Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

Rikki

SparciaM wrote: »

Well I've been thinking about giving blood for a while and my Dad has been doing it for years regularly. So went online to get some more details, as there is a blood bank opposite work which is perfect.

But because I'm homosexual the website states that I can't give blood. I think that is really bad prejudice against some gay people, who are extremly safe, clean and healthy and want to help out - but instead they pigeonhole us all and just say you're high risk so no.!.

I agree I think they are sometimes being too cautious.

It is becoming more difficult to give blood as the bring in more and more restrictions. If times got desperate I'm sure some of these would be relaxed.


I did laugh today after listening to the discussion on blood donation on the Jeremy Vine Show (Radio 2 on Thursday 31/01).

Apparently if you lived in England in the 1980's you are not allowed to give blood in France.

Why you wonder? Because of mad cow disease. :rolleyes:

Pennylane

I would be more than willing to give blood - but they don't want mine! I checked and because I had a blood transfusion years ago after a difficult birth and because it was between certain dates, they declined my offer!

My Mum was a blood donor for donkeys years and so are several friends.

torbrex

They have to have rules and while it may seem to those that are excluded for what seems like unacceptable reasons, it all boils down to rules is rules.
Please bear in mind that it is desperatly ill people that will be receiving the blood so every care must be taken not to pass on anything that could potetially affect the recipient.
I know that a homosexual in a long lasting and loyal relationship can be more trustworthy than someone that is footloose and freely 'puts it about' but until the rules are reviewed there is little that can be done.
I would encourage everyone that can donate to at least make the effort to do so, if you are refused for whatever reason please do not take it personally but understand that the rules are there for the benifit of the patients not the donors.

SparciaM

torbrex - I can understand what your saying.

But why then is a heterosexual person who sleeps around every night and doesn't wear a condom allowed to give blood and a homosexual person who is always safe and doesn't sleep around not allowed.

Yes rules must be there, but I thought they screened all blood to make sure it was safe to use. So why not encourage as many people to give blood, screen it and IF it's not good, tell the person. 'I'm really sorry, but you can't give blood anymore becuase.....' instead they just 'presume' that blood from certain sources is bad and they don't want it.

They blood levels are running low and the more restrictions getting put on it, the more the levels are going to decrease. I could just go in and say that I don't sleep with men AND then they would allow me to give blood. I know my blood is fine, but obviously lying is not a good thing to do when it comes to these situations.

So in the end. Rules are good, Restrictions are good, BUT screen the blood of the people who aren't allowed to give blood due to 'stupid' rules and say yes or no once you have the blood and know if it's ok or not.

Even with France as well and the whole madcow - come on - we have technology to screen now, why don't we use it!!

torbrex

SparciaM - I wish I could give you a definative answer, I know that the system is a bit archaic, best I can suggest is give them a phone and explain your situation and see what their reply is. I could ask, on behalf of a friend, next time I go if you want?

SparciaM

I'd be very interested in what they might say torbex.

I'd also be interested in what they mention about people who sleep around in the heterosexual community. I don't see why it would be any different.

Yes gay people are more at risk of HIV, but everyone is at risk of STDs if they sleep around not being safe.

therivierakid

sebbelcher wrote: »

I gave blood on Wednesday, my sixth time, when I removed the plaster on Thursday I thought I had been tattooed! I took this picture today, 4 days later, and if anything it's got worse:



I understand there can be some bruising involved, but what the hell is the purple stuff?! It hasn't faded at all since Thursday.

By the way, don't let this put you off if you are thinking of giving, this is the first time anything like this has happened! Plus they had KitKats and Mini Cheddars this time, so I'm definitely going back!

I've had a bruise like that once from a donation. Wear it with pride!

therivierakid

I've got another donation session in a week or so. Thing is I have something organised for 55 mins after the appointment time so I probably won't have time to get anything to eat... sooooo... how many biscuits do you think you can take without looking like a pig/greedy scrounger? I've quite happily taken two in the past. I think three is probably OK. Four? Five?

BTW I do eat quite healthily as a rule. I'm not some sort of Cookie Monster!

therivierakid

pinkdiamond wrote: »

i donated today for the first time. i was a bit scared but it was ok!!! i was a bit bored during the actual bloodtaking as i was at a fairly busy session and i had no one to talk to!!! i have booked to go again in may

Congrats! And well done. It's always hard to take the first step.

Now you just have to encourage more people to go!:T

Rikki

therivierakid wrote: »

I've got another donation session in a week or so. Thing is I have something organised for 55 mins after the appointment time so I probably won't have time to get anything to eat... sooooo... how many biscuits do you think you can take without looking like a pig/greedy scrounger? I've quite happily taken two in the past. I think three is probably OK. Four? Five?

BTW I do eat quite healthily as a rule. I'm not some sort of Cookie Monster!

Ours come in sealed packets with three in. So two packets equals six biscuits, no problem for me. :j

We do have to fight for the chocolate ones.