National Blood Week...... Will you?

[swansonj]

I can't ... but I would.

If you can, you should.

Me too. I used to, got up to about twenty, then developed a medical condition that means they won't take my blood anymore ("for my own safety"). Then I broke a femur and received two or three units, so I'm still in "credit" but using up my metaphorical reservoir.

I thought my experience of not being allowed to donate was quite rare but it seems to apply to every other person n this thread.

 

[Pottsy]

Just went along and donated my 20th a couple of weeks ago.

It's the only occasion now-a-days when I eat custard creams or jammy dodgers .

Last one for a while though as a trip abroad later this month counts me out for 6 months.

 

[Becs]

Another O- here, I've volunteered to be "on call" over the olympics. Not sure whether I'm more useful in that capacity or just by giving my usually donation (once I've shifted a cold).

 

[BrumJim]

Done 26 (IIRC). Forgot to invite me last time it was local, and I didn't have the time to remind them.

They refused to accept my blood over Christmas as I was due to undergo a medical procedure earlier that day. Medical procedure being having my blood pressure taken.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Booked in for next week, my first time.

Last time I tried, I hadn't realised that you book an appointment.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I really really wanted to, but when I searched my local ones, they were all closed when I was free.

The other day, someone mentioned that we now have a 24-hour one, so will be looking into that.

Same here: we should really make more of an effort. Will go on my next day off!

 

[MrJamie]

I did a couple of years ago, the blood taking was fine but i felt like i was quite close to fainting on the way home so havent been back yet to find out if it happens again. My dads given blood around 50 times and has always been perfectly fine.

 

[Globalti]

I used to give blood every 6 months but now they won't take my perfectly healthy blood because i travel to Africa on business.

I can understand the fear of malaria but find rather patronising the assumption that I must shag around and therefore have some nasty disease.

 

[mistral]

They've been sucking it out of me since the early 90's, not sure how many times I've been as I've had a few breaks of service over the years.
But although not a pleasant experience it’s certainly not painful or too uncomfortable. I now donate at the faintly spooky Freemasons Hall, which adds a certain something to the experience.

 

[numbnuts]

I can't ... but I would.

If you can, you should.

they don't want my blood, I was told it had too many drugs in it

 

[Col5632]

Donated for my first time in Feb but due to poor blood flow it couldnt be classed as a full donation

Going to try and go back shortly cause i would like to keep doing it just worried about poor flow again

 

[gambatte]

Used to, years ago. Got really POd because it always seemed to take an age before they got to you and ended up leaving it.
Anyway, looked at it again a couple of years ago and realised you could get an appointment!
So after a couple of experiences of the new system I realised... you now make an appointment to wait for half an hour rather than just turn up for your wait.
I want to go, but TBH half an hour waiting to be seen to is a bind when you know your wifes at home looking after the kids on her own.
If turnover was more efficient, I'd be there regularly.

 

[Melonfish]

we used to have a van come to work but they wrote to us and said they weren't going to bother anymore.
can't get to any other places, they've sent me the locations and times but i'll either be in work or miles away.
ho hum.

 

[Flying Dodo]

Used to, years ago. Got really POd because it always seemed to take an age before they got to you and ended up leaving it.
Anyway, looked at it again a couple of years ago and realised you could get an appointment!
So after a couple of experiences of the new system I realised... you now make an appointment to wait for half an hour rather than just turn up for your wait.
I want to go, but TBH half an hour waiting to be seen to is a bind when you know your wifes at home looking after the kids on her own.
If turnover was more efficient, I'd be there regularly.

Your location may be different, but when I turn up 5 minutes before my appointed time, I've been checked, tested, and am lying down donating, within 15 minutes of arrival.

 

[al78]

I've done it once, unfortunately had a bad faint shortly after and was subsequently advised not to do it again. However that was several years ago when I was somewhat underweight, maybe that was a contributory factor?

Perhaps I should have another go.