Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

noonesperfect

Sola wrote: »

We have a mobile unit coming to work next Tuesday and I'm hoping to make my first donation. I phoned the National Blood Service after completing their online questionnaire; she confirmed Spain as a holiday destination was clear, but couldn't tell me if use of codeine would make me unsuitable. She said I had to turn up on the day and explain to the nurses, who would advise me. Surely they should have a list of medication which bars you from donating? I'm planning to not take any for 72 hours beforehand in the hope that I'll be able to donate, because the pain of not taking the meds is worth it if I can do it.

A question - do they write and tell you what your blood group is? How did the rest of you find out?

To be honest I would try ringing them again just to make sure you didn't get the cleaner :rotfl:

Seriously though, they're usually pretty helpful on the phone if you have a query. The last thing you want is to turn up and be turned away because you're on medication.
They certainly have a list of permissable medications at the donation session so they will check if codeine is ok when you get there. There is a form you will have to fill in every time you donate (just a case of ticking boxes) ie if you've taken paracetamol in the last week they need to know, but it won't necessarily be a problem.
As regards blood group, TBH I don't remember. I imagine they test at your first session and could tell you on the spot. If not, you will recieve a plastic card (like a credit card) with you name, donor number, how many sessions you've attended and your blood group on it after the first time (thru' the post)

You could send a query using this link if you want to know beforehand about your pain meds

https://secure.blood.co.uk/mqf.asp

B Rh+

Sola

Well I guess it's not a biggie; I'll just pop out to the van from the office, and if I can't donate I can't. I don't know where the NBS is based but the woman had the strongest Irish accent I've ever heard.

noonesperfect

Sola wrote: »

Well I guess it's not a biggie; I'll just pop out to the van from the office, and if I can't donate I can't. I don't know where the NBS is based but the woman had the strongest Irish accent I've ever heard.

I know just what you mean. Northern Ireland if the accent is anything to go by!!!

Sola

noonesperfect wrote: »

Northern Ireland if the accent is anything to go by!!!

No I don't think it was, which is what confused me!

noonesperfect

I might have the area of Ireland wrong, but whenever I've rung it's been an irishman or woman that's answered.
If you rang this number it is charged at local rate 0845 7 711 711
Well done giving up smoking by the way :j

mspig

i just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you people who give blood as it is the only way my son can stay alive.
He has a rare condition where he was born without an immune system and has to have the liquid part of the blood infused into his body once a week to give him other peoples immunity, otherwise the common cold could kill him.
The blood he has is made up of 50,000 peoples donated blood, so without you guys my son wouldn't be here.

so a big thanks to all of you.

noonesperfect

Sola wrote: »

We have a mobile unit coming to work next Tuesday and I'm hoping to make my first donation. I phoned the National Blood Service after completing their online questionnaire; she confirmed Spain as a holiday destination was clear, but couldn't tell me if use of codeine would make me unsuitable. She said I had to turn up on the day and explain to the nurses, who would advise me. Surely they should have a list of medication which bars you from donating? I'm planning to not take any for 72 hours beforehand in the hope that I'll be able to donate, because the pain of not taking the meds is worth it if I can do it.

A question - do they write and tell you what your blood group is? How did the rest of you find out?

Hi Sola,
Let us know how you get on tomorrow won't you?
I've "done my bit" today and asked about blood groups on your behalf. Apparently they let you know by letter what your blood group is as the blood has to go back to the transfusion centre to be "grouped".
It was encouraging to see a lot of new donors today, even though it meant a 20 minute wait for me. Still, it ony took 5 minutes and 5 seconds (apparently :eek: :rolleyes: ) for the blood to go from my arm into the bag - very quick! I thought :beer:
Good luck anyway.

poppycracker

wow that was quick! Usually takes about 15 minutes for me and I thought I was quick draining

noonesperfect

Perhaps I misunderstood but I'm sure that's what the donor carer said. It certainly didn't seem very long.
I think that was actual donation time (i.e. laid on the bed, confirmed who i am, taken samples etc. already done). And obviously not including the time once the needle is taken out and all other bits done.

poppycracker

Maybe you have generous veins