donating giving blood

torbrex

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Melissa - what about taking a glucose c tablet to suck while they take blood or some lucozade for after- not sure if that would be allowed, but can't see why not. I suffer from low blood sugar and have a 3 o'clock slump sometimes - I keep glucose sweets in the car and then have some cereal as soon as I can after.Or what about a chocolate bar! ( doing school run at 3 - it only happens if I am not proactive and don't think ahead)

Nothing in your mouth when donating, just in case you choke, but before and after is ok. If you are worried about recovery, breakfast cereal before you go is as good as anything as it has slow release properties that will help you keep going after your donation.
A good tip that I use on cold days is to run up the stairs a couple of times before going in, it usually helps thing along but be sure to stay lying for a bit longer after the donation.

queensway_boy

I have tried to give blood but they won't take it at mo because of some tablets i'm on:o

Rikki

torbrex wrote: »

Nothing in your mouth when donating, just in case you choke, but before and after is ok. If you are worried about recovery, breakfast cereal before you go is as good as anything as it has slow release properties that will help you keep going after your donation.
A good tip that I use on cold days is to run up the stairs a couple of times before going in, it usually helps thing along but be sure to stay lying for a bit longer after the donation.

Another piece of advice.

Don't exercise before you go. It make it more difficult to stop the blood flowing.

.......and if your interested drinking guinness the night before does not make good head on the pint given.

adea

Went and gave my armful today:D .
Boy I'd forgotten how much it can smart afterward!
Well, it has been nearly 8 years:eek:
Thoroughly enjoyed my lemon squash and biscuits afterward:p

Rikki

I've just had a lovely phone call from a lady at The Blood Transfusion Service.

Thanking me for being an active, regular donor and checking I am available for my next appointment and that the time was still okay.

I'm touched and slightly . I just give blood because I can and it helps people.



* .......and the chocolate biscuits

CJ2405

I had a dvt and pe after my daughter was born, so wasn't sure if i could as my blood over clots, Grandad was very sick, and had blood given to him, so i went along, and horrah they said i could! tried a couple of times, and had no joy, left it a couple of years, and success!! I was really proud of myself to get my 5 - 9 donation card the other day!!! Can't wait until the letter comes each time inviting me to the session!

I'm probably the most squeemish donor, hate veins and needles, but in this world full of bad things, its the thing i do for good!

Give it a go, you might like it!!

Bunny

I'm on my 5-9 card, i got my mum and my bf into donating blood, I will say we don't go regularly, it's when all 3 of us are free really,
my mum's fine afterwards,
my bf goes a little pale, but feels fine,
I need to lie down for a few hours later, because I faint. I fainted the first time straight after, couldn't get the blood the 2nd time, 3rd time I fainted about an hour afterwards, the rest I was ok and just lay down and had a drink and a nap at home!

Claire_Jones_3

My parents have donated for years, Dad has exceeded 55 and Mum has exceeded 30 donations. I gave my first donation actually on my 17th birthday and have never looked back, I'm up to 14 donations so far but have had to miss the last few donations due to being pregnant with my first baby. However I've already on the list to start again in May and I'm looking forward to the day when my little boy can donate as well

annaangeluk_2

I've donated for the last few years and it's absoultely fine!!

I work for a goverment agency so they come to our building and set up in our sports hall. I'm usually in and out within 45mins (including tea and biccies!!) Because I'm Rhesus negative O I'm apparently quite useful!! Plus I'm a fast bleeder!!

While were all on the subject, would anyone mind if I remind people to sign up to the organ donation register as well?

https://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/RegistrationForm.do

Hope no one minds me posting this but it's amazing how many people want to do it but never get round to it. Now's your chance!

Well done to all you bleeders!! And to all those that can't, you can do a fantastic job too by pestering other people to give blood!

Anna x

Georgiabay

I haven't given blood for a couple of years as the last time I went I was very anemic and was told not to donate for a year but then time passed on.
Reading this and about Rick prompted me to go back so I've been this morning.
I'd forgotten how nervous I get and I don't know why because I've never had a bad experience there although I hate needles. I'm so stupid even with the finger !!!!! - I try and pull away so they have to hold my hand really hard to stop me moving and it ends up a bit of a struggle :rotfl:
Can't do it with my arm though 'cos it's on the arm rest.
I'd also forgotten about the biscuits, yummy. Clubs, my favourites and we also had Tuc sandwiches as someone else mentioned which I haven't had for years.