Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

torbrex

Fromm BBC Scotland Tuesday 4th December

The SNBTS has called on as many people as possible to come forward now and over the festive period to help see off any Christmas shortfall in supplies.
The service said that because Christmas and New Year's Day fall on a Tuesday, a peak collection day for the blood supply, blood stocks could fall even further.
Dr Moira Carter, SNBTS national donor services manager, said: "We normally need 1,000 donors every single day, but over the festive period the number of people coming forward could drop by half.
"This is very worrying because stocks are already at lower levels than we would like. "Secondly, hospitals will be working during the holiday period so the demand for blood remains high."

I hope that all the MSE'ers can find time to fit in a trip to their local donor session, I had to cancel my appointment this week because I have a bit of a cold and am taking medication but I will get right back in there as soon as I am able.

Just remember your blood could save a life and it cannot be artificially made.

bathgatebuyer

lisyloo wrote: »

Hello,

I gave blood today and unfortunately I passed out albeit momentarily.
Last time I didn't pass out but felt light headed and had to lie down.
First time I was fine (felt light headed a one point but that was after standing on the tube with my arm in the air which didn't help).

My blood pressure is fairly low (about 105/75) but the doctors are always very happy with it.
I have mentioned going light headed when standing up suddenly, getting out of the bath or first thing in the morning but the doctor isn't worried (as it's only in those situations).

Does anyone know whether borderline low blood pressure could cause these problems?

Yep. I have tried giving blood on 2 occasions and on each have passed out. My blood pressure is categorised as very low to the extent that I've been asked to participate in some trials. At 75/45, it's apparently the same as in a child. Woo hoo, at least one part of me is not old and wrinkly! It's certainly enough that I've been told not to try and give blood again which is a shame, as I was very determined to do it from a young age as it's clearly one of the most valuable, yet completely free, gifts we can give someone.

Still, old wobbly head here kept waking up seeing a nurse holding my legs up in the air saying, "I think she's coming round!"

Rikki

bathgatebuyer wrote: »

Yep. I have tried giving blood on 2 occasions and on each have passed out. My blood pressure is categorised as very low to the extent that I've been asked to participate in some trials. At 75/45, it's apparently the same as in a child. Woo hoo, at least one part of me is not old and wrinkly! It's certainly enough that I've been told not to try and give blood again which is a shame, as I was very determined to do it from a young age as it's clearly one of the most valuable, yet completely free, gifts we can give someone.

Still, old wobbly head here kept waking up seeing a nurse holding my legs up in the air saying, "I think she's coming round!"

Taking part in the trials will help some-one else in the long run and look no needles.

torbrex

bathgatebuyer wrote: »

Yep. I have tried giving blood on 2 occasions and on each have passed out. My blood pressure is categorised as very low to the extent that I've been asked to participate in some trials. At 75/45, it's apparently the same as in a child. Woo hoo, at least one part of me is not old and wrinkly! It's certainly enough that I've been told not to try and give blood again which is a shame, as I was very determined to do it from a young age as it's clearly one of the most valuable, yet completely free, gifts we can give someone.

Still, old wobbly head here kept waking up seeing a nurse holding my legs up in the air saying, "I think she's coming round!"

I think that it is great that you have made the effort to donate a second time after fainting on the first visit and it is sad that you have been told not to try again but you will be making your contribution by taking part in trials.

It has always saddened me that the transfusion service is always struggling for donors to come forward and most people do not even think about giving. It is different for people that have reasons for not donating such as a medical condition or if they have had a transfusion themselves or if like yourself they have tried but for whatever reason have not been suitable. I can even understand a fear of needles, I myself have a fear of being alone in a hospital (from an incident in my younger days).
The BTS can never have too much blood, it can always be used for something and as only humans can make human blood I feel that it is our duty to pass on this life giving 'free' gift.

katiekittykat

I am next going on Christmas eve to donate - will be my 6th pint!

noonesperfect

Good for you Katiekittykat :T , it will be the most valuable gift you can give - at a time a time when most people forget. You watch, the bourbon biscuits are the most popular biccies afterwards!!

poppycracker

I was going to go along this weekend but can't seem to shake the cold I've had for a couple of weeks. As soon as I feel better, I'm going, work or no work!

katiekittykat

noonesperfect wrote: »

Good for you Katiekittykat :T , it will be the most valuable gift you can give - at a time a time when most people forget. You watch, the bourbon biscuits are the most popular biccies afterwards!!

Lol probably!!! i was never heavy enough to donate, so as soon as i was i started going evewrytime they came - missed it last time as i was away so will make up for it by going christmas eve - i am off work too so works out well

xxx

juno

I don't think I can donate any more So I'm trying to persuade one of my friends to donate instead of me

katiekittykat

Aww Juno how come you don't think you can donate anymore?