Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

stevewinelover

Hi,
This is my first ever posting, so be gentle.

I'm a platelet doner and can give every two weeks if I want and each of my donations count as two units, so my total is about 130 now.

I read a posting from someone who had reached a certain milestone and felt like they had nothing more to gain - you haven't, because you're not doing it for you, you're doing it for others. It is those people that have something to gain. I try to encourage family, friends and colleagues to donate, but its hard work. Some people can't give for good reason, but for the rest I think there should be a new slogan - GIVE BLOOD NOT EXCUSES!

For anyone interested in being a platelet doner you have to have a fairly high platelet count, but your Blood Transfusion Centre will contact you if you fall into that category and invite you along to be a doner. It takes longer than a regular blood donation, but my employer gives me extra time and I go in my lunch hour. It doesn't hurt and the staff are great.

Just keep reminding yourself why you're there or if you haven't been for a while, why you should be there.

My blood group is AB+

Open_Wallet_Surgery

Wings_of_Ambition wrote:

As much as its a worthy cause, some of the Blood Service's policies are quite controversial - in particular, who and who cannot donate. It would be nice to see them change their rules, although I cant see it happening any time soon.

(First post so be gentle with me!)

Cant agree more, I work in a hospital, and due to some of the Blood Services draconian policies I cannot donate, much as I'd love to give to odd pint.
Im a BIG bloke and I'm damn sure I wouldnt miss the odd pint!

postingalwaysposting

Open_Wallet_Surgery wrote:

Im a BIG bloke and I'm damn sure I wouldnt miss the odd pint!

:rotfl: that made me smile, thanks ows

edda

Enjoy reading all the comments, but I'd like to raise a few points (my opinion only).

1. Yes - the Blood service has some policies that seem draconian, if not controversial. However, if I was unfortunate to be on the receiving end of a transfusion, I would hope that they have done their best to screen out as many potential contanimations as possible that could make me worse and not better.

2. I could stop giving blood in protest against the policies of disallowing a whole group of people from donating, but this would affect patients who need the blood more than the NBS itself. So - I continue to donate.

3. Some aspects of the service have improved over the past 25 years and some have got worse - depends on what you prefer. Overall, I think it's easier to give blood with less waiting times, but this could be in my area only. On the other hand, it's more of a production line with pressure put on me to 'bleed faster' so the next person can use the bed!

Rikki

There is a shortage of the Blood Group O+

griff.

jackieb wrote:

I gave for ages after having the transfusions until they brought in these new rules.

Join the ranks of the 'unclean' Jackie. In olden days, we would be forced to wear bells proclaiming our uncleanliness.

tankgirl1

well theres a blood donation session down the road tomorrow, that i'm hoping to go to. it'll be my first time (if they'll have me!!). i phoned the helpline, and they were great- said i should be eligible to donate. :T

but i am bricking it! not so much about the actual procedure, but more in case they find any nasties..... had the all clear on my prenatal tests 12mths ago, and havent done anything to put me at risk since then, but i guess its human nature to worry anyway :rolleyes:

anyway, wish me luck!! i'll check in again tomorrow!

TG x

tankgirl1

Rikki wrote:

There is a shortage of the Blood Group O+

oooh- i think thats me

tankgirl1

aaagggghhh!!

just plucked up the courage to go along, and when i got there they wouldnt let me donate, because i had the baby with me. fair enough, but i did ring and ask if that would be ok to take baba along, and they never mentioned anything- just said it would be fine!!

so now i have to get all scared again this afternoon when i'll have a sitter :rolleyes:

EDIT: whoo hoo!! i did it, and it wasnt scary, and it didnt hurt!! :T :T

rach1973

tankgirl1 wrote:

aaagggghhh!!

just plucked up the courage to go along, and when i got there they wouldnt let me donate, because i had the baby with me. fair enough, but i did ring and ask if that would be ok to take baba along, and they never mentioned anything- just said it would be fine!!

so now i have to get all scared again this afternoon when i'll have a sitter :rolleyes:

EDIT: whoo hoo!! i did it, and it wasnt scary, and it didnt hurt!! :T :T

I've given twice when I've had my kids with me (youngest was only about 15 mths the first time) I just take a supply of chocolate to keep them quiet!!!

Doesn't hurt does it?