Free Tea & Biscuits/Free Ben & Jerry's ice-cream,Lets give something back for freebie

bbruce

I do sympathise with people who want to give blood but genuinely can't. The fact that they are willing is credit enough. However, they are outnumbered more than a hundredfold by those who won't give without reason.
I've given over 30 units so have the gold badge. I've had to give up recently because of medication.
My dad tricked me and many friends into donating by saying "I'm just popping in here for a cuppa - fancy one?"
I read all the leaflets and decided it would be a good thing to do with minimal inconvenience. Of course, I'd rather be doing something other than having a needle stuck in my arm.
The permanent site near Oxford Circus used to have Guinness or lager on offer and at Christmas time had plates of turkey sandwiches.
I have managed to persuade a few people to join me by discussing it but it was hard work; my dad's system worked better, as once he'd got them inside they were embarrased to leave and most of them became regulars like me.

lisawood78

Fair enough Somerled. I really mean that I would like to do it, I know that it is one of the most generous and selfless things anyone can do but I know that it would be an impossible task. My phobia (it has a name, but I can't remember it, and i'm sure I wouldn't be able to spell it!) is extremely severe. I don't pass out, unfortunately my fear turns to violence in my desperation to get away, it has been joked that i'm like BA from the A-Team (showing my age there, and no, it's not because of my gold or my beard!) and it really does take 3 people to administer any kind of needle/injection.
Afterwards i'm ashamed of myself, because it actually hurts very little if at all but my brain can't see that in the midst of terror and the red mist comes down. I feel very sorry for anyone else this affects.
So, if you meet someone who is genuinely aichmophobic (googled it!) please don't ridicule them, but I also appreciate that some people make excuses like this not to give blood so I can see both sides of this.
Thanks to the op for highlighting this needy cause.

crutches

thanks to anyone who does this.I had a lifesaving 9 unit transfusion 5 yrs ago.You've given me and my family a very precious gift.

whitty999

All i say is that if you can give blood then please do.

tankgirl1

have just phoned their helpline (actually surprised its manned at this hour!) to check if i can donate on the medication im on... and i can :j , so i'll going along to the next local session (not til july coz i live in the sticks )

thanks whitty, and all the other posters for giving me the kick up the bum i needed :rolleyes:

whitty999

Well done tankgirl,I once had to have a blood transfusion so that is why i posted to remind others that it is always so desprately needed so if you can please do we never know when we or family or friends are going to need it,Thank-you to all who responded to the post to donate their blood.

GOOD_BOY_3

i have a bad phobia needles too i also have agoraphobia and severe social phobia but i prepair myself and make sure i dont look at the needle and they give me the numbing thing first so that i dont feel it go in and they let my bf stay close as i dont go anywhere with out him.
I think its a mental thing i know im gonna do it because the blood people give saved my moms life and its my turn to help others!
its true (not meening to offend by sayin this!) but before my mum had a transfusion i wouldnt have gone near a needle unless it was to save my life and i think thats what most people would do, i mean what would you rather die or be stuck in the arm with a needle!!
the only thing i dont like is that i nearly pass out every time i give blood i dont no why i try not to but i go all funny and dizzy and my hearing goes funny but after a while im fine and i plan for the next trip in 4months time!!!

bbruce

tankgirl1 wrote:

have just phoned their helpline (actually surprised its manned at this hour!) to check if i can donate on the medication im on... and i can :j , so i'll going along to the next local session (not til july coz i live in the sticks )

thanks whitty, and all the other posters for giving me the kick up the bum i needed :rolleyes:

Posts like this make our efforts worthwhile.
Good on ya tankgirl!
Life is priceless and so is blood.

Strepsy

My mum was given a transfusion last week. 3 bags. I've always put it off up to now because of my fear of needles and the fact that no one can ever find a vein in my arm But I am going to find out about going to give when I'm rid of this cold. I believe I have a fairly rare blood group too (B-?), so even more reason for me to bite the bullet.

How do they find out if your blood is crappy? I'm worried my blood will be crappy. lol

Kylie

In Australia they wouldn't accept my blood because my partner is South African... how embarrassing!! But it should be good now... that was many years ago.

I have marked my calendar to be donating blood at least once per month now. I have to donate for both my partner and myself as he is a scaredy-cat: his blood pressure goes through the roof when he sees anyone resembling a nurse or doctor... thank goodness I am brave...