Giving blood

[Verix]

I'm an eighteen year old (well nineteen in a few weeks) and i've recently recieved my new blood donors card for having donated 5 times. I've now set myself the target of getting the top card possible. To do this i'll need to give blood one hundred times, assuming i give blood three times a year i'll be in my 50's by the time i manage this!

Anywho, the whole thing sort of sparked my curiosity. How mnany times has everyone out there in AB land donated blood?

[puddicat]

not many cos i have asked this before, in fact verix you will find not many give blood, so well done you puts us all to shame!!

[Glidr]

Never, I can't. I'm an ex-drug addict so I can't give blood. According to them.

[*Princess*]

I give blood! Only due to my recent jabs for Uni I couldn't last time! I think it's great, it only takes, what, 30 mins max?! Everyone who is able to should.

One thing I don't get is why gay men can't? I mean they check for HIV anyway don't they? And why people who've had blood transfusions can't? Surely the transfused blood has been checked?!

Sometimes it seems the blood donor people make it harder on themselves!

But yeah, anyway, I donate and am proud :o)

[ELVIS68]

No fookers having my blood, I don`t mind giving money away to charity but blood...no way

[Ice.Maiden]

I think it's brilliant that people give blood. In the 80's, there wasn't enough of it and it was imported from other countries like America, where people walked in and gave blood and got paid for doing so. The stuff wasn't screened, and a friend of ours received a contaminated batch of a blood product. He's now HIV positive, and was "compensated" for the mistake, but nothing makes up for the worry he has to live with. Well done to those of you who donate it.

[puddicat]

elvis you have to start thinking about your family what if you lady or youre mum youre children needed youre blood you would do it!!!

[*Princess*]

That's so awful Ice Maiden :o(

It's good that it's screened, obviously (!) just sometimes I think they screen people out for no reason. I hope your friend is coping ok.

[sara3]

34 for me.. and counting :o)

good for you, Verix.. I started when I was about 18.

[ELVIS68]

puddicat, yeh I`d do it for them if it was needed but not for joe bloggs

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes, he has his good and bad days, princess. He's a haemophiliac, so every time he has to inject his blood product, he's reminded that one of them gave him what he has. He keeps himself fit, and so far, the HIV hasn't developed into AIDS, but it's a constant worry for himself and his lovely wife.

[zig.zag]

youre not pumping the iron Bez lol

[sara3]

gosh Icey, that's shocking. I hope he stays in "good" health x

[tamborine]

I admire your bravery but I can't stand needles or the sight of blood and would probably faint.

I know - I'm a wimp

[Ice.Maiden]

Bez's right as well. Certain disorders exempt folk from giving blood, but if you're able to do it, it's a good thing to do.
Yes, same here sara. This guy's in his 40's now, and apart from suffering the effects of his condition, he stays very fit and healthy, which probably helps.

[sara3]

anaemia doesn't stop you giving blood forever..

[sara3]

Icey, some people with known conditions look after themselves better than the rest of us.

[ELVIS68]

BTW I`m a tight git so a cup of tea and a biscuit isn`t enough for me to give blood