Blood donation

[The Bystander]

I was feeling pretty pleased with myself having completed my fifth blood donation until I sat down next to a chap who had just donated for the 125th time...

blood.co.uk encourage donors to talk about their donations to raise awareness. I'm grateful to @biggs682 whose post prompted me to register as a donor in the first place and hope this post might encourage someone else to register. If you've ever thought about it, stop thinking and register. I don't mind admitting that I'm a bit squeamish where needles are concerned but the donation process is nothing to worry about, and you get free biscuits - win/win

It's only 5 but I still feel proud

 

[Sterlo]

I gave up going myself, I got up to about 12 or so but they always had trouble finding a vein and in the end it felt like they were trying to insert a drain pipe.

 

[Cycleops]

Good on you for raising this. In today's world of me me me everyone should consider doing it.
I did donate whilst in the UK but it fell from my mind as they stopped sending reminders. Ashamed to say I don't think I reached more than five pints . Despite it being an "armful" it soon gets replaced.
Do you still get a cuppa?

 

[vickster]

I used to and they do rather like my rare blood (A-) but I’m under specialist care and take medication. So last time I went I sat around for an hour or more only to be told by the nurse, I can’t donate (even though the website and call centre said I could)

 

[Andy in Germany]

Good on you for raising this. In today's world of me me me everyone should consider doing it.
I did donate whilst in the UK but it fell from my mind as they stopped sending reminders. Ashamed to say I don't think I reached more than five pints . Despite it being an "armful" it soon gets replaced.
Do you still get a cuppa?

I'm not allowed to give blood in Germany because I was in the UK over six months during the BSE crisis.

I've never understood why this is, after all BSE did come into Germany briefly as well, or why I can still carry an organ donor card, but there we go...

 

[fossyant]

I've only been once, but can't anymore due to meds, they don't want my blood.

 

[oldwheels]

I've only been once, but can't anymore due to meds, they don't want my blood.

Me too. I used to donate but they no longer want me due to medication.

 

[helston90]

Well done for going to your 5th, I went to my 9th the other week. I'm O- blood which is the one everyone can receive and is therefore carried on the ambulances/air ambulance etc. so they're super keen I attend every time I can/they're in the area.

I didn't used to do it, too busy, didn't like the idea of some of it not being used, blah blah, usual excuses until my wife needed two transfusions during childbirth - so thankfully 2 people in the country were kinder than I was and had already donated. So the thought of this means I move things around specifically to attend nowadays.

 

[Tenkaykev]

As someone who will eventually require blood transfusions I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to all you wonderful, selfless people.
I'm a member of a support group and many of the people there rely on regular transfusions to be able to carry on with their lives. Whenever the topic of blood donation comes up there is universal praise and gratitude for the wonderful donors.

 

[annedonnelly]

I'm too skinny - they have a minimum weight limit! - but fully support those who do donate. I have a friend who has given absolutely loads!

If you're feeling generous you can also sign up on the stem cell donor list

 

[classic33]

I've only been once, but can't anymore due to meds, they don't want my blood.

Me too. I used to donate but they no longer want me due to medication.

Similar situation, no due to medication. I've also been declined as an organ donor, due to medication.

 

[byegad]

I went several times but never got past the form filling stage. My then job brought me into regular contact with people with a lot of 'interesting' infections, any one of which precluded me from donating within a certain time.

Sad as my sister was, at the time, on a list for emergency donations due to her rare blood group. I presume mine may also be rare, but it's never been 'typed' so I don't know.

 

[EltonFrog]

I’ve had to have a little break, but I start again on Wednesday, 265 Donation. ( I cheated a bit ‘cos I was donating platelets, you can go more often and you get two ticks) .
Well done to you OP and to those that have done that can’t anymore and those that still can, it’s a big commitment and important. You really are saving lives.

 

[carlosfandangus]

Cant donate anymore, had a transfusion in the risky years, although I used to beforehand it appears that they don't want my blood anymore

 

[PeteXXX]

I did my 54th donation a few days ago.
It can actually be difficult to get appointments at the moment! My next one is booked for the end of June.

Yep.. Free tea & biscuits. Once upon a time, you got a pint of beer 🍻.. A pint for a pint!!