I tried to give blood here but they wouldnt accept it. BSE epidemic in the UK rules me out :(
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I tried to give blood here but they wouldnt accept it. BSE epidemic in the UK rules me out :(
The last time I gave blood was about 15 years ago. My arm was in agony several minutes after doing it and it came up in an epic bruise from my wrist all the way to under my arm a day later. Couldn't move it for about at week. Reading about it online they do sometimes say it can damage the arteries around where they take the blood which causes the bruising.
Suffice to say I haven't been back since!
I realise it was probably just bad luck on my part and that giving blood is a great thing to do but I just can't risk being off work for a week if it was to happen again.
Defo 2nd the advice re getting someone else to drive the first time as you have no idea how you'll feel.
But it tis only a pint which does no harm. I hate needles so just look away as they do and try not to cry :P
The nurses are great and won't let you leave until you've drank and eaten enough when it is your first time.
Not too much of a downside for me as my husband and all three children, and my sister are O neg so hopefully I will always have someone fairly near to get blood from!Quote:
Originally Posted by Netman
Yeah - thats just poor technique by the nurse - having had more needles/canulas/arterial lines than I care to think about over the last year - its clear that some people just have "the knack" and others definitely do not. Its no fun if you get the local "stabber", but odds are you'll get a better experience next time.Quote:
Originally Posted by flyinghaggis
I have just driven home from making my 57th donation. Took all of the precautions indicated in earlier posts and had no problems. My attendant told me [with a smile] that I was bled in 4 minutes 25 seconds [hoorah!]
They tend to be very careful with first time donors so allow loads of time. Otherwise really good advice in this thread. I am now on about 30 pints...
I know it's an old chesnut but it's not a pint.
Ben
I have given 3 times a year since the age of 17 (total of 9 years...26 times total, I got my silver award back in February, next one is in October). My sister-in-law and I make a ritual out of it as we go in the evenings.
We do it on a Saturday, so we get a full english in the morning, replacing hash browns and fried bread with extra sausages/bacon. We do some shopping, spend time with my daughter and hers, get a subway lunch - I usually get Spicy Italian BMT with salad etc, then we go and watch a film, play some pool, bowling etc, give blood around 6pm, then go to the local steak house and get a 16oz steak (cooked to order) with a side of chips and peppercorn sauce and pudding of choice.
It is our treat for giving blood and something we have done for the past 5 years together. Perhaps coming up with a ritual will help put you at ease with the needles etc.
Men can donate 4 times a year now :)
Ben
I'm near 50 donations now, having taken years to "get around to it". I'll second/third/whatever the advice to get a lift first time around. Don't rush it, nice chat with the nurses and a cup of tea/coffee afterwards. Go for the hot drink; it slows you down!
It really is easy to make a real difference to someone's life; I commend it to you all!
Well, I had my second attempt yesterday and it was a success. Apparently my middle veins are still hidden so they had to pick a side vein which are more likely to move. After having 3 nurses check my arms for about 5 minutes, they finally gave it a go and got the required pint(ish). However when they sat me up, I did almost pass out with major light headedness. They say it's usually likely to happen the first time, but after 10 minutes of lying down, I was fine again. Disappointed though as they were packing up when I was ready for a drink, and they only had squash. Could have murdered a brew!!! It's a nice feeling though, knowing you may have helped save someones life. :)
I donate 4 times a year. Although I have had to take a break due to getting another tattoo
Im gonna be in the UK for a couple of days soon ... how can I find out about giving blood please?Quote:
Originally Posted by RabbieBurns
Give Blood - do something amazing give BloodQuote:
Originally Posted by RabbieBurns
All the info you need. :)