Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

pgt67

I have read this thread a few times and was wondering if the Blood service had ever asked any of you if you would have any objections to signing up to the donor card and register.

I am quite active in this field having had multiple failed transplants and when out and about trying to sign people up to the register they mistake us for the blood service and the majority of those asked have never been approached when going to give blood.

would being asked about signing up to the donor register stop any of you going and giving blood, would you object to being asked?

I take my hat off to those who have given blood as i would definately not be here today if it wasn't for them.

Thank you all.:rotfl:

noonesperfect

pgt67 wrote: »

I have read this thread a few times and was wondering if the Blood service had ever asked any of you if you would have any objections to signing up to the donor card and register.

I am quite active in this field having had multiple failed transplants and when out and about trying to sign people up to the register they mistake us for the blood service and the majority of those asked have never been approached when going to give blood.

would being asked about signing up to the donor register stop any of you going and giving blood, would you object to being asked?

I take my hat off to those who have given blood as i would definately not be here today if it wasn't for them.

Thank you all.:rotfl:

No I've never been asked to join the organ donor register when I give blood. However I do carry a donor card so there's a good chance there are many like-minded people out there.

torbrex

I signed up to the organ donor register a while ago but I did it of my own valition and was not asked to do so.
I have also been tissue-typed for bone marrow donation, this was done about 1992, and at my request I was entered on to the available donors list.

poppycracker

I signed up to the donor register the other day. I've carried a donor card for years, and always made sure that my family know that I want everything that can be used to be used, but I thought after that thing on the news that I would actually sign on. I think it's a brilliant idea that the default should be that you do want to donate organs but you can opt out if you don't want. So many healthy organs are wasted because no-one knows if the person concerned wanted to donate or not. Takes the pressure off the relatives too.

Went to give my 20th pint at the beginning of the month as well. After the last time where no-one seemed to know if I was actually on the register (despite having two donor cards for different areas), this time was so easy!

torbrex

I gave my latest donation yesterday, it was not as smooth and easy as usual and there was a bit of trouble after the needle came out but nothing that the nurses and attendants could not handle with ease.

They were saying that collections are down because it is holiday time and people are away and missing their regular donation times. I would urge all readers to make an effort to visit your nearest donor session as I would hate to think that someone suffered unduly for a lack of donated blood.

Psychobot

I want to donate blood, but I'm a big girl's blouse when it comes to needles

Can anyone tell me

a) Whether it's a really painful procedure
b) Tips on how I can distract myself and not faint (I faint rather easily)
c)How long the procedure takes

Many thanks

Voldemort_2

Hi,

I have a few questions too! I'd really love to give blood but I don't know whether I'd be able to?

Is it possible to give blood if you have cut yourself? Also, I'm embarrassed by the cuts which are on my arm where the blood will be taken... Is the person that takes the blood likely to ask me how I got them, or how long ago they were done?

Thanks for any help.

torbrex

Psychobot wrote: »

I want to donate blood, but I'm a big girl's blouse when it comes to needles

Can anyone tell me

a) Whether it's a really painful procedure
b) Tips on how I can distract myself and not faint (I faint rather easily)
c)How long the procedure takes

Many thanks

There is a sharp scratch when the needle first goes in and you will be aware of the needle during the procedure but I would not call it painful. My arms are like leather now, I have been 'pierced' so many times I dont feel anything, but from what I remember it is no more than a scratch.
The attendants are very attentive and will keep chatting to you all through the donation and they will always try to look into your eyes as they can show early signs of faint, just mention something before the start and you will get extra attention.
Procedure lasts about 20 mins depending on how quickly your blood flows but stay down for as long as you like afterwards as it usually when a donor gets up that there is a fainting episode.

The transfusion service is keen to welcome all donors and make every effort to keep you safe and comfortable throughout your visit with them and as there is no alternative to blood they will go the extra little bit for the 'delicate' donors.

Good luck

torbrex

Voldemort wrote: »

Hi,

I have a few questions too! I'd really love to give blood but I don't know whether I'd be able to?

Is it possible to give blood if you have cut yourself? Also, I'm embarrassed by the cuts which are on my arm where the blood will be taken... Is the person that takes the blood likely to ask me how I got them, or how long ago they were done?

Thanks for any help.

There is a new question on the donation form about open cuts and wounds.
As long as you have no new ones and any that you have are healing ok I do not know why you should not be able to donate. If there is a recent cut I would think that they would ask when the cut happened but not so much how.

I have not been in that position so you would need to go to the donor session and ask to speak to the nurse or doctor, this would be treated in confidence in a seperate room and at least that way you would get a definate answer to your unique situation.

Mrs_A_4

Hi, wonder if somebody can give me any reassurance or advice about failed donations. Despite having given blood successfully a few times before, my last donation and the one I (attempted) today have both resulted in my blood flowing too slowly.

I am worried that a third failed donation will result in me being banned - and I love giving blood!

I know I have deep veins (or fat arms, more like) so am liable to bruise and it takes a while to prod about. I don't mind that. Today though, I had deliberately walked to the session to get the blood pumping, and did lots of twiddling my toes and tapping my fingers while waiting to try and keep it moving!

I told the nurse about my previous failure so she made sure to get a good vein first, although she said it had bruised a lot and kept apologising for that. I thought I was sorted cos at first she said it was flowing well, but five minutes later, and an almost full bag, and it had gone so slow that she had to give up, after I begged her to prod around a bit more and not to give up!

So now I have a sore arm (but bruises are fun, like war wounds!) and a second failed donation. Does anyone know why it happens, how to stop it next time and if I will be banned?

Thanks!