Author Topic: Give Blood (Read 23454 times)

wacko · « **Reply #160 on:** October 30, 2009, 04:23:23 pm »

Quote from: El Phes on October 30, 2009, 03:24:13 pm

My wife was given 4 units of blood during July this year and has been told she can no longer give blood, due to the CJD subject. She will call them to find out more, but anyone on here know why it is? If her blood and my blood is good enough to 'have' until any kind of blood transfusion etc, what difference does it make after receiving blood? Do they not test for CJD?

I'm not sure they know what to test for. They can tell if you have the disease, but not if you have what causes it, I believe.

GBF · « **Reply #161 on:** July 19, 2010, 10:14:10 am »

Im going to break my blood giving virginity later.....and i am shitting myself.

RedJam70 · « **Reply #162 on:** July 19, 2010, 10:37:06 am »

Quote from: GBF on July 19, 2010, 10:14:10 am

Im going to break my blood giving virginity later.....and i am shitting myself.

Good on you and I'm sure you'll be fine. I used to give blood regularly and never had any problems, now having had a blood transfusion myself, I can't donate anymore. Makes me feel better though knowing I gave when I could.

swoopy · « **Reply #163 on:** January 18, 2011, 10:44:24 pm »

I'm going to start doing this next month. I've decided it's time to "Start giving my bit back to society" kinda thing.

Bit scared of needles, but had 2 jabs in September and didn't notice anything so I'm going to take the plunge and give it a go.
Anyone who has done this care to share any light on what happens?

& I'm booked to go into the next session at 2.35pm on 24th Feb... just under 3 hours before the Europa League game that night, I've made I'm in the Centenary so won't be standing all night. Do you feel alright after doing it or does it make you dizzy?

Eileen · « **Reply #164 on:** January 18, 2011, 10:49:47 pm »

I've been for the first time a few months ago. Didn't hurt at all for me, was a bit weird though as sometimes I kind of felt the blood (don't know how to say this) being sucked out of me. Might have been imagining things though, was kind of nervous. They made me sit there for 5 more minutes after I was done, but didn't feel dizzy at all. Think you should be alright.

Seebab · « **Reply #165 on:** January 18, 2011, 11:02:58 pm »

Wanted to do this last month. I waited an hour and answered close to 50 questions only to be rejected right before the blood taking part, because I told them I had lived in Cameroon for more than 1 year back in 1998 and so my blood is potentially harmful. Shame really.

El Phes · « **Reply #166 on:** January 19, 2011, 04:12:04 pm »

Quote from: swoopy on January 18, 2011, 10:44:24 pm

I'm going to start doing this next month. I've decided it's time to "Start giving my bit back to society" kinda thing.

Bit scared of needles, but had 2 jabs in September and didn't notice anything so I'm going to take the plunge and give it a go.
Anyone who has done this care to share any light on what happens?

& I'm booked to go into the next session at 2.35pm on 24th Feb... just under 3 hours before the Europa League game that night, I've made I'm in the Centenary so won't be standing all night. Do you feel alright after doing it or does it make you dizzy?

Mate, the pain you 'receive' doesn't compare to the lives it saves. Well done for signing up. I think I've done it about 20 times now.

You go in and read some notes. Answer 20 Q's and then wait to be called. 1st stage is checking through your answers and checking your iron levels. They'll prick your finger with a very neat and harmless gadget, check your levels and then put you in line for the 2nd stage.

Called up again, they lay you down on a bed, tighten 1 arm and insert needle into your arm. The needle is much thicker than having an injection down the docs, but it's merely a scratch. Discomfort for 1-2 seconds max. Don;t look at them doing this. I never have and I've been fine!

Squeeze and relax your your fist for 15 mins (to create a flow) and then you're pretty much done. They take about as much to fill up a coke can. Once done, you go over to a biscuit/drinks table where you 'relax' and are observed (the wound) for about 5 mins or until you feel comfortable to leave.

DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AFTER GIVING BLOOD.

That's about it! Some people feel a bit woozy, some people feel great. Just be careful not to put much pressure on the arm you've just 'used'. Going to the match should be fine as long as you feel ok.

Quote from: Seebab on January 18, 2011, 11:02:58 pm

Wanted to do this last month. I waited an hour and answered close to 50 questions only to be rejected right before the blood taking part, because I told them I had lived in Cameroon for more than 1 year back in 1998 and so my blood is potentially harmful. Shame really.

I think the quesioning is changing as I've complained about this for 2 yrs! More that I've been out of the UK for more than a year, but never stayed in 1 place for more than 6 months. I used to have to go through the Spanish Inqusition each time, but that's now relaxed. Potential Malarial areas, however, have not been relaxed for obvious reasons.

ds2190 · « **Reply #167 on:** January 19, 2011, 04:33:09 pm »

Quote from: swoopy on January 18, 2011, 10:44:24 pm

I'm going to start doing this next month. I've decided it's time to "Start giving my bit back to society" kinda thing.

Bit scared of needles, but had 2 jabs in September and didn't notice anything so I'm going to take the plunge and give it a go.
Anyone who has done this care to share any light on what happens?

& I'm booked to go into the next session at 2.35pm on 24th Feb... just under 3 hours before the Europa League game that night, I've made I'm in the Centenary so won't be standing all night. Do you feel alright after doing it or does it make you dizzy?

I'm by no means scared of needles but i've never (to my knowledge) had a blood test so was nervous when I turned up the first time. Both times i've given blood have been fine - like El Phes said, the worst-case scenario is 1-2 seconds of pain.

I personally find it easier to know the size of the needle, however I don't look when they're putting it in.

adopted_scouser · « **Reply #168 on:** January 19, 2011, 04:59:37 pm »

Anyone who doesn't give blood due to a fear of needles is just selfish. I very much doubt the fear of needles would force them into saying "No thanks" if their life was in the balance and they needed a blood transfusion.

RigBon1892 · « **Reply #169 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:14:58 pm »

I keep meaning to do this, need to check that I'm ok to do it, don't even know whether my blood type is a rare one but even if not, it all helps.

El Phes · « **Reply #170 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:20:21 pm »

Quote from: jeffiner1892 on January 19, 2011, 05:14:58 pm

I keep meaning to do this, need to check that I'm ok to do it, don't even know whether my blood type is a rare one but even if not, it all helps.

Look online now and make an appt. I think it's www.blood.co.uk

Even the 'common' blood types are required loads, because there are more accidents involving 'common' blood types, if you get what I'm trying to say?!!

Chakan · « **Reply #171 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:21:09 pm »

Fraid of needles.

RigBon1892 · « **Reply #172 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:23:49 pm »

Quote from: El Phes on January 19, 2011, 05:20:21 pm

Look online now and make an appt. I think it's www.blood.co.uk

Even the 'common' blood types are required loads, because there are more accidents involving 'common' blood types, if you get what I'm trying to say?!!

I'm in France at the moment though. I'll have a look at don du sang to see what they say.

EDIT: And blood.co.uk might be the website but where you are very much depends on which blood service it is. There are 4 blood services for the UK.

Zlen · « **Reply #173 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:24:35 pm »

I'm borderline anemic so perhaps one in three visits to the doning station ends up with being refused.
I keep coming though.

DanFromMars · « **Reply #174 on:** January 20, 2011, 02:03:23 pm »

Quote from: Zlopasha on January 19, 2011, 05:24:35 pm

I'm borderline anemic so perhaps one in three visits to the doning station ends up with being refused.
I keep coming though.

Last two times I went she said my iron was too low and if I came a third time with low levels I'd be refused for life. Ended up going to the decotors who said I had Celiac disease. So gonna get that sorted about before I try again.

Sir Harvest Fields · « **Reply #175 on:** January 20, 2011, 02:04:25 pm »

dunno if ive asked this before but what about alcohol content and meds etc. does that come into it?

ds2190 · « **Reply #176 on:** January 20, 2011, 03:23:34 pm »

Quote from: Sir Harvest Fields on January 20, 2011, 02:04:25 pm

dunno if ive asked this before but what about alcohol content and meds etc. does that come into it?

If you're on medication they'll ask you to declare the name(s), strength, etc. There are some standard meds that are fine and others will require sign-off by the on-duty doctor.

They prefer if you haven't taken painkillers within a certain number of days, and you also can't have had dental work, tattoos, etc carried out within certain timeframes.

Sir Harvest Fields · « **Reply #177 on:** January 20, 2011, 03:24:18 pm »

cheers for that mate.

Effes · « **Reply #178 on:** January 20, 2011, 03:27:03 pm »

In France, if you have an operation booked, they make you go in and give a litre of your blood.

Then they use it when they operate on you.

Simples.

Sir Harvest Fields · « **Reply #179 on:** January 20, 2011, 03:31:11 pm »

Quote from: Effes on January 20, 2011, 03:27:03 pm

In France, if you have an operation booked, they make you go in and give a litre of your blood.

Then they use it when they operate on you.

Simples.

seems a good idea.

Enemy · « **Reply #180 on:** January 20, 2011, 03:55:43 pm »

I give blood every few months or so. I work at a hospital so it's pretty easy access.

SamAteTheRedAcid · « **Reply #181 on:** January 20, 2011, 06:33:35 pm »

Quote from: Enemy on January 20, 2011, 03:55:43 pm

I work at a hospital so it's pretty easy access.

The ideal job for a vampire that.

ds2190 · « **Reply #182 on:** January 20, 2011, 08:10:12 pm »

Quote from: Effes on January 20, 2011, 03:27:03 pm

In France, if you have an operation booked, they make you go in and give a litre of your blood.

Then they use it when they operate on you.

Simples.

What happens if you forgot to book the operation before your car crash?

Shanklygates · « **Reply #183 on:** January 21, 2011, 01:43:17 pm »

I used to give regularly but they changed the antisepic they use on your arm before inserting the needle, and I turned out to be allergic to it! Chloraprep, it's called, and my arm itched like crazy afterwards. Didn't realise what it was at first, as I'd always been ok before, but the second time (and after asking some questions) I worked it out. I could put up with it but now they won't let me... well, not until they change to use something else but that probably won't be for years.

33 donations I was on - I'll never get my gold at this rate!

And I feel guilty, as I always felt it was my duty to donate. If you'd accept it, give it, that's my view.

Didn't know about the French policy - good idea IMO.

RigBon1892 · « **Reply #184 on:** January 21, 2011, 04:52:23 pm »

Quote from: Effes on January 20, 2011, 03:27:03 pm

In France, if you have an operation booked, they make you go in and give a litre of your blood.

Then they use it when they operate on you.

Simples.

What if you've got a coldsore or sore throat?

BIGdavalad · « **Reply #185 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:35:10 pm »

Quote from: jeffiner1892 on January 21, 2011, 04:52:23 pm

What if you've got a coldsore or sore throat?

I don't think you have to give blood before the doctor will look at a sore throat. For a cold sore just get some Blisteeze from the chemist, you shouldn't really be bothering the doctor at all for that.

RigBon1892 · « **Reply #186 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:37:23 pm »

Quote from: BIGdavalad on January 21, 2011, 08:35:10 pm

I don't think you have to give blood before the doctor will look at a sore throat. For a cold sore just get some Blisteeze from the chemist, you shouldn't really be bothering the doctor at all for that.

Stop trying to be a smartarse.

Oh and it's BLISTEX now actually.

wacko · « **Reply #187 on:** January 23, 2011, 11:16:53 pm »

Quote from: Seebab on January 18, 2011, 11:02:58 pm

Wanted to do this last month. I waited an hour and answered close to 50 questions only to be rejected right before the blood taking part, because I told them I had lived in Cameroon for more than 1 year back in 1998 and so my blood is potentially harmful. Shame really.

Yup. I'm forbidden from giving blood in Germany because I lived in the UK during the mad cow thingy. I'm allowed to donate organs, though. Go figure...

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #188 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:07:09 am »

I'd like to give blood, but I'm not allowed to because I'm on prescribed medication that alters my blood chemistry.

I used to give blood in the 1980s and 90s, and got up to about 22/23 donations.

I always wanted to get one of those medals that they awarded when you reached 25 and 50 donations, but never quite got there.

Probably no chance now, as I've been on various medications for 20 odd years now, and will probably be on one medication or other for the rest of my life.

Ahh well.

For those considering it. Go for it.

It takes a couple of minutes of your time to give blood, and may well save someones life.

Other than religious grounds, I think it quite strange that someone would not give blood. I mean. If you are prepared to accept it for yourself in an emergency situation, why would you not want to help out some one else.

"Nookie". · « **Reply #189 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:32:12 am »

How much blood do they take? Never done it before but I've always said I would and never gotten round to it.

1892-WELLZ · « **Reply #190 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:35:47 am »

not sure id be alowed being diabetic now.

as above ive always said ill do it but never actually got round to doing it

adopted_scouser · « **Reply #191 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:45:05 am »

Quote from: "Nookie". on January 24, 2011, 12:32:12 am

How much blood do they take? Never done it before but I've always said I would and never gotten round to it.

About a pint, mate.

ds2190 · « **Reply #192 on:** January 24, 2011, 01:31:14 am »

Quote from: "Nookie". on January 24, 2011, 12:32:12 am

How much blood do they take? Never done it before but I've always said I would and never gotten round to it.

Quote from: adopted_scouser on January 24, 2011, 12:45:05 am

About a pint, mate.

Yep, just over a pint. They take some extra to test for various diseases.

El Phes · « **Reply #193 on:** January 28, 2011, 12:44:36 pm »

Quote from: ds2190 on January 24, 2011, 01:31:14 am

Yep, just over a pint. They take some extra to test for various diseases.

It's much less than a pint mate, more like the size of a can of coke.

They only take extra from you...!

cathy-lfc-taff · « **Reply #194 on:** January 28, 2011, 08:38:09 pm »

I'm ashamed to say I'm 22 and haven't given blood yet. No excuses, I'm just being selfish as I hate needles and hate anything to do with doctors/hospitals/examinations whatever, I've never had blood taken or been to hospital. I've always said that one day I'll stop being so horribly selfish and get round to doing it but just haven't yet, this thread has successfully shamed me into resolving to go and see if I can do it.

As far as I know I'm pretty healthy, never had any proper illnesses as an adult or baby and not being treated for anything at the moment. Got a feeling my iron levels might be a bit dodgy but never had it confirmed or anything, probably just in my head. I haven't got the slightest idea what my blood type is though, will they just find it out themselves? :s

Slick_Beef · « **Reply #195 on:** January 28, 2011, 10:56:19 pm »

Quote from: cathy-lfc-taff on January 28, 2011, 08:38:09 pm

I'm ashamed to say I'm 22 and haven't given blood yet. No excuses, I'm just being selfish as I hate needles and hate anything to do with doctors/hospitals/examinations whatever, I've never had blood taken or been to hospital. I've always said that one day I'll stop being so horribly selfish and get round to doing it but just haven't yet, this thread has successfully shamed me into resolving to go and see if I can do it.

As far as I know I'm pretty healthy, never had any proper illnesses as an adult or baby and not being treated for anything at the moment. Got a feeling my iron levels might be a bit dodgy but never had it confirmed or anything, probably just in my head. I haven't got the slightest idea what my blood type is though, will they just find it out themselves? :s

yes mate, don't worry, if you don't know it they will either test you on the spot and then take it, or just take it anyway and send you a letter in the post telling you what type you are.

I'm off to give blood tomorrow morning. There aren't many out there who can use my AB+ but I always feel good after giving it. I remember vividly when I was 18 and my Grandad was dying of cancer, some blood transfusions in those last few months gave him an amazing boost.. I feel good thinking that other families can benefit like I did, so I promised myself to always give it when I can.

cathy-lfc-taff · « **Reply #196 on:** January 28, 2011, 11:05:02 pm »

Thank you Slick Beef!

I've got myself up for this now and see they're coming where I live in Feb so will suck it up and go along. I looked at the questionairre though, and what does this question mean:

10. Are you waiting to see a doctor, dentist, complimentary therapist or any type of health care person?

What does it mean 'waiting'? I know that sounds like a silly question but it isn't exactly clear. There's another question about having had dental work in the last 7 days which is a no, but I am having a few trips to the dentist, wisdom tooth coming through etc. But I can't see how this effects my suitability to give blood? I can understand not having a tooth out and then toddling off to give blood right away, but that's not what the question says.

Slick_Beef · « **Reply #197 on:** January 28, 2011, 11:15:14 pm »

oh sorry Cathy, I wrote mate above without reading your name, I have been working through a bottle of wine so blame that for my clumsiness!

Quote from: cathy-lfc-taff on January 28, 2011, 11:05:02 pm

Thank you Slick Beef!

I've got myself up for this now and see they're coming where I live in Feb so will suck it up and go along. I looked at the questionairre though, and what does this question mean:

10. Are you waiting to see a doctor, dentist, complimentary therapist or any type of health care person?

What does it mean 'waiting'? I know that sounds like a silly question but it isn't exactly clear. There's another question about having had dental work in the last 7 days which is a no, but I am having a few trips to the dentist, wisdom tooth coming through etc. But I can't see how this effects my suitability to give blood? I can understand not having a tooth out and then toddling off to give blood right away, but that's not what the question says.

Nah don't worry, the criteria for recent dental work is:

"You may not be able to give blood if: You've had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days."

When they talk about "waiting to see a dentist", if you ticked that, they would ask you more about it, and I think would only rule you out if you were imminently due to undergo a big proceedure - as I presume it's not a good idea to be having surgery or major dental work done when you are already a bit short of blood. In your case, there is nothing to worry about! For instance, I'll be having a wisdom tooth out in March but I know from previous trips that it wont stop me tomorrow.

Slick_Beef · « **Reply #198 on:** January 28, 2011, 11:17:56 pm »

p.s. forgot to mention, if nothing else, it's worth it for the free tea & cake you get after

cathy-lfc-taff · « **Reply #199 on:** January 28, 2011, 11:24:46 pm »

It's alright love

Thank you for explaining all that, had no idea there was such a big list of criteria. I have actually been galvanised into going now in the space of a few hours, I think it was the mention of the confectionary that ultimately swayed me