quote:

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Why Give?

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. That’s a lot of blood.

But only 5% of the eligible US population donates blood in any given year. Healthy donors are the only source of human blood.

Currently there is no substitute.

Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell, anemia and other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live.

Imagine if giving blood was part of everyone's life. Something you did on a regular basis, like eating at your favorite restaurant. What kind of difference would that make? For nearly 5 million people who receive blood transfusions every year, your donation can make the difference between life and death.

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I am a universal donor. I’ve given blood several times before, but it’s never been an easy thing for me. I’m terrified of needles, and my veins seem to be hard to find, so I always put off making the appointment. But I also really believe that it’s an important thing to do.

I’m going to make an appointment to go in next week to donate blood. I’d like to ask that if you are physically able to give blood, you consider doing so as well. We could all post when we make our appointments, and then again when we actually give, and see how many pints we can collectively donate in the next couple of weeks.

In the United States, this link will help you find a Red Cross branch near you.
 

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Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
 
What a cool idea!!

I really wish they would change their donation requirements. Because I lived in Europe for a time, I am ineligible.
 

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Posted by Advent 115 (Member # 8914) on :
 
I'd love to sign up but I gave my blood and plasma last week.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
I have an appointment to give blood at Cedars-Sinai this Friday at 11:15.

Thanks for the reminder, ElJay! I used to go often, but I got out of the habit and have not gone in a long time. I've been meaning to start doing so again.
 

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Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
 
I'm also ineligible, for similar reasons to ludosti.

Speaking of which, ludosti, are you alive? Did you get my e-mail?
 

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Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
 
*poke poke* Yeah, I think I'm alive. I did get your email and it's already been done. I was just forgetful and didn't bump the thread....
 

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Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
 
I'm to young to donate blood. I would if I could, but they have an age requirement on such matters.
 

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Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
 
The blood bank will be on Maui next week. I'm not sure I'm eligible due to some dental work, but I'll call.

I'm also a universal donor and give blood pretty much every time they come over here.
 

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
 
I should donate blood.

However, apparently I am incapable of remaining healthy for more than three weeks at a time. The Toxic Mold Death Plague and I are currently fighting in Round Two. Fortunately, I'm going to see a specialist.

-pH
 

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Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
 
Once you're seventeen you can do it with Parental consent. The first time I tried to give blood was when I was 17. They couldn't get any, so they let me go with two holes in each arm and a t-shirt. I'm a vampire.
 

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Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
 
I'm only two years away from being able to legally donate blood.
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
I haven't been allowed to donate since I was 18; I've always either been just a smidge on the anemic side or pregnant. Too bad, too, because I'm O+, and there's a huge demand for it.
 

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Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
 
Just did. Well, platelets anyway. You can do that more often. Does that count?

BTW, donating platelets might be a good option for those who have a hard time losing red cells.
 

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Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
 
I've never minded giving blood. I have very hard-to-find veins (when I was in phlebotomy class at the university I went to, we practiced on ourselves and no one - not even the professor who'd been drawing blood for 30+ years - could regularly find mine), but the Red Cross nurses are the best, and although I usually get poked at least twice, they eventually get me. I used to love the cookies they had at the blood drives at my school back in the day. I've give a pint right now for one of those peanut butter cookies...

I have learned that it's easier to give blood if you really push the fluids for 2-3 days prior to the draw if you can. I try to drink 2 or 3 quarts the day before. Things move more smoothly when I do.
 

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Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
 
I usually donate platelets. Nicole and I have an appointment to give them near the beginning of March.

Cool idea though.
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
I donate every 3 months (because I schedule it in conjunction with another appointment, the two of which get me out of the office an hour and a half early on a Friday afternoon LOL). Since I'm type O+, however, Lifesource starts calling me at 6 weeks to get me on the calendar earlier.

I passed out cold the first time I donated. Silly me looked down at the site, I hadn't eaten lunch and it was about 2:30 by the time they got me into a chair (I'd arrived at 11:00, it was a really large scale donation drive!) So between the lower blood sugar and the squeamishness of seeing my own bodily fluids being sucked from me, I zonked. For the next couple years, I made sure to warn the nurses to keep ice packs ready and to cover the donation site as soon as it was set up to prevent any chance of my seeing something. Now Lifesource has changed equipment somewhat and there's a big plastic box of some kind at the end of the tubing, which at least buffers the image enough so I no longer have a problem.

Oh, and I won't donate to Red Cross for reasons that are (mostly) unrelated to bloodbank services and therefore not germane to this thread. :/
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
Muppet, you meant without, not with, parental consent right?
 

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Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :
 

quote:

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Because I lived in Europe for a time, I am ineligible

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Same here. But I like the use the reason that I might have mad cow disease. That always sparks an interesting conversation
 

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Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
 
Hmm...does a recent mild concussion make me ineligible? For how long, do you suppose?
 

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Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
 
I can't donate. I tried last fall and my iron was too low. Given my diet and habits since then, it isn't any better now, probably worse. Hopefully I can get myself together and donate in the summer, because having finally determined to do it in the fall, I will not be thwarted.
 

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Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
 
I'm the leading member of our National Honor Society's branch blood drive. I get to organize the whole thing, with three other students. And I'm old enough to donate now. I was on the committee last year, but I was only 16 at the time of the drive, and you have to be 17.

Does anyone know if I even CAN donate blood?

Here is the situation:

I was concieved and born in Italy(born May 1988). The rule is, that if you lived in EUrope for more than six months since 1980, you can't donate blood in the US. I lived OUTSIDE my mother for five months after I was born, before we can to the US. Can I donate? I'm not sure if the nine months I spent INSIDE my mother while SHE lived in Italy count toward the six month total. If they do, I can't donate. If they don't, I can. ANyone know?
 

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Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
 
They also have funny rules about those of us who require a daily dose of "rat poison". Before I started that, I used to try for every six months. It really is needed. And for those who watch their weight, a pint's a pound, the world round.
 

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Posted by genius00345 (Member # 8206) on :
 
Like Steve, I'm too young. But hopefully the school Student Council fall blood drive next year will fall after my birthday (it's usually October 20th or so, I was born October 17th).

I'd really like to donate blood!
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Tinros, I am not sure what the rules are about being born outside the U.S. I'd ask. It may be that since you weren't eating solid foods then, they'll let you, or it may be that since you weren't born in the U.S., they can't take your blood. I really don't know, but if you call them, I'm sure they'd be happy to tell you.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Wow! I posted and left to get coffee, what a great response in the meantime!

Shigosei, I don't think the concussion should matter, as long as you're feeling better before you go.

EL, you can influence your iron in less than a week, if you want to try again. We have two day blood drives at my work, I've been turned down for low iron on the first day, gone home and took a multivitamin and eaten an iron-rich dinner and breakfast, and raised my iron enough to contribute on the second day. I only had to go up a couple of percentage points. . . I needed two, and I got four with that method. I bet if you just made sure you ate a slightly more iron-rich diet than normal for a couple of days you could give.

I've made my appointment for next Thursday, 2/21, at 1:15. Thanks to everyone who's posted so far! Those of you who give platelets regularly, I'd say if you want your nearest appointment to count towards the Hatrack blood drive, it does!
 

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Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
 
I've been underweight my entire life. Now that I'm not anymore, I'm pregnant.

Can you give blood while nursing?
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
Yes.

EDIT: But it must be 6 weeks after giving birth.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
The question on the donor sheet here is if you've been pregnant in the last 6 weeks. They don't ask about nursing. I would ask your doctor before you did it, though, and then made sure they know about it at the donation site, too, just in case.
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Brinestone, yes, you can, as long as your iron is high enough-- which can be hard, as it's harder for some of us to "influence" our iron when nursing, especially if we border on anemic to begin with and are already taking a supplement.

Oh, but you're supposed to wait at least 2 months after giving birth and not be bleeding any more.
 

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Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
 
I gave a few weeks ago so I won't be eligible for awhile.

It was ironic when I went because I always ask them to watch my blood during the iron test. I'm anemic (take iron pills now) so I've been turned away before. But surprisingly I was told that I had the best iron test they'd seen all day. They'd been turning away kids most of the morning. Apparently college students have terrible diets.

I've donated 7 times in the last 2 1/2 years. I've been scared of needles all my life and became terrified after getting a steroid shot in my knee when I was 16. But I still go give blood every time I see the LifeShare Bus parked outside the university student union. I eat a good breakfast, bring something to read, and then warn the nice nurses to keep a cold pack nearby as I always get super-woozy towards the end.

I think the worst part is the finger prick. Not because of the prick but because I don't bleed well and usually end up with my finger getting milked for even the smallest blood drop.
 

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Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Tinros:
I'm not sure if the nine months I spent INSIDE my mother while SHE lived in Italy count toward the six month total. If they do, I can't donate. If they don't, I can. ANyone know?

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No, that wouldn't count. Being born outside the US could be a problem, I suppose. Call and ask.
 

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Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
 
Just what I needed -- an excuse to get off my fat butt and go give blood like I've been meaning to do for the last, oh, eleven months. I will find out when I can visit the nearest Canadian Blood Services branch.
 

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Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
 
Your allowable iron count can be a bit lower if you are donating platelets than for donating whole blood. This is because you get almost all of your red cells back. A good option for those of us who are borderline anemic.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
So, here's what I've got so far:

Have appointments: rivka, ElJay, Xaviar & val

Recently gave: Advent, kmboots, Shanna, tatiana

Looking into it: maui babe, Shigosei, twinky, Theaca, Architraz Warden, smitty, JT

Did I miss anyone? I'll try to maintain a list as we go.

Edit: Updated list

[ February 15, 2006, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
We're stickied!!! Thanks, Papa!
 

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Posted by Papa Janitor (Member # 7795) on :
 
I like this idea. I can't participate, since I was in Africa last July, but it's certainly sticky-worthy, IMHMO.

Just an FYI, I'll probably leave this stickied for about a week. Most people should see it by then.

--PJ
 

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Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
 
My mom just told me to share this story.

Her first husband was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 22 (my half brother was 4), and he needed several blood transfusions, my mom had the same blood type but because she didn't weigh enough never was able to give blood. Since she hit the required weight 15 years later (when I was born) she has given blood pretty much every sixty whatever days.

I've been turned away both times I've tried with low iron (and I'm so scared of needles and seeing my own blood that I don't try too often).
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I've fainted twice after giving, and had a couple of other difficulties. I don't make it back every 60 days, but I keep going back when I can handle it. I never watch. I never so much as look. I do my best to pretend I'm someplace else the entire time.

After my second bad experience someone told me I should just stop trying, because some people can't give blood. I said "Three strikes and I'm out. If I faint again, I'll give up." I haven't fainted since, although one time the nurse couldn't find my vein and I couldn't bear to let her try the other arm, so I left without donating.

I've given I think 14 pints. Coming up on my second gallon. I just think it's so important, and so few people who are eligible do it. I've known people who needed blood, and been glad it was there for them. If someone else I love needs it, or if I need it in the future, I want it to be there. The only way for that to happen is for people to give.
 

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Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
I get pretty sick after donating, so I only do it on a Friday afternoon of a weekend off. I haven't managed to donate in several years. Plus I'm anemic unless I do silly things like go in dehydrated so that my blood looks less anemic. That's probably why I get sick afterwards, actually. I won't have a safe time to donate for several weeks but I'll try to remember in March.

I have donated at least a gallon and a half, over the years. I used to do it at the beginning of vacations, if we didn't go on a trip.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Theaca, I trust you to know what's safe for you, but please be careful.

Everyone else, I am not at all advocating doing anything other than consuming extra iron to try to be eligible to donate. Not everyone can do it, and if you can't, you can't. There are other things you can do that are just as good.
 

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Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
 
I haven't donated blood since they mauled my arm last time. Maybe I should give it another shot.
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
Here are the eligibility guidelines. Giving blood is a great idea! I just gave a couple of weeks ago so I won't be eligible for a while but I highly encourage all hatrackers to go give blood.

Our donated blood system is completely safe, and provides a great source of good blood for those who need it, particularly accident victims, with their trauma injuries, which often require multiple units, and of course people who have to have surgery. When the hospitals run out of donated blood, they end up going to commercial blood banks which aren't as clean a source of blood, in general. The processing fees that the Red Cross charges to deliver blood to the hospitals also fund the Red Cross disaster relief system, which I'm sure has been sorely taxed with Katrina, etc.

I give every time I'm eligible. It's fast, safe, and makes me feel great.
 

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Posted by Mama Squirrel (Member # 4155) on :
 
Hmm. I was told not to donate when I was nursing 3 month old Mooselet (this was by someone calling to get Pop to donate just after 9/11).
 

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Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
 
How come you can't donate if you were in Europe for more than 6 months?
 

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Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
 
Don't feel bad about fainting, one of the luberjack-ish lineman at REMC faints when giving blood.

*wonders when next blood drive at work is*

I'll donate if I get to town this weekend.
 

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Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
 
Funny story: Two friends of mine in college (though this happened before they were friends of mine) went to donate blood together one fall (which all the football players were required to do - that was always a fun day of practice, btw). Being fiercely competitive, they raced to see which one could give blood fastest by flexing their forearms wildly. One of them won, barely, and celebrated by standing up and promptly collapsing. Moral of the story -- don't race to be the fastest blood giver.

I've given about once a year since I was 16. I don't like it, but not because of the needles or anything (which don't bother me at all, really) just because I'm lazy and it's a hassle. That's why I don't do it as often as I should. But I'll try to make an appointment at the place across from my office.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I know two people who did that, too, JT.

I've updated the list.
 

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Posted by Unicorn (Member # 216) on :
 
I don't like needles, and most the time when I go to give blood, my iron is 1-2 points to low. When that happens, I make another appointment for 2-4 days later, and make sure I eat plenty of iron-rich foods, then it works. I give, dispite my dislike, because it is the right thing to do. I have them cover the site so I don't see the needle. I've given just over one gallon now.

I currently am unable to give blood -- my baby needs to use it
 

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Posted by smitty (Member # 8855) on :
 
It's SOOOOO cool to watch the needle go in, and the blood pump out.
 

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Posted by socal_chic (Member # 7803) on :
 
I went to the caribbean last march so I'm eligible again this coming March and I will definitely give blood. I love it so much (i'm not really sure why)...
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 

quote:

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I really wish they would change their donation requirements. Because I lived in Europe for a time, I am ineligible.

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quote:

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Did I miss anyone? I'll try to maintain a list as we go. [Smile]

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Yep, me. My appt is March 4. I don't think I put the actual date in my prior post, though.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Okay. You said you go every three months, but didn't specify where you were in that cycle, so I didn't include you in case it was two months away or something.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Reposted so it will be on the new page:

So, here's what I've got so far:

Have appointments: rivka, ElJay, Xaviar & val, Goody S., Pinky

Recently gave: Advent, kmboots, Shanna, tatiana

Looking into it: maui babe, Shigosei, twinky, Theaca, Architraz Warden, smitty, JT, Kwea, quids, Narnia

Did I miss anyone? I'll try to maintain a list as we go.

[ February 16, 2006, 12:31 PM: Message edited by: ElJay ]
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
maui babe, I've been put on the ineligible list for 6 weeks each time I've gone in with low iron, too, even if it was only a few points off. And the last 5 times I've tried, it's been low every time.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Huh. Is this something new? I've gone in the next day after iron loading and been able to donate at least three times.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Probably varies by location. That strikes me as a local rule.
 

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Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
 
I will look into it...I was ineligible due to some of the things I was exposed to in the Army at USAMRIID, but that was years ago so I think I am eligible now.
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
Pinky, just so you're clear of the differences, because many people are not, when a company pays you for a donation, the blood products often do not go directly to the patient. Drug companies will buy these products for drug research. The blood you donate via the Red Cross will go directly to the patient. While the patient does have to pay for the procedure of getting the blood, as well as paying the medical personnel who administer it, they don't have to pay for the product themselves. Not always the case with blood that was bought from a donor.

I guess I'll just say what I want to say: Donated (not sold) blood is best!

When I worked for the Red Cross drawing blood, this information was given to me by the head nurse.
 

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Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
 
I'm ineligible and likely to be for some time, but as soon as they'll let me, I'm there. I'm B-, which is pretty rare, so they always need me.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who donated or will donate. My Aerin has had 4 blood transfusions in her short little life and she wouldn't be here without them.
 

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Posted by cheiros do ender (Member # 8849) on :
 
How many time/(how much) do they let you donate each year?
 

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Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
 
*grumble*

I don't see why they don't let you donate when on, as Artemisia Tridentata puts it, "rat poison." Sure, I'd bruise a bit, but no more than if I trip or run into a coffee table or something...

But I'm doubly-disqualified - I've lived in Europe too long as well.
 

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Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
 
I'm also cut because of the time I lived in Europe. Which, in my selfish heart, is just as well because I don't like needles in my own arms. It took some getting used to, but I got to the point where I didn't mind watching other people give blood, in fact I'm pretty sure I could happily do it myself, but no needles in my veins. I would have donated myself just to get used to getting needles, but you're not allowed to work on your own blood.

A fantastic idea though, Eljay.
 

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Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
 
I'm too small.

To make matters even worse, my blood never wants to be drawn. The last time I did blood work, the nurse poked repeatedly for a vein and when she finally found one the vial stopped filling halfway through. So she tried the other arm but couldn't find anything. She just sort of shrugged and said they'd have to make do with what they got.

This is a great idea, though. I'd love to participate in something not related to blood.
 

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Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
 
I am too scared of needles...They're having a blood drive in my neighborhood soon, but I'm just too scared of holes in my skin. I'll donate just about anything else, but not anything that goes inside my skin. I'm sorry to let some people down, but I cannot help it. I have a serious phobia towards needles in my body.
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by ElJay:
Reposted so it will be on the new page:

So, here's what I've got so far:

Have appointments: rivka, ElJay, Xaviar & val, Goody S.

Recently gave: Advent, kmboots, Shanna, tatiana

Looking into it: maui babe, Shigosei, twinky, Theaca, Architraz Warden, smitty, JT

Did I miss anyone? I'll try to maintain a list as we go.

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quote:

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Pinky, just so you're clear of the differences, because many people are not, when a company pays you for a donation, the blood products often do not go directly to the patient. Drug companies will buy these products for drug research. The blood you donate via the Red Cross will go directly to the patient. While the patient does have to pay for the procedure of getting the blood, as well as paying the medical personnel who administer it, they don't have to pay for the product themselves. Not always the case with blood that was bought from a donor.

I guess I'll just say what I want to say: Donated (not sold) blood is best!

When I worked for the Red Cross drawing blood, this information was given to me by the head nurse.

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The money is just a bonus. It is only given to attract people to donate more often than they would usually do. Especially students. The ones I ask to come with me are at least more attracted by that than by being altruistic, especially if they don't like needles. So it serves the purpose.

I would donate blood whether or not I get something in return. And I DID. I kinda like it, and I never had any problems during or after the donation.
The clinic of the university where I donate since I came to Freiburg, uses the blood for the patients in the clinics in and around Freiburg in cooperation with the Red Cross. For research, they ask (quite often!) for extra samples, in addition to the ones one gives to test the donated blood. The Red Cross itself is in charge for the villages and towns without clinics. (In Europe, a drive that takes longer than thirty minutes, is already considered to be too far away. )

However, the main reason why I am glad that I don't have to go to the Red Cross itself anymore, is, that I don't have to wait for them to come to me. I don't have a car, and it happened quite often, that I had to wait four or five months between two donations or that it was not possible for me to get there when they finally came. So, in the first five years of my "donation career", I only donated 13 times, instead of 20.
 

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Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
 
In Canada, back in the day, eligibility for donating blood started at 16. I tried to donate for several years, but was turned away every single time due to low blood pressure (90/50 usually). As soon as it got high enough, I started donating regularly. The only problem I've ever had with needles was that I didn't like the pain, but once that was over, I was always fine. And I donate very quickly - in about 1/3 to 1/2 the time of other donors.

Now that I'm here... I haven't thought about it.

But now I'm going to look into procedures for donating blood here. Sri Lankan Red Cross? WHO? No idea...

Thanks for the reminder, Eljay. Great thread.
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
The problem with the commercial blood banks is that you get some people like homeless and addicts giving because they really need the money. Because of this, they will be more likely to lie about their sexual history or history of IV drug use in order to be accepted. Testing catches many of them, but for those who recently acquired HIV or other blood-borne illnesses, the testing is not 100%. Also, every test ever made has some false positives and false negatives. There is no 100% accurate test that's ever been devised. This means that when the hospitals are forced to use commercial blood bank blood for their transfusions to patients, the rates of infection from blood donations rise somewhat. It sucks and is entirely preventable if people will just donate (those who can). Donating people are usually quite happy to be rejected on any pretext. I mean the ones that aren't Theaca.

I like watching the needle go in, too, and watching the blood flow through the tubes, but then, I too am a science geek.

I did one of those double red cell donations last time, and I didn't like it. The part when they pump that stuff (your plasma and platelets) back into your arm made me feel really weird. Also, I was quite noticeably tired and weak for a while after I gave, which is unlike my usual feeling of elation and energy. I think from now on I will just give whole blood.

The thing about Europe and UK is about mad cow disease. It has a long latency period. For every decision like that they weigh the probable cost and benefits and choose the healthiest best thing for the blood supply and the patients who receive blood. They may be guessing wrong, but I think they're just trying to be ultra-conservative in their decisions. That makes sense to me unless we get into a situation where the nation's blood supply is so low that people are dying for lack of transfusions. Then they should revisit those decisions and would probably reverse them.
 

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Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
 
Well, I found the site for the Sri Lankan Red Cross. Apparently, they only want donations of money, and the only news they offer consists of first aid kits they've donated to schools and houses they've built for tsunami victims.

Yes, I'm being snarky.

I'm just disappointed that they say absolutely nothing about donating blood on their website.
 

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Posted by TheHumanTarget (Member # 7129) on :
 
I am unable to donate (lived in Europe, had cancer)

Sorry.
 

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Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
 
I woke up with a tickle in my throat this morning. If it's the beginning of a sore throat, I'm ineligible to give blood until it goes away (according to the Canadian Blood Services website). The tickle may just have been due to dryness, so if I feel okay at the end of the work day I'll set up an appointment.
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 

quote:

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I like watching the needle go in, too, and watching the blood flow through the tubes, but then, I too am a science geek.

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Hmmm, I may be a bit of a science geek, but I don't mind needle sticks (but only to take things OUT, and not finger sticks) and enjoy watching the blood flow for a different reason. See, from the time I was 12 until I was 18, I had to get my blood drawn once a month to monitor liver function because of medication. So did my brother. My mom took us for donuts at Foster's if we sat still the whole time and didn't complain (actually, she did when we were younger, too, but it wasn't every month.) So I associate getting stuck for blood with my favorite donuts in the world. (And that's still the rule; since I've been pregnant I've gotten donuts on the grounds that I got my blood drawn several times now. My husband doesn't complain because he gets one, too. )
 

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Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :
 
*is sad*

There is always a blood drive at my school every two months or so, and four buses from various institutions come and people donate blood, and I always try, and my heart rate shoots up because I'm terrified of needles, or else I'm anemic, or else they can't find my vein (but I've only ever gotten this far once). Last time my heart rate went up to 135 and my temperature was 99.1

Jen
 

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Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
 
I donate as often as I remember to, which is not nearly often enough. I need to get off my lazy butt and go do it, probably this weekend.

I've only really had two bad experiences with it; one time the needle site swelled up into a huge painful lump a few minutes after I left and I had to scurry back to the clinic and sit there with an ice pack on it for a while, and another time the person sticking me managed to stick the needle all the way through the vein and out the other side, so that I had an enormous Technicolor bruise covering the entire inside of my elbow for about a week. Oh, and it happened about two days before I had to go to my cousin's wedding, and my dress was short-sleeved--not only did I look like a junkie, I looked like an incompetent junkie
 

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Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
 
I love this idea. Used to love donating; there were blood drives at my office which made it really easy. I'm O-, universal donor, so they really were happy to see me every time. It was never too hard on me (except for the one time I went to a donor center by our hospital and they butchered my arm, huge black bruise like Stray's but I don't what caused it--eww to her description!). But then they tightened eligibility so my Portugal mission made me ineligible, and then I went to Mozambique for a while, so I doubt I'll be able to donate again ever.

[edited for missing word]
 

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Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
 
My last job was only two blocks from the blood bank, so I went pretty regularly -- enough that they knew me on sight. One day I walked in and the lady behind the counter said she thought it hadn't been long enough since my last donation. I said yes, I know, but I don't feel well, and I think I might be a little fevered -- could you guys just take my temperature? Ok, sure. 101.9. Yep, that's a fever all right. Thanks! <Walks back to work and goes home.>

--Pop
 

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Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
 
Like quid I bleed super fast. A few years ago there were two big guys in front of me who talked the attendent into setting them up simultaneously so they could race. They were in there, flexing their arms madly, while I was getting my iron checked and paperwork filled out. Then I walked in, got hooked up, and was done before either of them were 3/4 through. They both just stared at me.

Of course, that's why I have to drink liquids while donating and have the ice pack on my neck and stay horizontal for a few minutes afterwards or I turn green and pass out.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
I gave blood frequently before I had surgery in September so I couldn't take another appointment before January, and then I had a staphylococcus so I had an antibiotic treatment and they didn't want me. I stopped the antibiotics (again...) last week, if everything goes well in two weeks I'll be officially staphylococcus-free, I'll take an appointment then.
Here you always give blood for free, it's one of the two principles - it has to be for free and you can't know who you give to, or who gave you if you're the receiver.
 

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Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
 

quote:

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Once you're seventeen you can do it with Parental consent.

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I gave blood when I was 17 without parental consent (through my high school.) :shrug:

I'm one of the lucky ones that bleeds fast, fills up a pint in about 5 minutes and then immediately walks away just fine whether I have the cookie or not. (Though why would I want to walk away without the cookie?) It's never phased me, though I have noticed that I'm a bit weaker for the rest of the day and that's ok.

Put me down for "Going to get an appointment ASAP" ElJay. I haven't given since December and it's time.
 

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Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
 
I feel lousy. I'm B+ blood type and so they like me to give blood. It's not the nausea the needles or even being stabbed, that makes me not give blood now. My iron content has always been fine.

What I can't take is the bruising. Two days after giving blood, I will have a giant purple-yellow bruise, normally in the joint of my elbow where they like grabbing the vein. And it Hurts. It's physically incapacitating to that arm or wrist. It makes me grouchy and miserable for the following two weeks. No amount of patting myself on the back for Doing a Good Thing helps.

If I give blood, I end up cheating the people around me both at work and home, the people I care about, because they have to put up with AJ the grouch for two weeks.

I have donated for specific people on occasion. One was a baby going into open heart surgery. While I appreciate all who do donate blood, I feel can't pay that price in my life on a regular basis. Because it's not just me that pays, it's everyone around me.

But I do realize it's a selfish decision. Which is why threads like this make me feel bad.

AJ
 

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Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
 
I think the time period between donations is 8 weeks. Can anyone confirm that?
 

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Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
 
I used to donate religiously, every time they called or we had a community drive or anything (I'm A+).

But the last several times I have been rejected either for low iron (despite trying to load up in advance) or because I bleed so slow. The last time I gave, when I had laid there for over 30 minutes trying my best to squeeze and fill that bag, only to see her come over, unplug it and throw it away because I didn't bleed fast enough -- that discouraged me from going back. I worked hard to give them that 1/2 a bag, darn it! It isn't supposed to be a BAD thing that I have low blood pressure!
(and yes, I upped my fluid intake quite a bit before going in, but it doesn't seem to help)

FG
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
AJ, do not feel bad because donating does not agree with you! Not everyone was meant to donate. Actually, I'm not the best donor either. I am scheduled to donate next month and if things don't go well, it will be my last time trying. Last time it was low iron, the time before the vein bruised so badly that they couldn't get past it, and I got dizzy the two times before that (but that was over 2 years ago).

There are other ways to show your support. For a time I worked at the Red Cross drawing the blood and perhaps volunteering is an idea. It doesn't take a lot of time and there are lots of different jobs available. You can work in the canteen giving donors snacks and monitoring them for reactions or even work in disaster services (exciting). Why not organize a blood drive at your work? All you have to do is have a handful of people and they'll send you a bus.

People should not feel obligated to donate. Also, those bruises are painful and unsightly. Not donating for that reason is a very valid one. As is fainting, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, fear of needles...they are all ok. Trust me, we don't want fainters and big bruises make us look bad
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
Well, I just took my own advice. Xavier and I are now signed up to volunteer in Disaster Services. Our orientation is on Monday, February 27.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I second what Val said. . . no reason to feel bad, AJ. Some people can't give, for whatever reason, and your reason certainly sounds like a good one to me. Not selfish at all.
 

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Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
 
Don't feel bad AJ. You've tried, and donating doesn't agree with you, that's nothing to be down on yourself about.

I also want to add my appreciation to Mrs. M's - I haven't received any blood yet, but according to the oncology nurses people whose platelets act like mine almost inevitably have to receive a transfusion or two during chemo, so I will probably benefit directly from those that choose to donate. Thanks to everybody who has ever even tried to donate, even if you can't for whatever reason, it still says something positive about you as a person.

I used to love donating blood. We had frequent blood drives where I worked (UAB - big medical research institution) and I loved the chance to take some time away from work, lie down, watch all the cool stuff, chat with people and get orange juice and cookies. We almost always got a t-shirt too, I had so many blood drive t-shirts I thought once about making a t-shirt quilt with them.
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by El JT de Spang:
I think the time period between donations is 8 weeks. Can anyone confirm that?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Belle:
We almost always got a t-shirt too, I had so many blood drive t-shirts I thought once about making a t-shirt quilt with them.

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Ooh I like that idea, Belle!
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Our blood drive always has Lorna Doone cookies. I love Lorna Doones. No t-shirts, though, which is fine by me. I have more than enough t-shirts as it is.
 

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Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
 
I have several mugs, and a t-shirt. I used to have this calendar/calculator thing but the batteries died.

I give directly at the hospital and they actually feed me a meal if I want one. Platelets take longer - about an hour and a half if I do a double unit. I have been known to nap while doing this. Kate's version of multi-tasking.
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 

quote:

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The problem with the commercial blood banks is that you get some people like homeless and addicts giving because they really need the money. Because of this, they will be more likely to lie about their sexual history or history of IV drug use in order to be accepted.

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quote:

---

I think the time period between donations is 8 weeks. Can anyone confirm that? [/QB]

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Women 12, men 10 weeks. At least in Germany. They told me that is the time the (average) donor needs to recover completely from a donation.

Narnia, the same applies to me. I'm so glad, that they don't force you anymore to sit down for another half hour or so, because I never felt more than only a tiny little bit dizzy for a few minutes. As if I had drunk a small glass of wine with empty stomach.

Tatiana, the weird feeling when you get back "the rest" of your blood is caused by the citrate they use to stop the platelets and plasma from coagulating. Calcium is helpful. I always drink two of those effervescent tabletts shortly before and during the actual donation...

[ February 16, 2006, 05:55 PM: Message edited by: Pinky ]
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
It is 8 weeks in the US.
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pinky:
Tatiana, the weird feeling when you get back "the rest" of your blood is caused by the citrate they use to stop the platelets and plasma from coagulating. Calcium is helpful. I always drink two of those effervescent tabletts shortly before and during the actual donation...

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quote:

---

We almost always got a t-shirt too, I had so many blood drive t-shirts I thought once about making a t-shirt quilt with them.

---

My husband loves one of his that has stick people and says, "Save a bud, give blood." He happened to be wearing it when we went in to have Emma and all the nurses commented, "That's the way to make your time here easy! Wear a blood donor t-shirt!"
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
Boff. Tatiana, I know what you mean. By now,I've donated platelets four times, and it is still making me a little bit nervous. And it's quite uncomfortable to hang/depend on a machine for two long hours. I usually watch the monitor VERY closely.
I would give my blood for free, but I would probably not donate platelets anymore or so often if it weren't for the 40€ everytime. I save the money to buy my own laptop or PC. I always have to use the laptop of my flatmate, but can only do so, when she doesn't need it, certainly. For me, THAT'S a pretty good motivation to ignore the voices in my head that tell me about the risks. (I hope, I can afford a good second-hand laptop by summer this year.)

Does anybody here have experiences with the donation of bone-marrow?

I would probably like to enter on the list of donors. I mean, I know it is not likely, that my dates will ever match the ones of a patient, but nevertheless, I'd like to know more about the whole procedure BEFORE I enter the list. It would be best to get info from someone who already donated marrow... My doctor somehow tends to trivialize the matter. I think, he thinks I would change my mind if I knew about all the details...
 

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Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
 
I went to the clinic after work yesterday but since I had a tickle at the back of my throat they advised me to hold off until I was sure I didn't have a sore throat (I don't think I'm getting one, but it's possible). I made an appointment for April 27th, so now I have to go back within ten days in order to keep the later appointment.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 

quote:

---

any contaminants that might have been in the tubing

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pinky:

Tatiana, the weird feeling when you get back "the rest" of your blood is caused by the citrate they use to stop the platelets and plasma from coagulating. Calcium is helpful. I always drink two of those effervescent tabletts shortly before and during the actual donation...

---

I have discovered that the best remedy for me is to drink a chocolate milk shake during the last few returns. You get the calcium, the sucking helps to ease the facial cramps, and the chocolate is just because.
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
Well, that's worth trying. In addition to the tabletts. I don't think, I can get enough calcium from a shake to get rid of that weird taste in my mouth as soon as they start to pump back the "stuff". But a good idea in any case, for I have my appointments always in the morning and donate with empty stomach. (I don't like having breakfast, but coffee.)

Facial cramps? My lips always feel like..uhmmm, do you know how it feels when you hum with a sheet of paper lightly pressed against your lips? Do you mean that?
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Well, I tried. But my iron was too low (just one point).

I rescheduled for Tuesday (great job posting this thread right around the time I had a couple days off, ElJay!), and I've been munching on almonds. I also plan to go get a multivitamin (I've been thinking for a while I should be on one, but never quite got around to it. )
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
Anna, you're totally right that the tubing is new and sterilized. There are probably all sorts of quality control checks on it as well, to make sure there's absolutely nothing inside the tubing that could possibly get into you and harm you. I just thought about it, though, and realized that if my blood flows only in the "out" direction, I don't have to even think about it. Blood does clot, too, so I avoid the chance (though I'm sure it's miniscule) of getting clots delivered back into my vein, as well as skipping the anti-coagulant, which I don't want or need in my body.

If it made a huge difference in the amount of benefit I could create for recipients, then it might be worth it. But since it's very nearly equal either way, I'll stick with whole blood donation.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
Anyway, if it's in the USA like in France they need the whole blood as much as the components.
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
Here they need packed cells much more often. It's possible that they will throw the plasma away, even. But that's okay with me.

I'm not positive why packed cells alone are the thing doctors call for most often here in the states. Perhaps Theaca can tell us. Do packed cells have a longer shelf life than whole blood? Or is it because the main thing patients need is the oxygen carrying capacity of the cells? Fluids can be made up with sterile IV solutions, I suppose, if the patient needs those. So I imagine IV fluids are safer to use for increasing blood volume than the plasma component of someone else's blood. (Again, we're talking very small probabilities of danger, but still, why add any tiny component of risk you can avoid?)

It's also possible that it would decrease the chance of immune reactions between the donor's and recipient's blood. The A, B, and Rh factors are the main blood antigens, of course, but in addition to those there are myriads of rarer antigens which usually cause almost no problems but occasionally do. Before transfusing a unit, there's always a type and crossmatch done between the donor's and recipient's blood, as well as an immediate spin (in the centrifuge) of a sample of each mixed together just to see if there are any problems. If the two are incompatible for any reason, the blood will clot up together. Inside someone's body those clots would be a very bad thing.

There still can be very rare immune reactions that don't show up on an immediate spin. I'm guessing (though I don't know for sure) that if you don't transfuse the plasma portion, you might lower the chance of such reactions a certain amount. Theaca or CT, is that true?

Some people who have to receive a lot of blood products gradually develop more and more problems from becoming immune to other people's blood. Reactions can be extremely dangerous, of course, and can kill the recipient.

While it's totally safe to give blood, it's a bit more dangerous to receive it. That's why doctors don't order blood for patients (especially since the 80s) unless they are extremely sick and really need it. But when they do, it quite often saves their lives.

[ February 18, 2006, 10:11 AM: Message edited by: Tatiana ]
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
Someday, someone will invent a cheap blood substitute which will cause no immune reactions with the donor, have zero risk of trasmitting any blood borne diseases, have unlimited shelf life at room temperature, and will have twice the oxygen carrying capacity of real blood. Hasten that day!
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
You mean like this? (I knew we'd discussed it here before, this one has a link to a prior thread here as well)
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
I think they probably might use the plain platelets to produce remedies, for example for bleeders. Or for patients who are temporarily in need of extra-platelets to fix any inner wounds that can't be sewed well enough... Well, I'm not at all sure about the latter, but I can't imagine either that those platelets are ONLY useful for "full-time" bleeders.
 

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Posted by Theaca (Member # 8325) on :
 
I don't know all the cool details about transfusion medicine. It's fascinating.

I DO know that whole blood is made of three components that get saved as FFP (fresh frozen plasma), packed red blood cells (PRBC), and platelets. Each is used for different things and is stored in a different way and stay usable for different amounts of time.

PRBC are basically used for profound anemia. Usually acute blood loss from bleeding, cell destruction, or inability to make red cells. Bleeding and chemo are the two most common causes of the need for PRBC.

FFP is used when people need clotting factors. I scarcely see it used but surgeons use it quite often, I think.

Platelets are only used for low platelet levels. I see it used quite often during chemotherapy when the level of platelets drops to a dangerous level.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
I heard sometimes they need the components more only because they can take more platelets (for exemple) from the same donnor than if they took the whole blood, and the risk of infection is lower when you can transfuse with a product that comes from one donnor only.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
Oh, and by the way, this night I dreamt I was donating blood in a room full of Hatrackers. Pretty cool dream.
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
Awesome, Anna!

Yes, there is that extra benefit to the patient as well that I forgot. When a single donor donates two units of packed cells at once, the patient gets exposed to half as many donors, so it halves his or her risk of both disease and immune incompatibility.

Those platelets donors sit over there for a long time on the pheresis machine, but I think you're right that they can donate in platelets the equivalent of what the RC would get from processing many units of whole blood. Is that true? That would definitely help people who need a lot of platelets (like hemophiliacs) be exposed to fewer donors.

Theaca, I didn't know what FFP was used for. That's fascinating!

Goody! I remember that thread now! I remember being really excited about the product itself, but not at all excited about the fact that it would be tested on people without their consent. I can understand the difficulty, though. The people who need it most are trauma victims, usually motor vehicle accident victims, and they need it instantly. It has the potential to save lives, but I feel strongly that they should only use it until real blood becomes available to the patient. In other words, give it to the patient only when the only other alternative is to watch him or her bleed to death. At least during the testing phase, and before the patient can give informed consent.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 

quote:

---

Those platelets donors sit over there for a long time on the pheresis machine, but I think you're right that they can donate in platelets the equivalent of what the RC would get from processing many units of whole blood. Is that true? That would definitely help people who need a lot of platelets (like hemophiliacs) be exposed to fewer donors.

---

At least in France it's true.
 

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Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
 
Sometimes it is good to minimize the total volume of fluids you give to a patient. For example, there has been some discussion of the swelling of tissues in some patients known here (including, I think, Mrs. M's Baby Aerin and beverly's & mph's Baby Xerxes). One way to minimize the leak of fluids out of the intravascular space is to give less free water -- i.e., something like PRBCs instead of whole blood.

Additionally, there are two types of forces (hydrostatic, which is basically general pressure, and oncotic, which has to do with the equilibration of concentration across membranes) that determine whether free water moves in or out of the vessels to/from the surrounding tissue. PRBCs have higher oncotic pressure than whole blood, and (if I recall correctly) have a net oncotic force to draw free water out of the tissues and into the blood vessels, thus reducing swelling.

Of course, there are all sorts of reasons why one might prefer PRBCs over whole blood (or vice versa) -- it's pretty complicated. This is just another of those many interesting things to take into account in practicing medicine.

-------------

Edited to add for Tatiana: a reference that touches on some of the shelf life and preservative issues for various blood components as well as some indication of reasons to use "fresh blood" in some cases.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Dried fruit, nuts, multivitamins, and steak.

I figure my iron level should be up enough tomorrow.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I had souvlaka for lunch, and will take a multivitamin tonight. (Forgot this morning.) My appointment's for 1:15 CST tomorrow.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Before mine, then. It's at 12:45 PST.
 

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Posted by IrishAphrodite19 (Member # 1880) on :
 
I tried to give blood at the blood drive here at school today, but I didn't have time before I had to be at a meeting. Does it count that my roommate gave though? And 16 of my sorority sisters also gave...

We are going to go to the blood bank together and give as soon as she is able to give again, though.

~Irish
 

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Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
 
Nellie Bly has her appointment on the morrow.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I'm about to leave for my appointment. I admit I'm nervous, it hurt more last time than I was expecting. So honestly, if I hadn't started this thread, I'd probably be chickening out right now. Glad y'all are here. Here's hoping I've got enough iron!
 

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Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
 
Sending good vibes to you Eljay, I hope it went ok.

I have an appointment for a week from tonight!
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I came close to fainting, and had to breath into a paperbag with my feet up, and then they molly-coddled me to an extreme. But other than that, yeah, it was fine. And it was right at the end, so I got the full donation done, and that's what counts! My red blood count was at 38 exactly, so I just made it.

Now I'm drinking plenty of fluids and will eat well tonight.

Can't wait to hear from rivka and Nellie!
 

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Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
 
Hey, ElJay, might as well take me off the list. Donating blood makes me extremely tired for a week or so, and I'm already pretty non-functional due to fatigue. I'll try to donate once I'm feeling better.
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
CT, thanks for the great info! I love this stuff!
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
I got my iron up to 40 (from 37 on Friday). And I'm feeling a bit less tired too -- I knew I should've been on a multivitamin!

I gave without a problem, unless you count the fact that they had to jab me in the right arm (my right-arm veins are better than my left-arm veins, so this usually happens). I got my favorite tech, and it was quiet enough that I got her both for my interview AND the blood draw (usually it's different people doing the two steps). It took me about 5-6 minutes to give my unit.

They had the kinds of cookies I like. And I got a free movie pass.

And I signed up to give again April 21.

Thanks, ElJay! This was a great idea!
 

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Posted by xxsockeh (Member # 9186) on :
 
Love the idea!

Unfortunately, I'm only 13...I doubt I'm old enough. 'Sides, I'm terrified of needles. I may see if I can go with parental consent sometime.

Can anyone speak from experience and tell me if the needle hurts much?
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
No, I'm afraid you can't donate until you're 17 in the U.S. There is one exception but I'm sure you're still not old enough for it either. If you have a family member in need of blood, you can make special arrangements with the Red Cross to donate just for that person.

Why don't I ever get free movie passes when I donate?

EDIT: I see now that you live in Canada but I'm sure the age requirements are pretty close.

EDIT #2: Wow. I didn't know the Canadian Red Cross no longer did blood services. I'm betting it's because of that incident in the 80s.

But for your information: Candadian Blood Services Basic Donor Info

[ February 22, 2006, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
 

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Posted by Astaril (Member # 7440) on :
 
This is a great idea! I've wanted to donate for a long time, but never have. I can't donate blood here, not because of any eligibility issues, but simply because I have no way of getting to a donor clinic. The only one anywhere near here in the next two months is naturally taking place the one weekend I will be hundreds of kilometres away. I did, however, visit the CBS site and register for the Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry, which I think I might already be on, but I am making sure.
 

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Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
 
I donated today.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
I'm going to be able to donate after March, the 10th - so I'm going to take an appointment to donate platelets.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
Appointment taken... It will be on Monday, the 13th.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 

 

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Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
 
I gave blood the other week at the bloodmobile that was at my college...unfortunatly, I clotted up after only half a bag. Unfortunatly for me as well as the blood bank, because them moving around the needle in my arm trying to get it to flow again hurt like a EXPLITVE DELEATED!

*shrug* I tried.
 

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Posted by Unicorn (Member # 216) on :
 
The place my mother and I both donate to does not pay you for the blood, but often will give you something (not always). I have a waterbottle, a t-shirt, a couple of pins, and a bath towel. There is quite a variaty of snacks for afterward - sweet, savory, liquid, and frozen. I've already asked them to call me and remind me to donate in about a year. I can't remember if you can donate while nursing, but I know you aren't allowed when expecting.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
If your iron levels are high enough and your OB says it's ok, then you can donate while nursing.

Best to wait a couple months or three (they'll make you wait until 6 weeks after the birth, but my OB said 10 weeks, IIRC).
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
My doctor told me not to do it until 4 to 6 weeks after I'd stopped bleeding. (Which, for me, amounted to about 6 months.)
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 

quote:

---

then you can donate while nursing.

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It also depends on the rules in your country - here it's not allowed.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
That's interesting, Anna. I didn't know that.



kq, a woman who is still experiencing postpartum bleeding is almost certainly not going to have a high enough iron level. Neh?
 

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Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
 
Precisely.
 

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Posted by Dobbie (Member # 3881) on :
 
I gave last Wednesday. No problems, as usual.
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
I knew this was going to be the last time I tried to give if it didn't work. It didn't. I had a reaction (dizzy, nausea, etc.) so I won't be going back. It's really too bad too because the nurse had a great stick. Phil also couldn't donate because he is on antibiotics. I'm O.K. with it though. I signed up to volunteer and I'm really excited about doing that.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Sorry it sucked, but I'm glad you'll be volunteering, and that you're okay with it.
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
I'll be sacrificed to the vampires... er... laid on the offering stone... um... making my donation in about 4 hours.
 

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Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
 
Yay. Let us know how it went.

I'm eligible to donate again in 17 days. woot!
 

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Posted by Advent 115 (Member # 8914) on :
 
I'd like to say on behalf of all the idiots who give plama: "I'm woozy and my butts asleep".

(gave blood yesterday at the blood drive mobile)
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
Shanna, no big. Never is for me. Well, not anymore. First time I donated I passed out cold when I made the mistake of looking down at the donation site. Next several I warned the nurses to make sure to cover the site so I couldn't see anything and to keep the ice packs handy. I've now been donating for 6 or 7 years.

Oh, and today I got a lapel pin
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
I have an appointment to donate platelets on Monday.
 

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Posted by Advent 115 (Member # 8914) on :
 
Dang! You got a lapel pin? I can never seem to get one of those awsome "Hero" shirts. They always seem to be out of them by the time I give plasma.
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
If you want the pins, you have become a "Holiday Hero." In other words, you have to donate the week of a major holiday (around Christmas time, the 4th of July, Memorial Day). There are eight holidays that you can get a pin for.
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
Hmm, wonder what the holiday was this time, if that's the case. No indication of it being a holiday thing, just a little rectangle about 3/4 inch by 1 inch, white enamel with the red Lifesource logo.
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
Sometimes they just give them out. Same with the t-shirts.
 

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Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
 
Went last night. Two units of platelets.
 

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Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
 
I'll bet the holiday was the NCAA tournament it was here.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
BTW, I went to my appointment and due to some health problems lately I gave plasma instead of platelets, but it went well. Hopefully I'll be able to donate platelets next month.
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by rivka:
Well, I tried. But my iron was too low (just one point).

I rescheduled for Tuesday (great job posting this thread right around the time I had a couple days off, ElJay!), and I've been munching on almonds. I also plan to go get a multivitamin (I've been thinking for a while I should be on one, but never quite got around to it. )

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Multivitamins are not recommendable, anyway. And it wouldn't help to get more hemoglobin. There are even studies that they are rather harmful than helpful. (f.e. extra Vitamin A can reduce the density of the bones)

However, the easiest way to increase your hemoglobin is probably to take extra iron, either from food or pills (tablets?, troches? capsuls?... sorry, I don't know the difference.)

By the way, I usually get the iron pills from the donation center for free.

The best sources for iron:
- B]whole- grain[/B] bread
- soy
- parsley
- lentils, white beans
- common mussels, oysters
- innards
- cashews, hazelnuts
- most sorts of GREEN vegetables

Vitamin C improves the body's ability to absorb the iron. When you take iron pills, you should take them, f.e., together with a glass of orange juice. (there's more Vitamin C in oranges than in lemons!)

Avoid onions, garlic, coffee, black tea and yoghurt for at least 2 or 3 hours before and after you eat or take the pills. They inhibit the absorption of iron.
 

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
 
Can I give blood if I have low blood sugar?

I wanna give blood now that I'm not deathly ill.

Also, the thing about multivitamins...does that mean I shouldn't be taking my Justice League chewables?

-pH
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 

quote:

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Also, the thing about multivitamins...does that mean I shouldn't be taking my Justice League chewables?

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As long as you don't overdose it... I wouldn't spent money on it. And it could harm your body in the long run.
You should think of vitamin pills as remedies, like Tylenol or antibiotics. There was a big hype (in the 60s? 70?) about the theory that vitamins can prevent cancer and stuff, but this couldn't be verified. It's a Legend that won't die quick because people WANT to believe it.

As far as I know, your body can't absorb the whole dose, anyway, so the biggest part of it is wasted. And you must make a distinction between vitamins, that are soluble in water (f.e. C and the B-Complex) and vitamins, that are soluble in fat (f.e. A and E).

It's no problem to take additional C and B (brewer's yeast!), because the body can easily get rid of it when there's too much. For the same reason, one should take smaller doses 3-5 times a day instead of one big dose. When you have a flu, for example.
B is good for your skin and nerves. Brewer's yeast is the best source and for your body, it's like food. But you can buy it as troches, too, because of the taste. Most people doesn't like it in their cereals.

However, we usually get all the vitamins we need from our food, and if you don't eat anything but French fries and Marshmallows, additional vitamins won't do it, anyway.
 

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
 
I've just been taking one children's vitamin a day.

I worry more about B vitamins than anything else. But I also worry about iron and calcium a lot, too.

I thought maybe they could help me with my blood sugar issues. I don't really know how balanced my diet is; I try to have a lot of lean meat and dairy, but I AM a college student.

-pH
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
I know what you mean. (I'm a student myself.)

There's no sugar in meat and dairy, so THAT won't help you. What about whole- grain bread and cereals? Do you like that? It's a source for B, too.

I'm pretty sure the low blood sugar is not a problem regarding the quality of your blood. Drink a big glass of orange juice to increase your blood sugar before the actual donation, so you won't faint. You know, like a diabetic.
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
Some easy rules for your diet:
- as fresh as possible
- eat different (natural) colours over the day (red tomatoes, green spinach, oranges etc.)
- eat what you want to eat- your appetite is there to tell you what you need

You don't need every nutrient every day. You just shouldn't spend a whole week without having eaten at least an apple!
Do you know, that tomatosauce is better than fresh tomatoes? Fact! (I eat a lot of apples and spaghetti... )
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Can you link to these studies? Because the ones I am familiar with indicate that at the doses found in most multivitamins, there is little risk of the side effects you mention. Those come from overdosing, which is obviously a bad idea.

Vitamin pills are, taken as per the directions, a good form of health insurance. As a smoker, you might consider that.
 

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
 
Pinky, my problem isn't needing MORE sugar. It's that I need to eliminate as much sugar and simple carbs from my diet as possible. My hypoglycemia came back, so if I have sugar/simple carbs, my body will burn through them really quickly, and my blood sugar will drop super fast, and I'll start feeling sick.

It's not a fun diet. I really want me some ice cream and gummi worms.

-pH
 

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Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :
 
I called today. I have an appointment for tomorrow. I'm terrified of needles and because of that I've never given blood before. I also figured I'd grow out of it. I don't seem to be growing out of it on my own so perhaps I need to do this to get over it.
 

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
 
Amancer, I think the scariest part is when they first put the needle in. That's the part where you absolutely can't look! For me, anyway. After they already have everything set up though, I think it's kind of cool to watch, and it helps me freak out less.

-pH
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
My doctor recommends I take a multivitamin. The amounts in commercially available multivitamins are no where near the amounts of various vitamins that have been shown to be harmful. And a lot of the stuff in there (calcium, iron, folate) are things that you need to get on a regular basis, not things that are helpful to up your dose of when you're feeling sick. So pH, if you have a question about if your Justice League chewables are right for you, you should probably talk to your doctor or nutritionist, who can evaluate your diet and see if they're necessary/beneficial or not.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 

quote:

---

I think the scariest part is when they first put the needle in. That's the part where you absolutely can't look! For me, anyway. After they already have everything set up though, I think it's kind of cool to watch, and it helps me freak out less.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by rivka:
Can you link to these studies? Because the ones I am familiar with indicate that at the doses found in most multivitamins, there is little risk of the side effects you mention. Those come from overdosing, which is obviously a bad idea.

Vitamin pills are, taken as per the directions, a good form of health insurance. As a smoker, you might consider that.

---

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend anybody.

I have no links, I didn't get this info from the Internet. (The newer Info is from BBC.)
I've been just interested in nutrition for approximately 15 years. Taking extra vitamins became almost a kind of religion over the years, as if you had to face scurvy if you don't take pills! The benefit of vitamin pills is highly overestimated. Why swallow pills when you are healthy? Is that a special kind of hypochondria?

If your doctor recommends extra- vitamins, then take them, but usually you don't have a lack of ALL the vitamins and minerals and trace minerals that you get from a multivitamin.

Whatever, whether you take extra-vitamins or not, one shouldn't refrain from eating healthy food, just because you feel 'safe' by taking those pills. But this way, one doesn't get the secondary active agents (?) such as flavonoide. And it's quite easy. One apple a day...
 

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Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :
 
I did it! I followed pH's advice and looked away as the needle went it, and then later as they readjusted the needle. After that, it really wasn't so bad. Yay!
 

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Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
 
The no-looking-at-the-needle is a great trick. I also have them cover the sight so I don't see the metal stuck in my arm.

I'm eligible again on Monday and will be donating at the mobile at the grocery store at 1pm.

I have a question though. I heard you're not supposed to donate if you have cold or flu symptoms. I had a cold about a month ago and while I don't feel sick now, my cough and congestion hasn't gone away yet (I should see a doctor but I don't have the time or money.) I don't have a fever and there's a good chance that my problems now are allergen-related rather than a cold. How does being sick affect a blood donation and how sick do you have to be to be turned away?
 

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
 
I don't mind seeing it once it's already in my arm. In fact, I'm fascinated by it. You should've seen how amused I was when I had to get an IV in the back of my hand. I mean, it sucked. And I had a nasty bruise afterwards, but it was COOL to look at! And when they started the IV, this really weird cold feeling spread through my hand and arm. That amused me, as well.

But I can't watch needles going in. I can't even watch them on tv. I start cringing and squirming and have to cover my eyes.

Glad my advice helped, Amancer! Yay!

-pH
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
From the American Red Cross website:

quote:

---

Cold, Flu, Sore Throat
Wait if you have a fever or a productive cough.
Wait if you feel unwell on the day of donation.
Wait 2 days after you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection.

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quote:

---

How sick do you have to be to be turned away?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Shanna:
Rivka, so you felt fine giving blood?

---

I have, yes. Not when my allergies were in FULL flare-up, but when they're minor (as they are all too much of the time), yes.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
I haven't been keeping track. I've just kinda figured I'd bunp this every two months or so when I'm eligible to donate again, and eventually get everyone on schedule with me.
 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
I'm not saying that everyone needs to wait until they are 100%, just that I would wait. Shanna, I would see your doctor before donating, just to make sure to it really is just allergies. Just remember, some very sick people may get your blood, and I think that there is no reason to take any risk. Your blood isn't needed that badly.
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by pH:
Pinky, my problem isn't needing MORE sugar. It's that I need to eliminate as much sugar and simple carbs from my diet as possible. My hypoglycemia came back, so if I have sugar/simple carbs, my body will burn through them really quickly, and my blood sugar will drop super fast, and I'll start feeling sick.

It's not a fun diet. I really want me some ice cream and gummi worms.

-pH

---

Oh, sorry. That's hard! I thought "low blood sugar" means you need to get more sugar from your food. I'll do some research on your problem. (Out of curiosity... I don't think I can find out anything that you don't know yet...)
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
When I donated blood on Monday (20th), it only took me 4 1/2 minutes! I was pretty surprised about that, because I didn't make any effort to drink more than a cup of coffee that morning. I even expected my blood to run slower than usual, because I didn't drink enough. (My average time is 6 minutes; I time it to entertain myself during the donation. )

In the last three months I donated platelets every second week, and I always have to drink lots of water in the 24hours before the donation. Otherwise, my blood wouldn't run fast enough to 'satisfy' the machine. Despite, it takes me 100minutes to give three packages of platelets, instead of the usual 85-90 minutes.

I know that the body has it's own kind of memory, so I wonder if I was able to donate blood so unusually fast this time, because my body already 'expected' to donate or something. That there wasn't time enough to 'forget' the last donation, because it was only two weeks ago. I don't think it's very likely, but this last blood donation remains a mystery to me, nonetheless.

P.S.: I had an average blood pressure etc., my measured values didn't really change in years.
 

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Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
 
Pinky : Last time I donated platelets the nurse told me to avoid greasy food the day before because it makes the blood less fluid. Could it be linked to this?
 

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Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
 
Now, THAT's a possibilty! Thank you! I probably drank too much before I donated platelets. My blood's fluidity improved by that, but I also watered it down, and the machine had to filter more of it to get enough platelets.
I can't remember what I ate on Sunday (19th), but maybe I DID eat less greasy food than usual.

My inner scientist (new project! )suggests to write down everything I eat and drink on the day before a donation. I think, I'll follow his advice. Could be interesting.
 

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Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
 
I'm booked to donate on Wednesday at 4pm. Anyone want to come hold my hand?


 

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Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
 
I don't think my hand reaches that far!
 

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Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
 
I finally donated yesterday!
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Cool.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Yay!
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
*bump*

Time to donate again! The Red Cross called me last week to set up an appointment, I'm going in about 10 minutes. If it's been more than 60 days since you last gave whole blood, please consider making an appointment and donating.


 

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Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
 
It has. But it has been less than a week since platelets. So there.
 

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Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
 
They called me last week, too. I'm trying to go on Friday. And I found out last time that I gave that I'm type O-, so I feel an extra need to go more regularly.
 

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Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
 
I have an appointment for July 1st for platelets. Also one for mid-July. Another for the end of July. Another for the middle of August. They try to book me four donations in advance now . They take platelets every time, and sometimes they take plasma as well.

I don't manage to get a donation in once every two weeks, because I can only donate on weekends and after work, which are times that everyone wants to donate. I've been able to get about one in every three weeks though for the last few months (I was on medical deferal before April).

Its pretty cool now, the Red Cross has started sending you notices when your donation has been used. I got one just a couple weeks ago, myself. I think that will get more people to be return donators.

Niki's best friend's mom had her life-long friend pass away recently of a disease which destroys your platelets (Hepatitis C?) and they said that they ran out of platelets in Omaha trying to keep him alive (he didn't make it). Considering I had donated my platelets just a couple of days before, I wondered if mine managed to get used either for him or before him.

(I'm not sure how type matching is done for platelets, but since I am A, I don't think they would have used mine if he was B or AB)

The last time I donated, it only took 56 minutes (normally it takes 76+). They have some new software and new kits that make the process go about 15-20% faster on some of their machines. The nurse mentioned that it hadn't yet been approved by the FDA yet, so they couldn't put it on all of them. It'll be nice when I know it will only take an hour.
 

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Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
 
I had partial skin cancer (got rid of it before it got bad) so they wont take my blood.
 

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Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :
 
That's a scary thing to hear Human. Glad you're better.
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
I'm scheduled for this coming Friday for my quarterly whole blood donation. They keep trying to convince me to come in every 60 days because I'm O+, but then that messes with my other appointment that tag-teams with this.

Oh, and I received a nice ballpoint pen in the mail this week. Some time ago (no idea when) I'd registered for Lifesource's Gold Donor Club. Four donations a year gets you "appreciation gifts". Hey, I'm gonna donate anyway, I may as well get something tangible for it, right? LOL
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
I have an appointment to donate on Thursday. And apparently Cedars had something to honor everyone who has given a gallon (or two, or three, etc.) last week. I couldn't go, but it was cool to hear that I've successfully donated 10 pints.


 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
Cool, rivka!
 

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Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
 
I just got a notice in the mail today that my platelet donation on 4/30/06 was used by a 66 year old male recieving a heart bypass surgery . Its so cool that they tell you this now.

I know that platelets have a pretty short shelf-life, so they must just take a while to send these notices out. I wonder when I will get my next one.

I donated last about two weeks ago, and my next appointment was scheduled for Saturday the first. I'll be in Minnesota then though, so unless those I will be hanging out with want to organize a group donation, I'll next donate on the 15th of July.
 

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Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
 
That's really cool. I've never gotten something like that, but then again I don't give platelets, only whole blood.
 

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Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
 
I think it may be by region.
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
Oh, I forgot to post.

My iron was too low (again, despite taking a daily (well, pretty much ) multivitamin. But just a tad -- so I'm trying again in a couple weeks.

I have to remember to eat steak the day before or something.
 

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Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
 
I donated last week (whole blood).
 

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Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
 
I'm still waiting to be eligible again since the Africa trip -- I think I have about a month to go. <Sets reminder to check.>
 

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Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
 
I think it's time that I could give again. I should check and see. My iron was super low after the last donation, and my ferritin as well, and my hemoglobin. So I wonder if it has recovered yet since then.
 

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Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
 
I'm going Wednesday at 4!

I haven't been in forever what with finals and then being in the hospital (for nothing that will make me ineligible) and off-and-on sick for weeks after.

But I've been working out, I'm chilling at summer school, and I'll have plenty of time for a good meal. I was looking for a chance for some good karma, cause I need it, and it seems like the blood drive at Sonic is my chance. haha.

EDIT: Just donated. Almost got turned away for my iron count, which is crazy because I'm on two kinds of iron pills right now. But once they tested me again, they let me donate. I was in the hospital last week so I kinda panicked right before they stabbed me, but the nurse calmed me down. She talked to me the whole time, which was nice. Atleast until I commented on how quickly my bag had filled up since it usually takes a long time. Then she started talking about how my veins are the kind that "blow" easy. The details grossed me out and I nearly passed out (couldn't hear anything, wanted to sleep, etc.) But I was able to finish and I bounced back quick. Even got a free coupon for a Sonic ice cream cone. And I'll be eligible to donate again in time for the back-to-school drive.

[ June 29, 2006, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: Shanna ]
 

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Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
 
I guess I forgot to post when I gave in July (had the low crit, higher 5 days later thing again).

Gave today. My iron was barely high enough (she ran the counter over the sample once and it was one low; tried it again and it was just ok.) Next time they want me to give platelets.

And they had the shortbread cookies which I love, but never buy -- I only have them when I donate.
 

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Posted by Libbie (Member # 9529) on :
 
Oh, that sounds great! I can't contribute until after November 11th, since I got a tattoo less than a year ago, but after that I'm good to go.
 

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Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
 
I donated on August 28 (took a day off work to be home for anticipated first-day-of-school bus problems and ran over while I had the chance). Eligible again in late October.
 

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Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
 
I just donated. I had no issues with iron count (45%), but I did have a problem with my veins. The BloodCenter had requested some volunteers for Red Blood Cell donation. I signed up thinking I wouldn't have any issues.

Well, when I went in, they had a hard time finding a vein. I went back to my desk and chugged down water for a few hours. When I got back, the veins were much more obvious but not enough for the machine.

Is there anything I can do leading up to the donation to help? They seemed really interested in my blood type for the donation so I went out of my way to help, but, in the end, I gave whole blood.

I realize that whole blood is still very important, but I'd like to be able to help a bit more.
 

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