Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

purplemoon

I've just had a look at the 'blood' website. Nothing mentioned about deafness. I can't donate as my male partner of almost 8 years was abused by men as a youngster. Likewise he cannot donate. I didn't notice anything about being African this time (would apply to friends)- just that you needed to have been in the UK for a set period of time. I also 'can't' donate as I've had acupuncture recently and am on a hospital waiting list (who isn't nowadays!). Added to that I have a sore throat, though I expect that not to be around for long.

I'm guessing that I could lie, but I too am annoyed that many people I know (and myself included) are disqualified. I also mostly drip blood when its taken for testing, once they find a good vein which takes a while, and end up getting bad bruising if not done by someone very competant.

Anyone know what the deal with being a bone marrow donator? I am currently looking into this (Acrobat not working for me today).

Rikki

The restrictions on giving blood are getting tighter. I started giving blood at 19 and now they take more samples and ask more personal questions. I am happy for them to do this as if I was the one receiving blood I would like to know they have taken every precaution to ensure its safe to use.

33 pints and counting.

choccyface2006

The procedure for donating bone marrow is more complicated than for giving blood, it often requires a general anesthetic (not always) and is often taken from the pelvic bones. It can be tender afterwards and you would be hospitalised at least overnight, probably at a London clinic.

But you could cure somebody suffering from leukaemia, you could actually bring a quality of life back to a patient who may otherwise not even suvive. Imagine that! Isn't that worth some minor discomfort?

When I read about a baby that was desperate for a bone marrow donation, back in 1992 (just after I had given birth) I decided that I needed to make myself available to donate. I put myself in the position of the parents of that little baby and knew how I would feel if that was my child. I don't know how this baby did, whether a donor was found in time but there are so many people in the same position desperating hoping that a matching donor will come along. Have a look at the website if you can, I know the website is having technacal problems right now, so bookmark it and come back to it later!

Sarah x

Gingham_Ribbon

I'm confused about this and asked the blood donation service, but they couldn't answer me.

I have been a vegetarian for nearly 20 years, but had a blood transfusion a couple of years ago. I am not allowed to donate because they can't screen for CJD yet and I'm supposedly at risk because I've had a transfusion.

My question was that surely I'm less at risk than someone who has been eating meat for those 20 years?

I'm sorry I can't do it, but as mentioned above, I would want as many precautions taken as possible if someone I loved or I (again) was in need of it.

Joe_Bloggs

I found this link that goes into blood donation in the UK and the screening and tests that are applied. Blood products for childred under 16 have to come from the USA as a precaution because of our madcow /CJD episode.
J_B.

quickstepqueen

I decided that my new years resolution was to give blood. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to contact the NBS, but they were brilliant. They sent some info to me (though it did take some time to come through) and I booked an appt. I started to read this thread yesterday and I was very encouraged to hear that you are well looked after at a session.

Well my appt was today!! I was very nervous about going but decided it was best not to worry and just deal with the situation as it occurred.

EVERYONE at the centre were fantastic esp. as it was my first time and I kept feeling very faint and they had to keep lying me down, fanning me and putting cold packs on my head and neck. The second I felt unwell I told someone and immediately someone was there to help and look after me. I had 6 different people look after me today and I couldn't have been better looked after.

If anyone is reading this thread and thinking of giving blood for the first time then please do contact the NBS. Even though I felt such a fool for fainting I will go again. When they inserted the needle I did feel a little discomfort, but to be honest I though it was going to hurt like hell (and I have a low pain threshold.) Other donors were sat at the rest area having a drink and they said they'd felt unwell at their first time but since then have been fine after giving blood.

I felt it was really worhtwhile going today and I shall go again. Thankyou NBS for looking after me today. You were brilliant and couldn't do enough to assist.


PS. ChatwithJacqs...according to the NBS website it's 7st 12lb.

juno

The blood donation advert where they say "these 2 men saved my dad's life" and things always makes me cry. Someone (probably a lot of someone's as she needed a lot of blood) saved my sister's life by donating.

I'm thinking about doing platelets next, has anyone done it?

Miss_Penny_Pincher_2

purplemoon wrote:

I've just had a look at the 'blood' website. Nothing mentioned about deafness.

I doubt discriminating against disabled people would be something that they would publicise!

Just did a quick search on Google and came across this news article about a deaf couple from Wiltshire who were rudely rejected:

http://archive.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/2004/9/30/106058.html

Like Ahrimaniac pointed out it doesn't seem to be a blanket - depends on the nurses own prejudices, unfortunately!

purplemoon

They are quite happy to show their other discriminations, although granted this has nothing to do with disease.

Re: bone marrow donations. I'm thought I saw on the anthony nolan website today that many people are out in 4 hours? Maybe I'm confusing it. Even so, I probably see it as more worth it for me given how hard it is for blood to be taken from me (and not being allowed!), given the importance of the donation- that you may be the only match registered.

VickyM_2

Quickstepmum - you may also have felt faint yesterday because of the temperature. I gave blood yesterday and it had been incredibly hot and humid here all day, and while I was waiting two people who were recovering went a very odd colour and slid off their seats... I've been donating for years and never seen two people faint at the same time! When I went for the health check bit, the nurse said it was down to the heat and people not drinking enough fluids during the day.

On the plus side, the warm weather meant I gave blood in record time - usually its a very sloooow process but not this time.