Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

hjb123

I used to give blood, started while I was at University but only gave a few times and got told both by blood service and my doctor that I shouldnt give it! Everyone always struggle getting blood from me plus I have CFS and get migraines alot - especially when they have taken blood out of me!

Its worthwhile doing though - it doesnt cost anything for those who are able to give

Davidboy

I have been a blood donor since I was 20, given about 30 times. No it does not hurt! My daughter started to give as soon as she was 17, used to come with me as a child. She is now a nurse so thinks it is important to do so. My youngest daughter wants to give but keeps having piercings somewhere. Lots of holes in ears, now got one in her bottom lip...yukkkkkkk

Funny to think that someone somewhere is walking around with my blood in them.

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O+

susiesue_2

i am a regular donor and always try and take someone else along too. my nephew wouldn't be here without all the regular donors, he has chronic myloid leukieamia and has recieved an annomous bone marrow transplant. PLEASE, at your next session ask to go on the bone marrow list too. it will save someones life too and you dont have to do anything.

Davidboy

susiesue wrote:

PLEASE, at your next session ask to go on the bone marrow list too. it will save someones life too and you dont have to do anything.

Unfortunately there are age limits. Can't quite remember the limits but something like 40 or 45 if you have not been on the register before and 50 if you have been on the register. I know I am too old now! But yes would recommend to go the list.


D

Lois_Lane

The blood service discriminates against donors to protect the recipients.

Put yourself in the position of a vulnerable patient, and then imagine how you would feel to receive a life saving transfusion, only to find you'd been infected with CJD or HIV.

CheekyMonkey22

Not many 0- out there is there? Feel a bit special now.

djtonyb

I was that eager to give my armful on Friday that I waited 2.5 hrs to be seen.

I have written to complain about the wait - they had no appointments left (I tried to book the day I got my letter) and the booking department had already overbooked the appointments.

30 pints given. Hubby got gold award last time

ChatwithJacqs

Hi,

Does anyone know what the weight limit is these days please? It used to be 8 stone then it was taken down by a few pounds.
I weigh 7st 8lb so not sure if i can or can't.
Would love to start again.

Cheers in advance

Jx

haron91

im only 14 whats the minimum age?

fannyadams

OK here's the deal about the testing of blood donations by the Blood people
The government via the NHS gives the blood guys shed loads of money to look at the tests that are available on the market and decide which one will give them the best value for money and do what it's supposed to do.
They will test the blood for HIV antibody (plus a few other nasties like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and Syphilis) AND to see if the HIV is circulating in your blood. This test isn't /wasn't available to the NHS labs that do testing for pregnant people. Some health authorities send their pregnant people blood (ante natal booking blood - the one that tells us if you are immune to rubella or have anything else that you forgot to declare) to the blood transfusion people to get it tested as it is more cost effective than getting it done at the local hospital labs.
I currently banned coz I had surgery and I caused a big fuss coz I said no transfusions please - they often give you a pint to 'top up your Hb levels'. I had to amend their form to read if I am dying then transfuse me otherwise don't bother I'll be fine. If everyone who is eligable to donate or is already a donor did this thent he pool of donors would remain.

it makes me cross that the NHS is shooting itself in the foot when it gives 'top ups' to patients who clearly don't need it and they are wasting blood IMHO.
there rant over i'm off to bed.
here's the website for ALL info regarding giving blood http://www.blood.co.uk/
- you can even book an appointment on line too and don't need to wait for that letter!!
to the OP who said the sessions are during work time - do you have to take the day off for a dentist or doctors appointment? Your work *should* give you the time to go to the sessions. Most places do, unless you got a really stingy boss. I go in my lunch break coz my boss is one of them stingy ones.