donating giving blood

abbecer

I have just signed up online to give blood on the 14th Jan. So many stories I've heard lately have spurred me on to start again. I did it years ago and then kept getting turned away because I had cold sores. Not suffered with them for a while though so I'll give it a go.

Rebecca x

Benny24

I give blood regularly. My appointment came through yesterday for 11th Jan. At this time of year, actually at all times of the year blood is needed. It's painless harmless the nurses are great fun and you a get a cuppa and a biscuit when you're done.
I go to a village hall and it's all really good fun, and good atmosphere, and of course watching the locals getting drained!!!!

In all seriousness, it's one thing we can all do to help, if we are able.

Penny_Watcher

I've been giving blood regularly all my adult life with time off for babies, operations, time out because I travelled to exotic places, anaemia etc. I first started going to sessions as a toddler with my parents and as I grew up it just seemed natural to become a donor myself.

Both my parents have had to stop now due to receiving blood during ops.

DD1 received loads of blood during a op that went a bit wrong about 10 years ago.

I usually go to the Donor Centre at the Bridlepath in Leeds. Every 4 months they send a letter reminding me to make an appointment. It also has a health questionnaire attached for you to fill in saving time when you get there. On arrival you are given a folder to read covering information about your donation.

When you've read and understood that, then you'll have a tiny pr1ck in your finger so that a drop of your blood can be tested for anaemia. The nurse drops the blood into a test tube full of a chemical. If it sinks you're good to go - if it floats you're not).

Then you have a nice lie down whilst the donation is taken. I choose to have local anaesthetic so I don't feel a flippin' thing . After you've given blood you have another lie down for a couple of minutes. Then then best bit - hot beverage of your choice and biccies!!! When I went just before Christmas there was mince pies- YUM!


Remember - your donation doesn't just help people who need whole blood. Blood components are used in cancer care, for people suffering from burns, for people with blood clotting deficiencies, etc etc.


Clairewp - I'm pretty sure being a smoker doesn't stop you giving blood. Going along to a session and see what they say.

shazrobo

after reading the op threads about her nephew, i was inspired to give blood, but got turned down as i am taking antibiotics long term. well done for everyone who gives blood

jules888

I saw an advert when i was a kid to give blood&as soon as i was 18 dragged my boyfriend along with me!Im 40 now&have given blood 42 times,cant wait to get to 50!Cant understand why more wont do it,i admit i dont like needles or blood&dont look when they put the needle in,but its easy ,relaxing,makes u feel good&u get a free cuppa&a biscuit!

dora37

Just enrolled myself & OH online and waiting for confirmation of appointments....never done it before!

dobs

I had already decided to give blood as soon as i am allowed after my babies born (think you have to wait 6 mths) and go on bone marrow register. When my first baby was born his life was saved by just two tablespoons of blood if it wasn't for the donor he wouldn't be here now, plus i was a jw before so couldn't give any and now i am free of all that i can't wait to give back and hopefully help someone as my son was helped. I can't say how grateful i am for that blood he received, hes now a thriving 5 yr old thanks to that donor.

fsdss

shazrobo wrote: »

after reading the op threads about her nephew, i was inspired to give blood, but got turned down as i am taking antibiotics long term. well done for everyone who gives blood

for those who cannot donate for whatever reason: the fact that you have enquired is inspirational. Not everyone can give blood (or other donations such as bone marrow / platelets) but you can help by spreading the word.

Gingham_Ribbon

As a recipient, I'm not allowed to donate but I'm very grateful to the people who did so I could have a transfusion.

ping_2

I also made a new year resolution to give blood. I used the national website to make an appointment, (on the 1st Jan) with the van when it visits our village. Recieved my appointment for 25th Jan in our village by the 3rd. Now I'm getting really nervous!