donating giving blood

Fritha_2

Well done all the new donors :-)

I've just remembered a tip I was given by one of the nurses once and it really works. When they do the finger pr!ck (hello naughty filter) test ask them to squeeze your finger really hard as they pr!ck it, it won't hurt then. (although they have moved it to the side of the finger now so I think some people find that less painful anyway) :-) Hope that helps someone

Ravers

I'm a virgin poster, so be gentle with me...

I can't thank blood donors enough. A couple of weeks after my daughter was born in 2006 I suffered severe bleeding and was rushed back into hospital where I was given four units of blood. To cut a long story short, four people I have never met (along with the medics, midwives and nurses) saved my life and allowed me to watch my daughter grow up (and give her a little brother/sister - due on Easter Monday ).

I was a donor up until when I received blood (but can't donate now), my husband is a donor and my Dad gave his 70th unit last year.

Please join them. Thank you.

LouBlue

I have always donated blood, though the odd occasion, with a low iron count, they wouldn't accept me. I get so disappointed! I just think it is so easy to do and the good you are doing is immeasurable. If we don't donate ourselves, why should we all just expect there to be an endless supply of blood in the hospitals that will sort out any loved ones of ours that might need it?

adea

I haven't donated for almost 7 years!
I have though, got an appointment on Saturday afternoon so will be popping along and hoping my blood can be used.

juno

naughty_10382 wrote: »

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:

They made me have a cold drink on my first time too, and said that was normal for first time donors. But next time you go you'll be allowed tea or coffee too

noonesperfect

Good for you naughty_10382 - welcome to this happy breed :beer: (of blood donors).

I expect you were told to sit up slowly as well as having a little extra lie down. They would rather you laid down for 30 minutes than jump up and then fall down in a dead faint.

We promised you'd be looked after. The staff are so good at these sessions. I'm actually looking forward to my appointment at the beginning of March!

I'm greedy, I ask for a cold drink then a hot one (otherwise I feel a bit odd, so it's for their benefit as well as mine). Water/fruit squash rehydrates the body quicker.

Rikki

juno wrote: »

They made me have a cold drink on my first time too, and said that was normal for first time donors. But next time you go you'll be allowed tea or coffee too

I have hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits. Sometimes two cups.:o

Plus I would like to say a big thank you to the the St John Ambulance who provide the catering for the blood donor sessions. :T

Loubee_2

I've signed up to give blood-am going near my work on the 21st. have never done it before.

my thoughts with you and your family.
x

melissa'smoney

Virgin blood donor here! :rolleyes:

I've signed up today but i have a reservation...

I have low blood sugar and when i have blood taken i'm a fainter! (i'm also a nurse and were always the worst ones!!)

Will it be ok for me to donate or is it just to much for me to have taken, i don't want to be passing out everywhere!?!

x

mary43

In the past both myself and my children (now adults) have needed blood transfusions.........without mine I wouldn't be here. Unfortunately I am not able to give my blood in return due to the medication I take for my epilepsy but I would like to thank one and all here who give so freely for people like myself ...........I'm sure I'm not the only one not able to 'pay back'