Blood donor service

Gettingtherequickly

I am a regular donor, in fact got an appointment this evening, but I have only really had one bad session. Donated as normal, and lay there as per usual for a few minutes then got up and wobbled badly so the doctor came running to me and tore strips off me for getting up too soon. He didn't even consider the fact that it was like a flipping sauna in there, it was far from my first donation and worst of all, it was my birthday! Didn't stop me and providing I pass the dreaded finger !!!!! this evening, it will be donation number 64!

LilacPixie

I applaude anyone who chosses to donate. I personally don't/can't but hey those that do are great

starnight_2

I would love to give blood but can't because of the meds I'm on

I think the nurses would love having me there, I'm ridiculously easy to get blood from.

Always_on_the_go

Hats off to all who are willing/able to give blood and platelets. My son (now 6 years old) was diagnosed with leukaemia in July last year. His first few months of treatment were harrowing and he wouldn't be in the position he is in now without receiving blood and platelet transfusions.

He's now got his hair back, still having chemo until August 2012 when fingers crossed, he will be cured.

I tried to donate blood myself, but I was told I couldn't as I had a transfusion myself following his birth.

Anyhow. Just thought I'd give a perspective from the "receivers" point of view. Thanks!

ladymarmalade222

I would also like to say a big thank you to all you blood donors. My son has undergone two bone marrow transplants and would not be here now if it was not for the annonymous donor who provided his bone marrow to keep my son alive.

Another blood product which is also needed but not too commonly discussed is white cell donations. My son used to have these infusions regulary and apparently it was preferable to come from the same donor as it causes less complications when the recipient requires a bone marrow transplant in the future. I found it amazing that somebody would commit to going to the donor centre at short notice when my son needed a donation (infections don't undertand 9-5 Mon-Fri unfortunately).

Unfortunately I cannot donate anymore due to my medication but I do mither friends and family to consider it.

You are heros! Carry on the good work.

Take Care xx

bosseyed

MissUno wrote: »

People who say they don't have time or that they don't like needles for example.

I have a phobia of medical stuff, hate people wanting to stick needles in my veins to the point that I'm a grown woman (I'm 26) and need my mother to come with me for hospital appointments etc because I get so anxious about it. But when I was allowed to donate blood, I figured it was worth the anxiety if it meant the difference between life or death for someone out there.

I'm sure the people who do give their time and blood to help save the lives of other peoples loved ones will really appreciate being considered fascists by those who don't though (even TBS themselves encourage that anyone and everyone who is eligible to give blood do so because so much is needed on a daily basis) It's estimated that only around 4% of people bother to donate blood.

Hopefully I'll get the all clear from the hospital in 3 months time and then, my blood will be there for the taking again.

I encourage MSE forum members to just have a little lookie on http://www.blood.co.uk/ and if you can...do

Gad, it must get draughty up there on your pedestal! What with donating blood and being a born again vegetarian, you're certainly going straight to heaven eh?

A couple of points then from your post that struck me - you claim to have a phobia of medical stuff, including needles? But you're happy enough for someone to stick a needle in your arm? Doesn't sound like much of a phobia to me. Phobias are generally entirely irrational, you don't decide to be terrified of spiders, beards or needles - you just are, sometimes cripplingly so. So the fact that you decided to just ignore your 'phobia' means its not really one is it. In fact in this case, I think you use your 'phobia' as a neat little device to make yourself look like a real trooper.

The other thing - what business is it of yours if someone decides to give blood or not? Theres many many reasons for not doing it, many of them entirely personal, who are you to judge what counts as a pathetic excuse?

And, no, I'm afraid I've never given blood. Call me what you like from way up there on your lofty perch, I just can't make myself do it. I have no particular fear of needles or blood, I applaud the idea of giving blood and those who do it regularly have my respect as long as they're not on a moral crusade about it. If there was any other way to get blood out of me other than stick a needle in that bit of my arm, I'd be right there. As it is, just the thought of poking a needle there makes me feel physically sick - I'm actually heaving a little as I type this. If they could just slice open my forearm or something, crack on, drain as much as you need. Just not at the crook of my arm. I can't even touch that bit without feeling a bit odd. Ugh.

A pathetic excuse? No, just a reason. Not pathetic to me, maybe pathetic to others, but no need to feel yourself better than me or anyone else who can't give blood or just doesn't want to.

scooter_chick

alibongo42 wrote: »

I was politely asked not to come back because it takes me so long to give a pint and then I look pale/feel faint for the same length of time again!

I tried twice and they semed a little annoyed with me on the second donation when they couldn't get a whole pint. I do understand where they're coming from though.

I donated a few times, but I always got really faint - no matter what I tried about having a big meal or something before. I actually fainted on 2 or 3 donations, and everytime it's really knocked me out for the afternoon. Again, while they were sympathetic, I did feel like I was inconvieniencing them by being so rubbish. So I've given up now too.

elphaba

I'm another one with tricky veins and a slow donation and last time I donated all the nurses kept looking at my notes and telling me I was tricky aha luckily I'm not easily put off (not saying there is anything wrong with people who have had to stop for said reasons though).

nikki2804

How can I find out when/where I can donate? I always find out too late .

Never given before due to low weight (they wouldn't let me attend) but now I'm raring to give it a go!

CoolHotCold

Where you Live (England/Scotland/Wales/NI) ?