Rawns Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 I've decided to man up and give blood despite my hatred of needles, and my first appointment is a week Monday. I can't see anywhere in the info they sent me about driving, so does anyone know if it's ok/safe to drive after giving blood?
6Foot2 Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 I have given blood on many occasions and I nearly always drive home afterwards. Make sure you have a meal during the day before you donate [proper breakfast if your donation is in the morning, that sort of thing] After the donation the attendants will ask you to sit for a while and have a drink and a small snack [biscuits or a packet of crisps: That sort of thing] After that go on your way knowing that you have "done something amazing" [The NBTS advertising tag] 1
Guest Guest Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 I agree with the have a meal before hand, I once skipped eating anything before giving blood and when dismounting the bed after donating a pint I managed to fall off the bed and landed on the floor. Having 4 Nurses picking me up and putting me back on the bed was quite embarrassing, as was the telling off I received from a formidable nurse old enough to be my mother who made it quite clear I was at fault! My blood is used for premature babies, and frankly, it's pretty cool
CyberNerd Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 I used to give blood a s a student. It saved a lot of money on beer that evening.
Edu-IT Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 Last time I gave I passed out. So, I'd say, if you feel nervous about it get somebody else to drive just in case.
samba_man Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 I'm a bit squemish so tend to feel a little dodgy during and after the blood donation. Certainly worth getting someone to pick you up the first time then you'll know what to do for the next time.
SpuffMonkey Posted August 2, 2012 Posted August 2, 2012 I'm a bit squemish so tend to feel a little dodgy during and after the blood donation. Certainly worth getting someone to pick you up the first time then you'll know what to do for the next time. That sounds sensible - though its never bothered me personally.
Rawns Posted August 3, 2012 Author Posted August 3, 2012 Thanks guys, think I may play it safe and as the wife to play taxi! My blood is used for premature babies, and frankly, it's pretty cool You can actually find out where your blood is used? That's rather cool!
witch Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Well done for going - I am needle-phobic too and cannot quite summon up the courage at the moment. I did manage it once and when I asked where the blood was going the answer was- everywhere!! I have O neg blood which is the one you can give to anyone
CAM Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Needlephobic myself and thus don't give blood, but I have family members who do and they always drive there and back. Perfectly safe, they don't take enough to cause any serious issues with your ability to drive.
Netman Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 I donate every 4 months atm - for your first time I'd definitely get a lift. It does affect different people in different ways. I'm usually fine to drive, but my wife is usually a bit groggy after her draining... Well done chap...
6Foot2 Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 I donate every 4 months atm... The permitted frequency of donations for men has been adjusted so that you can donate more often now [about once every three months on average]
Netman Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 The permitted frequency of donations for men has been adjusted so that you can donate more often now [about once every three months on average] Yer I know thanks - will be stepping it up after my next donation. @witch - O neg here too - you're quite right about it being universal, hence why it is useful in emergencies when there is no time to cross-match a patient (apparently this happens with babies sometimes). The downside for us is we can only have O neg blood, and we're only 7% of the population! Interestingly I'm sure I read somewhere that with platelets the situation is reversed and we can have any group, but ours is only useful to others with O Neg...
6Foot2 Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 @witch - O neg here too... I am O Positive. Could we attach a poll to this thread to see what Edugeek's blood group distribution is or is the thread too old to attach a poll now?
sonofsanta Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 The permitted frequency of donations for men has been adjusted so that you can donate more often now [about once every three months on average] Problem is that round where I am, they're still only hosting the sessions every 4 months so no new schedule for me. Donating is normally fine but to be honest - it depends entirely on who you are. One of my friends almost passed out completely after donating once and had to lie down on a bed for half an hour, whereas I normally throw a pint out in around 4 minutes and am up and off and fine. You'll only know after you've done it so probably best to play it safe this one time. They strongly encourage you to drink a pint of squash while you wait to donate as well, and while you're on the bed keep clenching your bottom (srsly) as it helps keep the blood flowing. You'll get pins and needles down the arm you're donating from but that's normal while you're donating, although let someone know if it's still problematic afterwards. Everyone there is a nurse, even the person on tea 'n' snacks duty so just ask someone, they'll look after yer O positive here, I'm common as muck so I'm alright if I'm ever in an accident my wife is AB- though so they love seeing her in.
RabbieBurns Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 I tried to give blood here but they wouldnt accept it. BSE epidemic in the UK rules me out
flyinghaggis Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 (edited) 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. Edited August 3, 2012 by flyinghaggis
Robz Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 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 The nurses are great and won't let you leave until you've drank and eaten enough when it is your first time.
witch Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 O neg here too - you're quite right about it being universal, hence why it is useful in emergencies when there is no time to cross-match a patient (apparently this happens with babies sometimes). The downside for us is we can only have O neg blood, and we're only 7% of the population!. 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!
SpuffMonkey Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 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. 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.
6Foot2 Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 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!]
robk Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 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...
plexer Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 I know it's an old chesnut but it's not a pint. Ben
featured_spectre Posted August 4, 2012 Posted August 4, 2012 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.
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