Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

juno

ellas9602 wrote:

How long does it take to give blood? I work quite near to a centre and get a one hour lunch break. Would I have time to do it in my lunch?

It depends how busy they are. You could phone in advance to make an appointment, and make sure you've filled out the form beforehand.

pmd

tjfs wrote:

...I've given 51 donations so far, need some encouragement to give any more as I now have my official biro (wow) and nothing more to look forward to ;-)

A friend came to choir one evening looking very dressed up - she'd just been to a posh reception to be given her 75 award! And I'm sure it's even better at 100. Ahah: just found it on their web site: "75th will be given an Edinburgh Crystal plate, and those making their 100th donation will receive an Edinburgh Crystal decanter. " So I hope that encourages you!

If I keep going every 12-16 weeks, I should just make it to 100 before I hit 70 which is the age they stop established donors from giving (newbies can start up to age 60).

One thing I find really impressive about NBS is the 24 hour helpline, so you can ring at any time to ask "can I give if I've just taken xyz tablets?" or, like me today "I've forgotten when I last gave blood, can you tell me when it was?". Great not to have to remember to ring 9-5.

On gays and blood: they wouldn't bar people without believing that it's in the interests of recipients, on balance, to do so. Please don't take it personally, all you LGBTs out there, and encourage your straight friends to give blood if they're eligible. It's SO important (the first love of my life lived 13 months of good life with leukaemia, from age 20 to 21, with blood transfusions).

Congrats to all donors, commiserations to those who can't ... but please do encourage your friends/family etc to DO SOMETHING AMAZING (my vote for one of the best advertising slogans of all time!)

Pam

blanik

Hi,

For those of you who are keen please have a look at donating platelets, the information is at http://www.blood.co.uk/pages/platelets.html

I did both plasma and platelets for many years, you can donate every 3-4 weeks and used to get double credits for each donation (but not any more) - so I got some strage looks from 'normal' donors when they see a 30 year old with a 100 donations lapel pin!

It does takes a bit longer, but it is all appointment based to keep the machines occupied - so you don't have to wait in a queue. You also get very well looked after.

At one time I also got involved with a London hospital who would call you in for donations when they had a match, normally they kept donnor and patient sessions seperate but I once shared a room with a patient reciving a transfusion ( not mine ) and their bed was surrounded by hopeful relatives.

Perhaps it was the situation described by Pam above, but it certainly brought home how to me how important blood donation is.

The percentage of the population donating is quite small, but most people would accept a donation if they needed it. If you can donate please go and do it NOW.

edda

Just received the latest mag from the Blood Service - I get it 4 times a year and think its sent out to regular and/or recent donors.

If you've never given blood before, you have to be:

Aged between 17 and 60
Weigh over 50kg (7st 12lbs)
Be able to pass the medical questions (which are summarised on the website)

See www.blood.co.uk

Current donors can carry on giving until they are 70, if they carry on qualifying medically.

One thing I learned from the mag is that the traditional biscuits are going to be expanded. To cater for different needs, this will soon include sugar-free snacks, fruit, gluten and wheat free items - plus chocolate! :j Can't wait to see what this will give us.

elosarabrab

I donate regularly as does one of my sons. We are both O neg. I have never had any side effects from donating. According to the donor magazine they are looking into providing more options for snacks after donations such as fruit and chocolate. I for one would welcome the option of chocolate

chilli_dog

Just done it,

After finding this Thread last night ( 08.07.06) I went onto the https://www.blood.co.uk website and registered, also found my local centre and gave blood today (09.07.06).

Feeling chuffed with myself now.

I am blood type A+

skintchick

I'm not allowed to give blood I have really low blood pressure and if they take a pint I can't sit up for about an hour, so they banned me

wigginsmum

I'm not allowed to either, because of my medication.

Rikki

My appointments tomorrow. Pint No 34.:)

pmd

chilli_dog wrote:

Just done it,

After finding this Thread last night ( 08.07.06) I went onto the https://www.blood.co.uk website and registered, also found my local centre and gave blood today (09.07.06).

Feeling chuffed with myself now.

I am blood type A+

Congratulations. Doesn't it feel good?! Now tell all your friends and relations about it too!

The problem with trying to recruit people is that there are so many reasons people can't give, some of them very personal, so you can only encourage in the most general sort of way - so spreading the word through a medium like this list is great!