins (weird because I am very very pale, so my veins are very visible!). I decided to join the Anthony Nolan list instead, and when I was called up for further tests as a possible donatee the blood they took then made me incredibly unwell (lots of poking around which makes me very nauseous). In fact giving the original amount (and it wasn't much!) ended up with me having to have a long head between my legs session - the practice nurse was amazed!

MrsSlowLearner · 20/07/2007 22:46

I have never been to give blood as i have very 'deep' veins,i usually cause a problem for the plebotomists.
Strangely the only time they can get blood from me is when i am pregnant.

whoops · 20/07/2007 22:50

lol MrsSlowlearner - My veins usually disappear more when I am pregnant!

ladylush · 20/07/2007 22:50

I used to give blood but now find that the sessions clash with work/childcare and I'm not organised enough to pre-plan. I should though

Troutpout · 20/07/2007 22:55

i do
when i'm not anaemic

elastamum · 20/07/2007 22:57

i have been bounced out before for my very low BP, but now i feel i will go back thanks

Miaou · 20/07/2007 23:15

Oh don't worry whoops, didn't upset me - but just wanted to explain that it's not just mere wussiness

Does low BP stop you being able to give? Mine is 90/50 or below. Yet another reason I would be refused then .

whoops · 20/07/2007 23:16

I've never had my bp taken when I've been to give blood

littlelapin · 20/07/2007 23:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bouquet · 20/07/2007 23:23

Because I am a JW and would neither give nor receive blood.

But would always have medical procedures and blood expanders.

suzycreamcheese · 20/07/2007 23:25

the only time i did it the nurse stuck the needle in the wrong way (blunt end) and after hacking at my arm for 10 minutes realised and still took twenty minutes with sharp end to get it right....

i truly beleive in doing it esp as i have fairly rare blood group but this was just so awful that i wimp out at the thought..

brightwell · 20/07/2007 23:29

I do, have given 30 units so far. I'm on a year off at the moment having had a needlestick injury at work. I can't go back until I get the all clear.

sparklygothkat · 20/07/2007 23:30

I thought JWs could give blood but not recieve it.. or is that organs only?

MarsLady · 20/07/2007 23:31

Not allowed to. I had a blood transfusion in 1992 and so I'm on the no no list!

MrsMills · 20/07/2007 23:34

Used to donate regularly, but had a blood transfusion after ds2, now not able to

bouquet · 20/07/2007 23:37

No SGKat.

We wouldnt give or receive it but we would have organs as long as they were put in without blood.

I am also an on the organ donation list.

just not blood.

sparklygothkat · 20/07/2007 23:39

aha! My parents are JWs and I know they said something about organ donation (its up to the person) but was confused about giving blood

bouquet · 20/07/2007 23:40

I was going to mention that I knew your parents were JWs but didnt!!

sparklygothkat · 20/07/2007 23:43

I have always known about not recieving blood, I refused blood myself when I was in hospital when pregnant with the kids, even though I left about 12 years ago.

Twinklemegan · 20/07/2007 23:46

I've had so many blood tests over the years that its getting increasingly difficult for them to get blood from me. In fact once when I was pregnant the nurse literally couldn't get any blood out of either arm. I don't want any additional needles that I don't have to have to be frank.

Also, I've a history of chronic fatigue and post-viral syndrome and I tire very easily. I don't think losing a pint of blood would affect me too well.

I'm O rhesus negative as well so I know I should give blood but I have to put my own health first unfortunately.