Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

happychikadee

Can I donate my blood? where do I find out if I qualify? I am an insulin dependant diabetic. My blood pressure is always perfect, they keep telling me I am really chilled out for it being a school holiday lol

happychikadee

just checked with their helpline, although he didn't seem to know what he was talking about. I asked if I could give blood as I was an IDD, he asked if I was currently under investigation to see what medication I would need. I told him I have been a diabetic for 25 years so they know what medication I need. Then he asked if I am seeing a doctor to investigate this medication I am on, for 6 monthly diabetic check ups was my reply. He then asked, have they established whether you still need the medication????? For gods sake, I am a diabetic! I will need it until they find a cure!!!! He said he didnt think I could. Not so chilled out now am I LOL

MrsTinks

Mrs_A wrote: »

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!

Have you made sure you have had a good breakfast and drunk plenty of fluids in the morning? If you are slightly dehydrated that might affect it. also it might not help that you are now nervous about it failing.
I'd also say contact your doctor and explain your concerns to him/her and see if they can give you any indication as to why your blood isn't flowing as well as it did.
But as I say it could be as simple as not having drunk enough water

MrsTinks

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.

From your post I am guessing these mightbe self harm cuts that have now long since healed?
If it's the case please call their help line and ask them. I'm sure if it's over a year (so the same as a tattoo or piercing) then it will be ok - but they might want a private chat with you to make sure you're going to be ok etc.

Good luck I'm sure it'llbe fine and they really are very discreet when you go and see them

Mrs_A_4

tine wrote: »

Have you made sure you have had a good breakfast and drunk plenty of fluids in the morning? If you are slightly dehydrated that might affect it. also it might not help that you are now nervous about it failing.
I'd also say contact your doctor and explain your concerns to him/her and see if they can give you any indication as to why your blood isn't flowing as well as it did.
But as I say it could be as simple as not having drunk enough water

Thanks - this is a possibility I suppose - had a couple of glasses that day but guess it was after 3pm by the time I donated. Plan for next time - drink gallons in the days beforehand and do a jog round the donor place before going in. That'll get the blood moving! I have the most ENORMOUS bruise this morning, dark purple and about two inches square. At least it looks like I did some good for society!

freebie_junkie

does anyone know if you can donate if youve got von willibrands?

torbrex

I am going on holiday soon and as a result will miss my next donation, anyone out there willing to take the plunge and make up the numbers by giving their first 'pint'?
You have it in you, all you need is a spare hour and a little bit of courage and who knows? You could end up being like me - you get told that you are nothing special but could you come as often as you can because your blood can be given to just about anyone so we need lots of it.

Rikki

I hope you all are still checking when their next session is just incase your letter has got lost in the post.

www.blood.co.uk

I'm going on Monday.

sillyvixen

i have always given blood, since i was a student, and i would urge anyone out there who doesn't to start. its a free way of helping others, its painless, you get free tea and biscuits and a warm fuzzy feeling that you get from helping others in this unique way. mostly i urge you to try as i have been unable to do so for the last 2 years and feel i should try to encourage others to donate instead of me. i was ill 2 years ago and had jaundice for 6 months and couldnt donate, i had 3 lots of surgical endoscopy in 5 months and could donate, i had major abdo surgery 16 months ago and could not donate for a year. a few months ago after a set of liver function tests it was decided i could donate i booked an appointment a few days before i came down with a cold and had to cancel and therefore could not donate, since then i have visited a dr regarding a complication of the surgery and am waiting to see a consaultant with a view to surgery and guess what, now i cant donate... please consider giving blood, if you do not do so aleady, i am now facing a 2nd lot of major surgery and didn't need it last time - but i have a pork allergy and cant have blood expaning products so if i loose too much blood i need to have blood to replace it, i got away with it once but was crossmatched for 2 units. please give, someone needs to take my place if i cant.

sillyvixen

i forgot to say my best mate had a ceasarian go wrong and recieved in excess of 20 units of blood plus volume expanders, the fact that she is still here for her children and me is a testament to the dedication of all you out there who donate blood...thankyou