Give Blood!

Aglomerado

Aglomerado wrote: »

I started giving blood again recently after a long absence; first thing I missed was the Guinness in bottles! Lots of tea/coffee/7-up and chocolate though!

Pleasant experience overall, they do everything to make you comfortable.

Not sure if they ever get use for my AB+ - only 2% have it apparently.

Some day, some person will need that precious blood. Because of people like you, it will be there for them. So keep giving.
Thank you

enda1

As an aside: I wonder if those bio boffins are on the way to being able to artificially create blood. I imagine its a relatively simple component of the body, so wonder if all the stem cell research etc. will apy off and lead to no need for blood/platelet/bone marrow donations in the near to medium term future?

Would be cool anyway.

But until then, please bleed into bags everyone.

Capt'n Midnight

Aglomerado wrote: »

Not sure if they ever get use for my AB+ - only 2% have it apparently.

I was told it was used for babies , so it may help more people than you think

Capt'n Midnight

Sharrow wrote: »

Popped in yesterday and donated, took a whole 45mins from walking in the door to walking out again. It doesn't take long at all.

You can also phone them up and ask if they are busy and nip in when it's quiet. Can't you also book ahead too ?

Morag

Yes you can make an appointment and be in and out with little fuss.

The uncommon blood types need to have people come into donate, if your type is only 2% of the population then the number of donars is tiny.

Gavin "shels"

irish-stew wrote: »

Some food in the form of chocolate, cake, a sambo and a soft drink or tea. Just incase your feeling faint to boost your sugar/energy levels afterwards.

Some times you might even get a guinness so I beleive, for the iron.

But no, you dont actully get paid. Hence donating blood.

January wrote: »

They had bottles of guinness in the D'olier St clinic the last time I was there but I'm not sure if they do it anymore.

No Guinness anymore, when me and my dad where in there in the summer my dad asked them if they still do it, but to his dismay they don't.

Jake1 wrote: »

Thank you. The reasons for giving blood certainly hit home for me personally.

When I was in giving some the last time during the summer the nurse asked why I was giving blood (was only 19 at the time), and you summed up my response to a tee "giving blood certainly hit home for me personnally". Both my mam and dad hadn't donated in years, I had never, but thanks to all the other people who donated blood a hell of amount of pints where donated to my younger brother who was in a bad way back in 2009.

Since then, all 3 of us have pledged to give blood geniunely as we've actually experience that people need it, and need a lot of it.

Aoifey! wrote: »

but I only turned 18 a few months back and my iron is so low I doubt my blood would be taken.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2071395_increase-iron-intake.html

Get eating missus!:D

door wrote: »

Straight forward right wing bigotry at its finest. Just dismiss the discrimination.

Some man, you're not worthy of a reply from me and others have already picked you up on that crap in your post. Reported!

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

Can't you also book ahead too ?

You can indeed, although my mam rang up yesterday with no answer so she couldn't go down and give any as she only had 30 min lunch from work.

Sharpshooter

Gavin shels wrote: »

Me and my Mam both got phonecalls today off the Irish Blood Transfusion Service saying they're very low on A positive reserves (both of us at A+) and really need some. Needless to say, I'm sure they'd be very happy with any blood type.

There's 9 clinics tomorrow in Ireland, 2 on Friday, 7 on Monday, 9 on Tuesday and 8 on Wednesday, one of those times must suit you, and think about the life/lives you could save by giving up an hour and a half of your day. There's no pain involved aside from a tiny pinch when the needle goes in, so there's no excuse on that side of things imo.

Clinics and times can be found here http://www.giveblood.ie/

And for people who've never given people check here if you can http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood/


And yes my Mam is going in tomorrow to give blood and I'm heading in on Tuesday (poxy college/work).


Oh and can we not have a debate over why Gay people can't give blood, and all that malarky, cheers.

door wrote: »

Straight forward right wing bigotry at its finest. Just dismiss the discrimination.

door, see that bolded bit, that was the OP saying what direction he didn't want his thread taking.

Grow up!

Banned for abuse.

evercloserunion

vektarman wrote: »

Due to give my 100th donation next month, I never imagined reaching it when I first donated...

Don't you get some kind of prize or something?

Also, I'm pretty sure (though not certain) that my donor card lists me as the wrong blood type. I take it I should point this out to them? It's been a while since I went in and I can't remember what I did about it last time, or what their response was.

Tchaikovsky

What's the minimum amount of time you can have between donations?
I donated just before Christmas and I'm leaving Ireland next week, so I'd like to do it before I go. Got the last of my travel vaccinations last Friday so I hope it won't impinge on me.

Capt'n Midnight

Tchaikovsky wrote: »

What's the minimum amount of time you can have between donations?
I donated just before Christmas and I'm leaving Ireland next week, so I'd like to do it before I go. Got the last of my travel vaccinations last Friday so I hope it won't impinge on me.

Strictly 90 days.

It depends on the vaccinations
Vaccination - How long after a vaccination Can I give blood?
http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/FAQs/

You could also donate abroad as you man not be able to donate for a while on your return.

* If you have been to a malarial area, you will be deferred for 12 months.
* If you have been to a tropical area you, you will be deferred for 3 months.
* If you have been to an area where the west Nile virus exists (places such as Canada, America, Israel, certain parts of Europe and the federal district of Russia) you will be deferred for 28 days.

For all other travel queries please call 1850 731 137.

Skid

evercloserunion wrote: »

Don't you get some kind of prize or something?

Also, I'm pretty sure (though not certain) that my donor card lists me as the wrong blood type. I take it I should point this out to them? It's been a while since I went in and I can't remember what I did about it last time, or what their response was.

You should definitely clarify that with the Blood Transfusion people,

Seems very odd that they would have the wrong blood group on your card.

midlandsmissus

Have to say im selfishly glad to hear that living in england during that time rules you out, as im extremely squeamish and dont think I could bear to see the blood coming out. How much do they take?

Capt'n Midnight

midlandsmissus wrote: »

Have to say im selfishly glad to hear that living in england during that time rules you out, as im extremely squeamish and dont think I could bear to see the blood coming out. How much do they take?

http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Donation_Process/
The total volume of blood taken is 470ml, which is less than a pint.

There's 568ml in a pint so it's 5/6th's of a pint.

cassid

used to give blood regularily, then had a very bad birth last year and to have 3 transfusions. Delighted people donate as I needed it. The only problem is because I got a transfusion I can't donate, which is a shame- can't donate milk either but thats another topic.:D

delta_bravo

Diageo stopped supplying the IBTS with guinness as they wanted to disassociate themselves from the old image of porter as being medicinal.

I've given about a dozen times. Must go again soon. It has it's advantages besides the free snacks after it. You get free blood if you ever need it (the stuff is fairly pricey otherwise)

P_1

Was always under the impression that I couldn't give blood due to my being a diabetic. Got a new tattoo done a few weeks ago so that rules me out for a while anyway.

Lia_lia

I would love to give blood. But I can't because of the UK thing.

Also almost everytime I get blood taken at the doctors I faint. Not because I'm scared of needles or anything..blood pressure just goes too low I guess!

TPD

I'm a mad cow, so no.

Jimmy the Wheel

I'm type AB positive, and never bothered giving blood, as it's so rare, but apparently I'm a universal plasma donor, so I should look into it again.

The last time I went to give blood I blithely answered the questions regarding drug and hooker use, not expecting to be interviewed by a smoking-hot chick.

Cue slight embarrassment.

Capt'n Midnight

pithater1 wrote: »

Was always under the impression that I couldn't give blood due to my being a diabetic. Got a new tattoo done a few weeks ago so that rules me out for a while anyway.

http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/FAQs/

Tattoo - I just got a tattoo. Can I give blood?

No, you will be deferred for 4 months after getting a tattoo even if removed by laser treatment during that time.

P_1

Key phrase is 'for a while'. So if my understanding of this is correct I can give blood 4 months after my most recent tattoo even though I am diabetic? I always thought that my diabetes ruled me out from being eligible to give blood.

Melissa89

I'm a regular blood donor, donated platelets a few times, but had a few complications so I'm back to whole blood for a while. I encourage everyone I know to give blood or at least see if they're eligible. I think everyone that can, should donate. Have given 10 donations now, don't find them building up.

Melissa89

pithater1 wrote: »

Key phrase is 'for a while'. So if my understanding of this is correct I can give blood 4 months after my most recent tattoo even though I am diabetic? I always thought that my diabetes ruled me out from being eligible to give blood.

If you do the quiz on the IBTS website and answer that you are taking medication it tells you:
"Unfortunately, you are unable to give blood if you are taking medication for some conditions such as for a heart condition or diabetes."

http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood_answer_10.html

ryaner777

I’m in tomorrow for a platelets donation. Just got the “Gentle Reminder” text from them. Makes me laugh every time.

kelle

dark crystal wrote: »

I'm not allowed either, by virtue of the fact I lived in the UK for a while during the 80's.

Same here, I lived in the UK in the late 80s/early 90s.

bodice ripper

They won't take mine because of my long term monogamous relationship with another woman.

plus (and this is completely reasonable...) I never have 4 months between tattoos.

Gavin "shels"

Finally got a moment to get in today to give blood, brought my mate in but he couldn't give as he is a year long prescription for asthma. Was great to see so many people in there and so many people roughly my own age (18,19,20) going in for the 1st time.

In and out in about an hour.

2 donations down, 98 to go

double GG

I gave my second donation last night. Hopefully I can give a 3rd donation by the time I am 19 in June.


Very simple and easy. Drink plenty of water if possible before it, if you want the donation to go faster. It took me a mere 4 minutes to donate the 470ml. After giving, the feeling is amazing! I am a very very proud member of Ireland's most extraordinary club.

Gavin "shels"

double GG wrote: »

I gave my second donation last night. Hopefully I can give a 3rd donation by the time I am 19 in June.

Fairplay man, hoping to reach by 3rd donation by June and 4th donation before I'm 21 in October.:cool:

badgerhowlin

Clinic is in Enniscorthy for the next 2 days\eveining.
In the Riverside Park Hotel. 4.30pm to 8.00pm

They had a good turn out on sunday about 140
Last night there was about 30 in before me and i was out at 6.30 so i would say they had about 60-70 last night

didnt get my pencil last night
Given 14 times now. or 15 not sure while. It said on my sheet 14 times, but dont know if it had alreay included last night on it or not.

yupyup7up

I can't because apparently I've got mad cow disease as a result of being born in the UK.

bluewolf

bluewolf wrote: »

I should start, I'm sure there is a clinic around here somewhere

Duno my blood type though

i went in november...
:cool:

biko

badgerhowlin wrote: »

Clinic is in Enniscorthy for the next 2 days\eveining.
In the Riverside Park Hotel. 4.30pm to 8.00pm

They had a good turn out on sunday about 140
Last night there was about 30 in before me and i was out at 6.30 so i would say they had about 60-70 last night

didnt get my pencil last night
Given 14 times now. or 15 not sure while. It said on my sheet 14 times, but dont know if it had alreay included last night on it or not.

We don't usually like when people bring back old threads :mad: but give blood folks!
http://www.giveblood.ie/ has current locations.

danniemcq

I used to give blood and answered all questions on form and from docs honestly

all was grand for a few years till i was in Letterkenny giving blood and went to sign up for the marrow one too (think it was marrow)

Anyway girl comes round and starts asking me all the same kinda questions again

HER - "Are you allergic to anything?"
ME - "Bad Hayfever, Athsma as a kid and allergic to nuts too"

she freaks and asks did i tell anyone this before giving blood and i said aye.

So now turns out that as they are not sure how a nut allergy could get passed they can't take my blood in case someone became allergic after the transfusion!

so for 5 or so years despite saying i was allegic to nuts they still took my blood. So if anyone out there got a b+ transfusion and developed a nut allergy then sorry!

*Rang them up a few times since to see if can give it again and still no


Oh i see this is a bump well can i just say that if anyone is wondering the process is a piece of piss.

Never had a bad experience in there and although it can be a bit daunting the docs and nurses are really nice and they will sit with you when you are giving blood and there is tea and biscuits after too!

And you never know who you could help!

Posy

I work full time so could go and give blood at the weekend, but the clinic doesn't open saturday or sunday.. or Friday afternoons. So feck this, I'm going to get another piercing.

danniemcq

Posy wrote: »

I work full time so could go and give blood at the weekend, but the clinic doesn't open saturday or sunday.. or Friday afternoons. So feck this, I'm going to get another piercing.

Lunch break?

you could always chat to them and ask becuase you have to go back to work can you skip a few places in the queue?

If not bring a book and call it PTO

wyrn

Donated last week and flew through the process. First time I've been there when it was quiet.

Had to wait an extra month before donating as I had started using a topical gel (for appearance purposes), which isn't allowed. I didn't realise because it's some derivative of something or any other, which I would never have figured out.

Fair dues to them at giveblood.ie they really check out everything in great detail.

I always knew it was important to donate, but it didn't hit home until a very sick family member who has needed transfusions, thanked me for donating.

Mr Benevolent

I don't donate, the vampires have enough to keep them going for a while. Premium stuff, too.

Actually I'm not allowed. Got a transfusion in the 80's and I'm banned from giving it. Makes sense, right?

Gareth2011

Posy wrote: »

I work full time so could go and give blood at the weekend, but the clinic doesn't open saturday or sunday.. or Friday afternoons. So feck this, I'm going to get another piercing.

You sure? I brought my wife to the one at stillorgan before at 6 in the evening and they weren't closing yet, there was my wife an another 2 there waiting to go. Il also mention on that occasion I was going to do it but saw the needles and blood coming from her and the nurse started asking me if I was alright did I want a sandwich I went really pale and felt dizzy just from lookin at it but I can handle blood so don't know what happened that night.

ElleEm

Would love to be able to donate but can't as I am on medication.
would love to know what blood type I am though.

ElleEm

mikemac1 wrote: »

Do they still give you a bottle of Guinness?

Supposed to help your iron levels

Read the thread, its been mentioned.

Storminateacup

Would love to but they're pretty anal about being over a certain weight and the only time I'd ever be over that is if I was pregnant, which they won't take either, coupled with anaemia. Raging too cause I have o - blood which I was told is the special blood!!

Nothingbetter2d

im A+ so ill drop into D'olier street on the way home this even.

Ellis Dee

I used to be a blood donor, even got a Golden Pelican in Ireland, but alas am no longer eligible to donate. A little over a year ago, though, I was glad to receive several transfusions when I badly needed them. My eternal thanks to my benefactors, the anonymous donors.:)

Back in 1997 Ireland issued a series of Dracula stamps in honour of Bram Stoker, see here: http://semety.bravehost.com/Vampires%20Site/Irish%20Dracula%20Stamps.jpg

It was coincidence, probably, but around the same time the slogan printed with postmarks in the Dublin area was: "Blood donors save lives.":D:D

mikemac1

ElleEm wrote: »

Read the thread, its been mentioned.

Some say it's offered, some say it is not

And the thread is over a year old, policies change and that is why I asked

It's not like this thread started today

Capt'n Midnight

Confab wrote: »

Actually I'm not allowed. Got a transfusion in the 80's and I'm banned from giving it. Makes sense, right?

Total sense

otherwise you get a feedback loop,

that's how mad-cow disease became a problem, each time they put stuff back through the system the disease got amplified


according to this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creutzfeldt%E2%80%93Jakob_disease#Blood_donor_restrictions most of the EU/US/Oz/NZ won't take blood from people who have lived in the UK , and even the UK don't use UK blood for blood products.


Here's why http://www.cjd.ed.ac.uk/TMER/fate.htm


You could donate next time you are visiting the UK

not sure if http://www.nibts.org will take your blood but it's not that far away either.

wdmfapq4zs83hv

I would like to thank all you blood & blood products donors, you saved my life

(pity I can not now donate myself as I have received a transfusion)

Dravokivich

bluewolf wrote: »

i went in november...
:cool:

Did you ever find out your bloodtype?

:P

brokenhinge

Nope, can't- ghey, low iron count and lived in Engerland. Sickened, I want to and have rare blood- AB negative.

Fussy bitches they are.

Mink

I'm RH O neg. My dad was as well and he used to get a call the odd time to donate if he forgot to go in for regular donations.

I can't donate til the whole lived in UK at some point 80's-90's thing gets sorted. But last time I donated in UK when visiting they filled up all these little teeny tiny bags so my blood could be donated to newborns as it's the only blood type they can use for that & A&E casulaties.

One time I went for a jog a night or two after donating, bit mistake - nearly collapsed, don't try it. Leave it a good few days or even a week before attempting major cardio after donating.