Giving Blood, DO IT!!!!!
Giving Blood, DO IT!!!!!
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Discussion

eybic

Original Poster:

9,212 posts

203 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Helloooooo,

I have this morning given blood for the first time and wanted to post here to tell everyone else to do it too (if you're eligible). It only takes about 45 minutes and most of that is sitting drinking squash and eating biscuits.

Either visit: www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323.

Tyson1980

712 posts

185 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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My wife gave blood for the first time a few months back. She told me she would never do it again. It was extremely painful for her...

She had very good intentions, so the fact she will never do it again surprises me. I do agree that everyone should give blood though....

Mercer89

97 posts

209 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Good idea. Given 11 pints (at only age 21). But cant not after having had a transfusion in an operation. Getting people to do it is really important though.

Riley Blue

23,205 posts

255 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Been giving blood since 1969.

BlueTwo2

4,665 posts

223 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Really not for me, thanks!

eybic

Original Poster:

9,212 posts

203 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
quotequote all
Tyson1980 said:
My wife gave blood for the first time a few months back. She told me she would never do it again. It was extremely painful for her...

She had very good intentions, so the fact she will never do it again surprises me. I do agree that everyone should give blood though....
I'm really suprised at that, I found pulling the tape off my arm hurt more than anything else (the joys of being a hairy fecker)

Mug

472 posts

202 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Been doing it since 2003, had to stop for a year due to innoculations, next appointment is 15th July

Tyre Smoke

23,018 posts

290 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Went to my local session, was told they were too busy, couldn't take my blood. Register on line and we'll be in touch.

Registered on line and ever since tumbleweed

Rich_W

12,548 posts

241 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
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Where I worked once had the bloodmobile turn up. Read the small print turns out I'm in eligable to give blood.


hidetheelephants

35,689 posts

222 months

Wednesday 22nd June 2011
quotequote all
Tyre Smoke said:
Went to my local session, was told they were too busy, couldn't take my blood. Register on line and we'll be in touch.

Registered on line and ever since tumbleweed
Rock up at your local donation centre at any time other than a bank holiday or at lunch time and I'd be astonished if you don't get tapped straight away.

I have given blood, but after getting a transfusion a while ago I can't anymore.

BlackVanDyke

9,932 posts

240 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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Tyson1980 said:
My wife gave blood for the first time a few months back. She told me she would never do it again. It was extremely painful for her...

She had very good intentions, so the fact she will never do it again surprises me. I do agree that everyone should give blood though....
Probably just bad luck with whoever did the stick, encourage her to consider trying again sometime.

I've never been allowed to give blood, really really wish I could. Some of my gay mates are struggling with the automatic ban and considering lying as they know they're clean - not something I can condone although I understand the sentiment.

eybic

Original Poster:

9,212 posts

203 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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I was suprised at the blanket ban for gay men giving blood. A guy at work was saying that if anything they are generally "cleaner" than straight guys as they get checked very regularly.

anonymous-user

83 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
I'm surprised you posted this in that case... http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

LordGrover

34,148 posts

241 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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I donated three or four times a few years ago, but at the last one I felt quite light headed and giddy for a few minutes. Staggered to the tea and biscuits and felt fine a few minutes later. They said I wasn't to try again. frown

anonymous-user

83 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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hidetheelephants said:
Rock up at your local donation centre at any time other than a bank holiday or at lunch time and I'd be astonished if you don't get tapped straight away.
Unfortunately not my experience - I'd love to donate more frequently but my local centre always seems to have a wait time of 40 mins or more, which isn't very convenient when popping in on a lunch break.

I have complained to the staff there as I've seen others come in and walk out also, but this was met with shrugged shoulders and comments of "nothing we can do" - they have the beds/equipment, but at any one time only about 50% of it is in use, suggesting they're not well staffed.

pugwash4x4

7,673 posts

250 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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yellowbentines said:
Unfortunately not my experience - I'd love to donate more frequently but my local centre always seems to have a wait time of 40 mins or more, which isn't very convenient when popping in on a lunch break.

I have complained to the staff there as I've seen others come in and walk out also, but this was met with shrugged shoulders and comments of "nothing we can do" - they have the beds/equipment, but at any one time only about 50% of it is in use, suggesting they're not well staffed.
yep me too- used to give all the time at Uni- multiple times per year- never seemed to notice the loss biggrin

Went to local place-
"oh yes there's a one hour waiting time before we can see you"
"well can i book a slot and come back for an appointment"- ie i'm willing to put myself out and mess around work to give blood
"no sorry, you just have to turn up and wait- but we're usually quiet at 4ish"- Basically we're not putting ourselves out

again its back to the responsibility thing- someone should/could have just said "lets run an appointment book", its really easy to do, and would get more blood in. But no, that's sensible and efficient and isn't on the whole, enouraged in the NHS.

If we are that short of blood i really wonder why it isn't organised better!

Tyre Smoke

23,018 posts

290 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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I used to give blood back in the early 80's and it was a very pleasurable experience. Turn up, give a pint have a cup of tea and a biscuit.

It is real hassle now, the staff are simply not interested and won't put themselves out at all. Not made welcome, not made to think you are doing anything worthwhile, not going to bother again!

Davel

8,982 posts

287 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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Gave it for years. Never any problem.

My medication now means that they don't want it anymore.


eybic

Original Poster:

9,212 posts

203 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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I made an appointment and was seen straight away. If you call them you can make an appointment at a place near you, then you'll be straight in.

Tyre Smoke

23,018 posts

290 months

Thursday 23rd June 2011
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
I can go at any time of day or night, they're still not interested.