Blood donation

[alijangra]

Who here regularly gives blood? If not, why not? (no accusatory tone meant before anyone takes offence). We are in the middle of a national shortage. If you dont give blood, is there anything that might encourage you to do so in the future?

[silver_fox]

Hey,

I donated blood for the first time earlier this year and am just about due for my second session!

It is something that I have always meant to do, but have 'never got around to', which I know sounds like a really pathetic reason!!

My dad was always a donor when I was younger & he only stopped because he was on medication (Warfarin) after having a blood clot & my friend had donated 20 times and only stopped after having a blood transfusion!

A xXx

[alijangra]

I think many people are the same silver_fox, we all have such busy lifestyles these days. I hope you dont think Im being patronising when I say well done for taking the step. I believe once people go for the first time and know what to expect, they are much more likely to go back. I think the current media drive is actually very good and I hope people respond.

[silver_fox]

I know exactly what you mean, ali - I am totally evangelical about it now and I'm always nagging everyone else to do it too!!...it's just so important, and you never know if one day you are going to need it!

A xXx

[alijangra]

I am always on at my other half to go but he is such a wuss, he is too scared. He once cut his finger on a wine glass that broke, and we went to A+E to get the glass removed. He passed out about three times and was lying on a trolley with a little bandage on his finger, I found it all very amusing! As a nurse myself, I find it hard to be sympathetic for little things like that! For a child yes, but not for a 6'2" bloke!

[jenstar]

I tried but weirdly they couldn't find a suitable vein. I am a freak!

[alijangra]

You can still go back and try again Jenstar! Veins have good days and bad days lol!

[Goodsoulette]

I go when in the previous 6 months I haven't had a tattoo or piercing. Its rare I donate.

[Morty Vicar]

Went to give blood (hate needles) and passed out. Won't go again. It took them more time to sort me out than they should have spent!

[Pippa68]

I used to donate. Unfortunately they don't want my blood anymore as I had a blood transfusion 17 years ago :o(

[Bruizedapple]

Yup, would love too - but as a gay man in a committed relationship my blood is considered too high risk.

As is the blood of every gay man in the country.

Great when there is a national shortage!

[Jules001]

I don't give blood and as has been said, it is something I have always meant to do and never got around to doing. I think partly why I haven't got around to it and I know this sounds really lazy, I never see any advertising of where/when they are doing sessions to prompt me to investigate or consider taking the thought further. If it was done at a workplace, then I am sure a lot more people would donate. I think that it needs more awareness, I didn't even know we are in the middle of a national shortage, yet I know about the fence panel shortage (bizarre yes!)

[rabbitygirl]

After I had my 1st son he went to special care for nearly 2 weeks. The hospital discovered I was AB neg and spent more time asking me for my blood than discussing him! Did go after a few months but felt v ill and almost passed out which surprised me. Hubby was called to take me home and although told it is unlikely to happen again I have never tried it again because it meant risking feeling ill and needing collecting etc. Still, no kids and no work now so should give a go - and take hubby along with me.

[alijangra]

Thanks for your answers guys. Nothing surprising there, and all very valid reasons.

Goodsoulette, are you saying you have a piercing or tattoo every six months? Is there a bare spot left on you? ;)

Morty Vicar you really should try again, Im sure you would be fine second time round. Take some soothing music with you to take your mind off it :)

[alijangra]

Thanks for your answers guys. Nothing surprising there, and all very valid reasons.

Goodsoulette, are you saying you have a piercing or tattoo every six months? Is there a bare spot left on you? ;)

Morty Vicar you really should try again, Im sure you would be fine second time round. Take some soothing music with you to take your mind off it :)

Pippa68, Bruizedapple I can understand your frustration, especially Bruizedapple, the rules are there to protect everyone but that's a whole other debate.

Jules001 I agree it needs more awareness and could be much more accessible but like most areas of the NHS, it is underfunded :(

Rabbitygirl, these bad experiences really do put people off and I hope you get on fine, which Im sure you will, if you decide to give it another shot.

[alijangra]

Oops, I seem to be repeating myself lol!

[Goodsoulette]

Its the piercings that do me in actually. They come and go. Although being pregnant for 20 months of the last 10 years hasn't helped either. I have donated blood 5 times since I was 18 and none of that has been done in the last 6 years.

[Pippa68]

Bruizedapple ~ do you know whether we will be able to donate our organs after death?

Just a thought..

[chazza]

Our bloodmobile visits work but turns people away because they are too busy! Not the best advert for giving blood!

[mrknowall]

Ive just signed up for the first time last week i have been meaning to do it for years but i will now be giving it as often a i can.

[mccfluff]

i tried but they turned me away as i've had a heart op, didn't understand myself but there you go!