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Original poster

I just gave blood for the first time! have you ever?

56 replies

essbee · 19/11/2004 17:16

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Thomcat · 19/11/2004 17:19

Feels good doesn't it, as in you feel proud that you did it, last time I did it it made me go a bit woozy. I must get myself back up there actually I haven't given for ages now.

Well done you.

dawnie1 · 19/11/2004 17:22

Well Done Essbee, I really admire people like you. I wish I could do it but I'm terrified of needles (and also they wouldn't take my blood coz I went to India 3 years ago but truth is I'm too cowardly anyhow). Well Done You !!

Original poster
essbee · 19/11/2004 17:23

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Hulababy · 19/11/2004 17:23

Well done essbee

Not been for ages. I have tried twice, but my viens don't appear to be able to give enough blood - it just stops. I looked like a pin cushion and came away so bruised. But at least I tried. I was so disappointed. Then after DD was born I was too aneamic to even try. Maybe I will try again.

PicadillyCircus · 19/11/2004 17:24

I used to give blood and it does make you feel proud

Had a blood transfusion after having DS so can't give any more

lou33 · 19/11/2004 17:24

well done missus

Original poster
essbee · 19/11/2004 17:24

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lou33 · 19/11/2004 17:26

i can't on my meds, otherwise i would.

Btw am going for a drink tonight with dh, shall i make him get legsy's number for you?!

Original poster
essbee · 19/11/2004 17:27

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lou33 · 19/11/2004 17:28

i have discovered his last name and i know the road he lives in btw

Original poster
essbee · 19/11/2004 17:31

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lou33 · 19/11/2004 17:35

well he said where he lived that night, and he has put his name down on a trip to france for the spring. I might be going to that too btw.

Freckle · 19/11/2004 17:35

Last time I gave blood, I took DS3 (6yrs) with me. He was fascinated. He watched while they put the needle in, but I always look away. Nurse was very helpful in explaining everything too, particularly as I tend to go to mobile units where there isn't a lot of room for the staff, let alone children onlookers.

Unfortunately, DS3 has now decided that he's never going to give blood. Must work on that.

Original poster
essbee · 19/11/2004 17:40

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lou33 · 19/11/2004 17:42

2 nights essbee, if i cant get it from him before then i promise i wil get it for you on the trip

MummyToSteven · 19/11/2004 17:50

i was going to give blood - had arranged a date to go with some colleagues last year - but then discovered I was PG (oops!). how long after birth do you have to wait before giving blood? is it a year, or am I just imagining things?

codswallop · 19/11/2004 17:55

should so I am type a

MummyToSteven · 19/11/2004 17:56

i'm the really bog standard one IIRC - that's O Negative, isn't it???

KateandtheGirls · 19/11/2004 18:06

Good for you Esbee. I gave blood once a few years ago, but because my blood pressure is so low my body apparantly couldn't handle the loss of a pint and I passed out about 15 minutes afterwards (just as I was drinking my juice and eating my cookies). They told me never to come back!

Now I couldn't donate blood anyway in the US, because of having lived in Britain. (Mad cow disease, I think.)

MummyToSteven · 19/11/2004 18:08

yep, i was right - just checked the website - you can't give blood if you are pg or have been pg within the last year - so if you bump this thread in march for me, essbee

Slinky · 19/11/2004 18:13

MTS

I went along yesterday afternoon - much better now that you can make appointments.

O Negative is one of the most important blood groups. Only 7% (of which I am one) of the population have this type and it's classed as the "Universal Donar" - ie can be given to absolutely everyone.

I thought it was 9 months after a baby nowadays?

MummyToSteven · 19/11/2004 18:15

defo said one year on the website - have to confess it was for the scottish not english blood donor department. i'll phone them up next week and doublecheck.

Slinky · 19/11/2004 18:20

This was taken from the National Blood Service website.

"You may not be able to give blood if:

1 You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating.
2 You've had complicated dental work (although simple fillings are OK on the same day, as are simple extractions after 24 hours).
3 You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.
4 You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
5 You do not weigh over 50kg (7st 12). If you are unsure please feel free to call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0845 7 711 711.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months."

codswallop · 19/11/2004 18:21

do they want a positive?

luckymum · 19/11/2004 18:23

Essbee - I'm really proud of you. I've been barred recently due to having a transfusion and I'm on a mission to get a replacement.