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

[Cian]

What is alarming is that there has been a drop of 20% in donations from people under 30.

The number of under 30s either permanently or temporarily banned at any given time is probably far higher as a % than those over 30. Those permanent bans aren't going to go away without rule changes so the figures are going to get worse over all.

 

[Jimmy Come Lately]

I gave once, was done in double-quick time, then literally could not sit up for more than ten seconds without all the (remaining) blood draining from my head and having to lie down again. Ended up blocking the bed for nearly half an hour before the nurses managed to support me stumbling to another bed to rest on for, oh, I dunno, ages (some of this I don't remember very well) until I could (woozily) stand up again.

I'm 6'4" and skinny. I don't know if that's a risk factor but I find it interesting that others on this thread have mentioned their height.

So I haven't tried since then but I've been thinking that it's been nearly 18 years, my body's reaction to loss of blood could have changed, and the after-effects were more inconvenient than dangerous. I should probably give donation another go before I use it as an excuse for another 18 years.

 

[Razzoo]

I've just gone on the blood donor website and registered. Been meaning to do it for years. This thread has given me a kick up the arse to do my bit.

 

[wunt be druv]

I give blood,and am glad to do so.I do it in the hope that I am helping somebody to live,get well and have a quality of life.I can't say I have ever felt any ill effects after.I am not going to preach to anybody about it,but,if you are thinking of donating,do it,it does make a difference.