Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

Indie_Kid

Will ask Blood service if no-one knows the answer:
I am still too ill to give blood. One of the things I'm currently on/using is steroid cream. Doies anyone know if there are ny rules regarding this and donating? Obviously I'll wait until I'm fully recovered (whenever that may be - hopefully only a few more weeks) but was wondering if this is something I'd have to be off for a certain amount of time.

I have checked with them about my other medication before and have been told it's fine.

torbrex

It depends on the cream, best to check with your donor centre.

I was using a painkilling gel and was told to stop using it 72 hours before my donation.

Saving_spree

I am one of the people who disappear when a needle is sighted. The 1st time I decided to donate blood I was sent back (reason Anemic). Since then shamefully i have not ventured to try again. This particular thread has inspired me so much that I am definitely going this weekend for the donation.

Thank you all for motivating me

Indie_Kid

I received a letter this morning telling me I am fine to give blood, as long as my skin problem has healed. The cream doesn't matter. (this was my main concern)

This will be my first time, what can I expect? Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before or after giving blood?

Rikki

sh1305 wrote: »

I received a letter this morning telling me I am fine to give blood, as long as my skin problem has healed. The cream doesn't matter. (this was my main concern)

This will be my first time, what can I expect? Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before or after giving blood?

Don't exercise before giving blood. A brisk walk to get there is fine.

Drink plenty of water / fluids before donating. (I take bottled water with me)

Wear a short sleeve top so you don't have to take your top up because your sleeves are too tight to roll up. From experience.

Warm jumper or coat as some places you donate at can be a little chilly

I take a book to read in case I have to wait a while.

I don't bother with any anaesthetic, two injections instead of one. Can't really describe the actual needle/ donation part, sort of a dull stab and a small ache, nothing scary at all.

The nurses are great and will take you through everything step by step.:j

All of us that donate are proud of all you new comers prepared to give it a go. :T

Any more questions just ask and we will try our best to help.

Melonade

I was thinking of giving blood a while ago and a nurse suggested it again a year or so ago because of my blood type. When I went through the online questionaire it stopped me at the part that says I cannot give blood if I've been given blood in the past so many years or since a certain date (wow I can't remember it now)

I was given blood in 1999 when I had a c-section. I don't know how much or even if it matters about the amount. Is this still a definate "no" for me or should I maybe speak to my doctor about it?

I overcame my fear of needles when I developed a fear of the dentists so I reckon I won't be too scared. Blood is so precious when people need it. Obviously some kind person donated the blood that was given to me... makes me feel guilty sometimes that I haven't donated some back

Indie_Kid

If you contact national blood service, they can answer your query for you. This is what I did and got a letter through yesterday, saying I should be ok. (or would be if I didn't have a cold)

magic57

sh1305 wrote: »

I received a letter this morning telling me I am fine to give blood, as long as my skin problem has healed. The cream doesn't matter. (this was my main concern)

This will be my first time, what can I expect? Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before or after giving blood?

Don't worry the attendants really look after you if you are a newbie.
My tips as I've done about 26 donations: Take plenty of time laying down afterwards and don't get up straight away.
Don't drink alcohol too soon after (it will go straight to your head!) just loads of water.
Make sure others at home make a fuss of you afterwards as you are a hero!
Good luck.

Indie_Kid

magic57 wrote: »

don't get up straight away.

I learnt not to do this the hard way a few years ago after a blood test.

Rikki

Melonade wrote: »

I was thinking of giving blood a while ago and a nurse suggested it again a year or so ago because of my blood type. When I went through the online questionaire it stopped me at the part that says I cannot give blood if I've been given blood in the past so many years or since a certain date (wow I can't remember it now)

I was given blood in 1999 when I had a c-section. I don't know how much or even if it matters about the amount. Is this still a definate "no" for me or should I maybe speak to my doctor about it?

I overcame my fear of needles when I developed a fear of the dentists so I reckon I won't be too scared. Blood is so precious when people need it. Obviously some kind person donated the blood that was given to me... makes me feel guilty sometimes that I haven't donated some back

You are still not allowed to give blood if you have ever received blood regardless of when. Sorry.