General Chat

For those who cant give - hey dont worry.
But for those who can and whose religion allows...get signed up and make a difference

I am unable to donate due to having a blood transfusion.

Would be more than happy to give my blood prior to surgery if it was an option, so that if I needed a transfusion afterwards I would just get my own back and wouldn't feel I was taking blood needed for someone else!

I'm unable to donate due to medical issues (thyroid, anaemia etc)

But as Uggers pointed out there is one group of people that is completely untapped. Gay men are not allowed to donate at all. Whether they have only ever had safe sex or not. I think it's a crying shame when donation levels are so low that the blood donor service continues it's homophobic attitude. Gay men work as doctors, nurses, paramedics etc and have periodic HIV tests (if I recall rightly) and yet they cannot donate blood if they ever had sex.

Thanks everyone for reminding me to donate--I was a
regular donor till I came to live here ,then I was treated like a leper when I went to the doning sessions in the local village hall!
I have donated on and off for the last 20 years here ,but always when a family member needed a transfusion-of course then any blood group is welcome ,to top up supplies (and to reduce the cost of their treatment---can you believe this?)

I was a blood doner until I had to have medication but my son has given and still gives his blood and has started giving platelets

True, Mrs. Blue Eyes. The one time I can truly say it hurt was when they put the needle in before the antiseptic had had time to dry properly but I think that was a mistake. (It was about 10.30 am - certainly woke me up!)

I take a book or my iPod for while I'm waiting - it gives me something to do so I don't dwell on the needle side of things!

I must admit to being surprised by how few people donate, it's quick, it barely hurts and you get tea and biccies as well as a lie down....xx

I do it - couldn't last time as my iron levels were 7 grams per litre too low when I went to donate it in August so they gave me a leaflet on how to make sure you get enough iron so I'm putting a lot of effort in lately to try to keep topped up!

Like Colin, I am totally needle-phobic (I hate waiting between having the iron test and actually donating - it does my nerves no favours!) and am only just heavy enough to donate (8 st. - they always ask me because I'm short too!) but if I can do it in December, which I hope I can, it'll be my tenth donation in 4 years. Could be a better score but allowing for colds and things, it's not too bad.

MBE...Not certain of that but was surprised to see that some blood groups have as little as 3 days stock in storage

just out of curiosity what percentages of the populations has what blood groups ??

Yes Ihave been giving since I was 18( now 43).
The only breaks that I have had was when I got tattoos.
My blood group is o Rh+ Lea-
The last bit is an antibody that I have, which means if I get a transfusion I need to get that antibody.


Spud

I'm not allowed to donate either.

i would love to but i faint every time blood is taken so they don't want me :-(

but i would like to thank those that do...they helped save the life of our daughter when she had meningitis in 1997


Karen x

i gave for years until my HB levels wernt high enough for them so gave up as i was not aneamic
I agree it does not take much time to do either

I am due to give mine on the 25th.My group is B+

True Rosalyn at present if you have had a transfusion since January 1980 you cant donate

Good idea to promote this, you never know it may be you or your loved ones that are in need,.

I used to be a donor until ironically after being given a transfusion in 1986, I'm no longer allowed to give..

is it correct if you`ve had a transfusion since 1980 you can`t donate?

just read the last part of your post again

i have platelet depletion (thrombocytapenia)

hence they cant use it

I was Colin until coming over here, not sure when I will be able to give again after returning.
Was three donations away from my gold badge :-((

5 more and you will get your wedgewood plate?

I am A+ so quite normal :-))