Do you give blood? And if not, why not?

[backson]

I guess with a lot of people, it's just a case of not getting round to it. I didn't start until I was about 30, and then it was just because a couple of guys at work went and I tagged along, and have been going ever since.

I would say though, the last few times I've been I've made an appointment, and those that hadn't, had a loooong wait.

 

[backson]

And the people who work for the Blood service around here are really friendly and put you at your ease. One or two of them are mad as bicycles though.

 

[magoo]

Just wondering, like.

I do...wondering how many posters do, and what the reasons are for not doing it?

The whole "I don't like needles" thing is a bit lame if you ask me, as nobody actually LIKES having sharp things stuck into them. And if you were lying on a hospital bed, fighting for your life and desperately in need of blood (supplied by other people of course), would you tell the doctors then you don't like needles?

Problem is they make it virtually impossible. You have to have lived like a MONK to be eligible to give blood.

Personally I'm under the allowable weight.

 

[Norman Potting]

I give blood but due to my erratic haemoglobin level (which I am assured is nothing sinister) they don't always let me donate. I do keep trying tho' ,not just for the free crisps, biccies and drink! Perhaps they could use the Amex as a venue?

 

[Mr NFA]

Just wondering, like.

I do...wondering how many posters do, and what the reasons are for not doing it?

The whole "I don't like needles" thing is a bit lame if you ask me, as nobody actually LIKES having sharp things stuck into them. And if you were lying on a hospital bed, fighting for your life and desperately in need of blood (supplied by other people of course), would you tell the doctors then you don't like needles?

Nah one im on meds for my epilepsy, two i reckon the receprient would prolly get high off my blood. lol

 

[lost in london]

It's a very lame excuse, but the online booking process is useless and frankly it puts me off. A few times now I have submitted a request for an appointment, then wait a while for them to come back to me (it's all dealt with manually) only to be told there is no space. They should use something simple like online restaurant bookings so you can see which slots are available and pick one. Having to chose a time 'window', wait to hear back, then have to pick another 'window' seems archaic.

This thread has prompted me to try again though and I'm waiting to hear back. I can only really go at lunch time so not holding out hope that there will be space.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Finally got round to organising it. First time coming up in February at work where there are regular visits do will start donating regularly.

 

[Stoo82]

Yes. Going on thursday.

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

My blood phobia is off the scale. I used to feel faint in biology at school if I even had to write the word 'blood' in my exercise book. Pathetic I know and I really should give blood but never have to this point.

 

[leigull]

Did it for the 1st time back in August. Took a few hours because they had a shortage of staff but overall quite enjoyed it. Felt quite good afterwards too (physically as well as the satisfaction of doing it). Had a really quick time, less than 4 minutes.

Tried to book another appointment now the necessary timescale has passed, but all the sessions I could make are booked up. Going away for a month now and will be in malarial area for a week so that will probably rule me out of doing it when I first get back. Not sure how long I will have to wait though, but will definitely be going again.

Am AB+

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

Disqualified.

 

[zfleas]

Can you give blood if your asthmatic?

 

[magoo]

If the sessions are always booked up they can't be doing that bad.

 

[Jam The Man]

I didn't give until 3 years ago as I was anaemic and was advised not to. Have given every 16 weeks or so since 2008.
I'm SKILLAGE at it as well as I can give a pint in under 4 and a half mins.

Could mean that i would bleed to death quicker i suppose

 

[Marty McFly]

I did but my blood is now no longer wanted

 

[tonymgc]

I started doing it this year, Have given twice & have my third session booked for January as i couldn't get a December appointment at my local donor centre.
Without sounding like a smug bellend it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know i'm doing something that will help someone. And its such a little thing to do.... Worth it for the piles of sweets, crisps & biscuits they give you at the end if nothing else!

 

[leigull]

Can you give blood if your asthmatic?

Yes. Well I did anyway

I'm SKILLAGE at it as well as I can give a pint in under 4 and a half mins.

Could mean that i would bleed to death quicker i suppose

3 mins 47 for my only go. I'd die a quick death too

 

[Muzzy]

I would happily give my blood! And I will look into it again but I'm not taking time off work to do it! It would be much better if they supplied the gear and I could do it at home lol...

And they would have to promise not to use my blood on any palace supporters!!! Snigger.


Sent from my iPhone using P+ R

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Problem is they make it virtually impossible. You have to have lived like a MONK to be eligible to give blood.

Really? I believe the current rules (which I think are changing anyway) dictate that if you're a man who's ever had sex with a man, with a prostitute, or if you're male or female & have ever had sex with someone from most of Africa, then you can't donate. Or if you've ever injected drugs. It's not that monk-ish

 

[Bold Seagull]

Thank you for the reminder [MENTION=249]edna krabappel[/MENTION] I am now booked in for this afternoon at Portslade Town Hall.