donating giving blood

hilstep2000

I gave blood first at 18 years old. I had a boss who insisted we all went! I carried on until 2006 when I was diagnosed with MS. I can't give it now, but my ex husband does, so does my daughter, and my son is now 17 and will be going with his sister when she next goes.
It's sooooo worthwhile. Neither I or any of my family have needed it yet (Thank god), but if we did, I'd hope that there are people like us who've freely donated to help out.
God Bless and well done to all of you!

tealady

I have donated for a few years and I always ensure I have a carb meal before I go and carbs after. I have nothing but admiration for the staff in Brum they are wonderful.
Giving blood is truly MSE as it doesn't cost anything and could save something extremely valuable - a life.

arealhighlander

I would love to give blood but they won't take it. My wife always used to give blood but now they won't take it.

The cottish Blood Transfusion service changed rules just over a year ago if you have visited Thailand (anywhere in Thailand, before it was just the jungle Northern region) within the last 12 months, they wont take it.

Which is a shame as we went on holiday once a year! They say its because of Malaria, but there is no Malaria in Southern Thailand (Phuket etc.). If they keep tightening the rules, no wonder they are short of blood. Less and less people are elegible to give it

InTheRed

Just booked myself in to my local blood donation station. Its been a long while since I gave blood, last time I went they couldn't get a vein. So heres hoping for this time!

mum2many

I've just booked an appointment for next wednesday. I am worried about the fainting though as I have gone dizzy from a blood test years ago.
As a wannabe midwife i thought its about time i faced my fear and donated.

billinge

I've donated blood since I was 18, and have now donated over 50 times, including a spell of Apheresis.

For new donors, I would recommend going with someone who has donated before, then they can guide you through the process and help keep an eye on you, just for reassurance. If you can't find someone to go with you, let them know when you go it is your first time. Often, they will tag you to someone there who has donated before. I've guided a few people through, and am happy to do so.

Also remember to take your time. Don't get up too quick after donating, don't be ashamed to lie down a little longer, better that than faint when walking over for your tea.

Most importantly, remember that every pint of blood can help save upto three lives. If your blood type is O, you are very special, as your blood can be used in more people.

Please donate, and help save lives, you may need some back one day. :T

madmalteaser

I gave blood for the first time last night after deciding that one day I may need the stuff myself so it's a good idea to give!

I had a little bit of trouble with them finding a vein so now I look like I've been beaten up in both arms! But they were really great, very reassuring, kept asking me if I was ok and gave me a 1st donation sticker along with my orange juice and biccies after. Really good experience and I'm really looking forward to going back!

tjfs

I should say that I'm a regular donor with over 50 units to my name and 20 years donating.

There are a few things I'd like to pass on from my personal experience:

1. It DOES hurt. Try and pick someone pretty/handsome/gentle/friendly to put the needle in if you can, it will hurt less!

2. If you find anything at your donation session that isn't as it should be, give them feedback by phone or website.

3. Why have the blood people dropped their 0800 number? In England you have to pay to phone them now on an 0845, in Wales it's free. A bit cheeky if you ask me.

4. Don't go if you have a cold, have taken any pills for anything in the past few days, etc. You'll probably be rejected (assuming you tell them, which of course you must).

5. Prepare for a LONG wait. Even with an appointment I've been held up for 2 hours at a session.

6. Over the years they've gone from a doctor to put your needle in, to a nurse, and now it's someone who doesn't have to have a nursing qualification as far as I can tell. Apparently they get them to put so many needles in, then they get a badge saying they know how! Some time ago I found out which of the team members actually were nurses and then try and get one of them as with the others I had missed veins, and in one case a perforated tendon!

Don't let the above put you off, we should go and give blood, but it does require commitment and time on your part.

Tim

Millie's_Mum

madmalteaser wrote: »

I gave blood for the first time last night after deciding that one day I may need the stuff myself so it's a good idea to give!

I had a little bit of trouble with them finding a vein so now I look like I've been beaten up in both arms! But they were really great, very reassuring, kept asking me if I was ok and gave me a 1st donation sticker along with my orange juice and biccies after. Really good experience and I'm really looking forward to going back!

Well done you!

:T

naughty_10382

I donated for the first time today - was a little nervous but the 2 nurses who dealt with me were lovely.

One question - I was told to stay laying there for 5 minutes after I was all plastered up, but the guy on the bed next to me was allowed to get up straight away. Is this normal for first time donors, or did I maybe go grey?!?!:o

I was also told to have a cold drink not a hot one while everyone else had a warming cuppa!

Only bit that hurt was the needle going in, but even that was fine. I did feel a tiny bit sick almost immediately after the needle was removed and this lasted about 1/2 hour - maybe I did go grey!

Feel quite pleased with myself now :rotfl: