Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

upferret

I gave blood today for the second time, doesnt hurt and I fill up the bag in about 5 minutes! so I dont have to stay there long. the things Ill do for some free biscuits!

arealhighlander

I went to give blood for the first time and they wouldnt take it as I had been to Phuket in Thailand on holiday.

Its not even a malaria place, but since last September they have decided if you have been to ANY part of thailand they wont take it.

It was suggested I give blood next time I got to Thailand, because being a common Eupropean group, it would be arare group out there and of more value! And they wouldnt care about malaria cos there aint none in Phuket!

lisyloo

It was suggested I give blood next time I got to Thailand

I would want to see brand new needles coming out of sealed packets to give blood there.

JoeyG

I gave blood 2 weeks ago

Hardly felt a thing, but I did bruise VERY badly afterwards... I was kind-of aware that I was a heavy bleeder anyway, but I think i will request to be bandaged up next time... does anyone know if this is normal practice?

Oh and you really do need to take it easy afterwards... I went out the same night (not drinking), and I went to the gym the next day! (oops, felt like I had given blood all over again)... I really regret not resting for a couple of days.

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it a bit patronising the way everyone says 'does it make you feel good?' afterwards?? I felt like saying 'umm, how good would you feel if I took a pint of your blood?'... LoL, I dont wanna sound like a miserable b**ger, but I did it cos I was aware that people need blood all the time, and its not just 'some elses responsibility' to provide it... (I also felt quite privileged that I was eligable to give blood at all after completing the whole screening process!)

lisyloo

The instructions I have said not to do anything strenous for 24 hours, so if you went to the gym in that time then you would maybe have been within the limit.

I went to an exercise class 24 hours later but I kept it at a very low level.

I think you do need to take it easy afterwards.

I didn't find the people patronising, they were all very grateful and kept saying thankyou which was nice, but not really necessary.

I think it's good to give but if it has bad side effects on your health then you need to consider whether it's worth doing.
I don't think that they are so desperate that they need it from people who have bad side effects.
I was lucky in that I hardly bruised at all.

JoeyG

lisyloo wrote: »

The instructions I have said not to do anything strenous for 24 hours, so if you went to the gym in that time then you would maybe have been within the limit.

I went to an exercise class 24 hours later but I kept it at a very low level.

I think you do need to take it easy afterwards.

I didn't find the people patronising, they were all very grateful and kept saying thankyou which was nice, but not really necessary.

I think it's good to give but if it has bad side effects on your health then you need to consider whether it's worth doing.
I don't think that they are so desperate that they need it from people who have bad side effects.
I was lucky in that I hardly bruised at all.

My gym session was about 24 hours after... but my workout involves very intensive weight training, so I guess that was the problem.

I wasnt talking about the nurses being patronising... they were all great, and very helpful!... I meant friends, family and people in general (usually people who have never given blood themselves), but I guess everyones different.

Despite the bruising, I wouldn't consider NOT giving blood again... as far as I'm concerned its a regular thing now.

ab48uk

I used to be a regular blood donor and did just over 50 sessions.

The only thing that stopped me giving more was a rather serious road accident. My left arm was severed and later on my left leg was amputated. I subsequently learned that I had received 18 units of blood. So believe me, your blood really can save a life.

Although I can no longer donate I have helped the Blood Services by giving press and radio interviews - and attending promotional events.

Please, if you can, give blood - not excuses.

torbrex

I alway try to take things a little easier after my donations, it is a little different with me as I am a platelet donor. Although my donation can be a little larger than a whole blood one it takes longer to fill the bag and I get the red cells back so it is less 'draining'.

I seldom get a bruise, it all depends on how quickly the needle gets out and the pressure is applied, I am getting good at the pressure bit as I have plenty of practice, today was my 249th donation.

I can't speak highly enough of the nurses and care attendants, I have been going for so long and so often that we can have a chat about anything and as I am 'wired up' for 1.5 hours we usually cover quite a lot of ground.

Fritha_2

edda wrote: »

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!

Just thought I'd add my experience to this. I go all wussy and wibbly when i donate so I make them let me have an extra long lie down after my donation to let the terror subside! Otherwise I'd just get up and fall over! They've never once pressured me to get up before I'm ready which I feel really glad about to be honest and it's a shame it's not like that for everyone.

In fact I tend to get lots of compliments and get fussed over since I'm such a wuss but go anyway! :cool:

torbrex

Like the BTS istelf this thread always needs a boost.
I made my latest deposit last week and they were telling me that they are coming up to their quiet time when all the donors go on holiday and miss their local donor sessions.
Some holiday destinations have donation restrictions when you return so please make time to drop in at a session before you go.