Give blood this Christmas!!!

Creature

Creature wrote: »

How long do you need to sit down for afterwards? Or can you just leave the clinic and go about your business straight away?

A lot of people do get up and go. I tried sitting for a couple min, thought "oh this is grand what am I sitting here for... oh" and came fairly close to fainting. I think they kept me a good while on the bed and bringing me drinks and chocolate since I didn't look well
I still don't know why since I'd had a load of beef and choc and water all day
Keep meaning to go back, but have been having colds a lot :rolleyes:

NegativeCreep

OldNotWIse wrote: »

They just dont take it from us dirty gays :rolleyes:

Can you nit just lie on the form?

Sar_Bear

Looks like I just missed the clinic in Limerick and will be away for the next ones. Hopefully get it done in January

Tommy_Vercetti

Ive gone about 20 times, the father is up to 70, he's mad to make it to 100!

They keep messing up with me in that they go for the left arm, make a mess, have to turn me around and take it from the right.

I always bring my son along, he gets a massive kick out of the stuff they give out for free, like water bottles, pens, pencils, even car window screens one time! In school we always had the red "Owner is a Doner" pencils!

I remember my Nan getting a couple of transfusions before she passed away 7 years ago and it really makes a difference to people. They are in Killarney up until Thursday this week, in the Malton, old Great Southern, so anyone from Kerry it would be worth the trip to help someone this Christmas!

Teyla Emmagan

I'm not allowed anymore, got a couple of transfusions during the bad old days (i.e. the 1980s).

Bad day when the IBTS send you a letter telling you then don't want to see your face round these parts no more..

WoollyRedHat

Wheres the best place to give Blood in the Dublin Area? Also what the procedure, do you walk in on the day or do you have to call in advance/
In terms of the best place to give blood in Dublin area, as in I don't want to be going to some stabby stabby happy Nurse as I yelp in pain.

wyrn

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Wheres the best place to give Blood in the Dublin Area? Also what the procedure, do you walk in on the day or do you have to call in advance/
In terms of the best place to give blood in Dublin area, as in I don't want to be going to some stabby stabby happy Nurse as I yelp in pain.

I usually go to D'Olier St, very handy and fairly quick. I've started calling in at 1850 731 137 to book an appointment, it means you skip the queue!

I have to say, I've never had a "stabby stabby" or rude nurse since I started donating. They've all been incredibly nice and friendly.

January

Straight into the clinic on D'olier St if you wish, or they have clinics in Swords and Stillorgan this week too in the evenings.

davetherave

Went in to D'Olier street last tuesday with full intentions of only changing the address that they have on record for me, got guilted into donating by a cute nurse.
The place was deserted though. :eek:
Only 3% of those who are eligible to donate, do so. You 97% need to get off your bums and give blood or I'm not sharing anymore

Rasheed

javagal wrote: »

Would love to do this but had a baby 4 months ago.
But when I had her, I was very sick and needed 4 litres of blood and I have rare blood,so if anyone knows the importance of this,its me!

Ya, I used to give all the time but had to have 3 transfusions last year.

As far as I know, I you've ever had a blood transfusion that wasn't your own, you can't ever donate.

As for the person that said to lie on the form, I couldn't. They have those rules for a reason. Who am I to know that my transfusion wasn't tainted.

The rules aren't to alienate people.

Zer0

Is this safe? I'm mad paro about needles!

January

Of course it's safe...

January

spank_inferno wrote: »

back when I was 18 I couldnt wait to start donating, as my parents were frequent donors.

After about 6-8 donations and being man-handled by a succession of ham fisted "nurses" I eventually gave up.

I know I sound like a wuss, but every trip was very painfull.
I stopped about 10 years ago, its not worth the pain.

It's definitely worth the pain... and the bruising I get afterwards! They need to take from my left arm... must remind them.

mr bungle.

ronkmonster wrote: »

I got the same in February. Did they give you a time to wait? My impression was that I can't go back ever.

the letter i got was fairly vague.can't find it now but it went along the lines that we can't take donations dog the foreseeable future.there was a help line number on it.i read itwas gutted when i read it.it was like. thank you now piss off!!

vektarman

Zer0 wrote: »

Is this safe? I'm mad paro about needles!

I'm like yourself, I hate needles but after donating 115 times I'm starting to get used to it, just think of all the people that need blood and it makes the pain a bit easier to bear.

revz

I lived in the UK too so can't donate, but often go in with my friends that do. (feel a bit scabby taking the drinks and biscuits )
I was saying to my dad there should be a test for vCJD that the patient can pay for if they want to get it done, if they feel that strongly about donating, but he said he thinks there isn't any test like that in Ireland at the moment?
He goes up to Northern Ireland to donate as he has rare blood, I think I'll make the trip up with him next time

Mint Sauce

danniemcq wrote: »

Sigh they can't take my blood anymore,


used to give it every three months till i discovered i was allergic to nuts. They won't take blood as thats how the allergy could spread.

kinda annoying but i tell everyone i know that can donate to donate.

Seriously?

:eek:

So being born and raised in the UK rules me out, and now allergic to nuts adds to it.

Pawwed Rig

The rules in the UK seem alot less restrictive

http://www.blood.co.uk/can-i-give-blood/who-cant-give-blood/

Also found this gem
There is no medical reason for an upper weight limit. However, our current donation beds and chairs are designed to safely accommodate a person weighing up to 25 stone (350 lb or 158 kg).

I wonder if that is the Irish reason too

OldNotWIse

NegativeCreep wrote: »

Can you nit just lie on the form?

I dont have to, being female

I think they accept blood from those of us with "nits"

NegativeCreep

OldNotWIse wrote: »

I dont have to, being female

I think they accept blood from those of us with "nits"

That'll be my phone, typing what it wants to type

OldNotWIse

NegativeCreep wrote: »

That'll be my phone, typing what it wants to type

Just trying to "inject" a bit of humour
(ok that one was bad I admit)

Ah I do donate, but I sometimes get a bit annoyed about the fact that they dont accept from gay men, and I'd be tempted to cease donations on those grounds...but figure I'd only be hurting the wrong people

wandatowell

Bloody great idea


Garryvoe Hotel on Friday it is for me.

orestes

I'd love too, but I had loads of transfusions as a kid due to some major surgeries. So due to the fact that I got blood to save my life I'm unable to give some to help someone else

Ihatecuddles-old

They can never get blood from my arms, they always syringe it from my hand. So I'm dreading it to be honest but I know I'll feel great afterwards

They had trouble getting it from my hand last time, I dread to think where they try next!

zenno

I was thinking about giving some blood lately as i have type O rhesus negative blood but do i get a pint of Guinness after being slightly drained ?. If so where do i go immediately ? Blood for a pint it's a deal.

Knasher

zenno wrote: »

I was thinking about giving some blood lately as i have type O rhesus negative blood but do i get a pint of Guinness after being slightly drained ?. If so where do i go immediately ? Blood for a pint it's a deal.

They stopped doing that a couple of years ago I'm afraid.

zenno

Knasher wrote: »

They stopped doing that a couple of years ago I'm afraid.

Anyone know why they stopped that ?. great idea it was and the pint of black i heard done wonders to get you feeling fine after it.

Pawwed Rig

zenno wrote: »

I was thinking about giving some blood lately as i have type O rhesus negative blood but do i get a pint of Guinness after being slightly drained ?. If so where do i go immediately ? Blood for a pint it's a deal.

I will personally buy you a Guinness in the closest pub to IBTS D'Olier Street if you donate:D

OldNotWIse

Ihatecuddles wrote: »

They can never get blood from my arms, they always syringe it from my hand. So I'm dreading it to be honest but I know I'll feel great afterwards

They had trouble getting it from my hand last time, I dread to think where they try next!

I mis-read your post as "they always syringe it from my head"!!!!! :eek:
Picks self up off floor....

January

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

I will personally buy you a Guinness in the closest pub to IBTS D'Olier Street if you donate:D

You sir, are a legend!

beardedmaster

I always go to D'Olier St, then onto a pint in McDaid's after.
Can't go til January though.. every 90 days and all that craic.

Knasher

zenno wrote: »

Anyone know why they stopped that ?. great idea it was and the pint of black i heard done wonders to get you feeling fine after it.

Diageo used to donate Guinness to the IBTS for free, but decided that they didn't want to imply that Guinness had any medical benefit so they stopped donating it.

zenno

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

I will personally buy you a Guinness in the closest pub to IBTS D'Olier Street if you donate:D

I'll keep it in mind. I might do it in january. Not worried about a pint but it would be nice straight after it though. I'm not fond of kneedles but once it's in it doesn't bother me.

Ihatecuddles-old

OldNotWIse wrote: »

I mis-read your post as "they always syringe it from my head"!!!!! :eek:
Picks self up off floor....

Ha! I'd faint straight away if they said that....

Wouldn't mind a pint of Guinness now actually!

zenno

Ihatecuddles wrote: »

Ha! I'd faint straight away if they said that....

Wouldn't mind a pint of Guinness now actually!

Sorry, i alway's have to bring drink into it

darrcow

i would love to give blood but because im english and have lived there im not allowed. so you irish people will have to survive without my superior blood:D

Ihatecuddles-old

darrcow wrote: »

i would love to give blood but because im english and have lived there im not allowed. so you irish people will have to survive without my superior blood:D

I'm sure we'll manage :P

the_syco

How do you find out if you ever received a blood transfusion? Went through a car window when I was 12, but not sure if I received blood in the hospital afterwards; family is not sure either.

zenno

Is the pint of blood taken in a quick fashion or very slowly as so i don't collapse ? How long does it take to extract the pint of blood ?

Never gave it before but i may as well, can't see the bother really, i might need it myself some day, who knows.

Also is it safe to drive after the donation ? or would getting a bus home be the proper option, or is it just a walk in the park.

Knasher

the_syco wrote: »

How do you find out if you ever received a blood transfusion? Went through a car window when I was 12, but not sure if I received blood in the hospital afterwards; family is not sure either.

If you contact the hospital manager you can request your medical records which should tell you either way. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/legal_matters_and_health/access_to_medical_records.html

zenno wrote: »

Is the pint of blood taken in a quick fashion or very slowly as so i don't collapse ? How long does it take to extract the pint of blood ?

Also is it safe to drive after the donation ? or would getting a bus home be the proper option, or is it just a walk in the park.

The first time I gave I felt a little light headed afterwards. I felt the same the first time I donated platelets. Every subsequent time I've felt perfectly fine though. If you are going to donate then I'd advise you to eat a good meal before you go and drink plenty of water during the day. AFAIK if you are going to feel light headed it will happen fairly quickly, not 30 minutes later when you're in your car, so as long as you don't run straight out the door you should be fine. The donation process itself usually takes about 10 minutes, though the place I donate at is on the top of a hill which I cycle up to get there, the extra blood pressure makes the bag inflate quite a bit quicker.

wench

zenno wrote: »

Is the pint of blood taken in a quick fashion or very slowly as so i don't collapse ? How long does it take to extract the pint of blood ?

Never gave it before but i may as well, can't see the bother really, i might need it myself some day, who knows.

Also is it safe to drive after the donation ? or would getting a bus home be the proper option, or is it just a walk in the park.

The actual donation takes about 10 mins. You'll be lying down, so no collapsing. Having a few cold drinks during the day will make it go better.

You should be ok to drive, but if its your first time I would go for the bus. Just in case you have any bad reaction.

Pawwed Rig

It's fine. I never had any problems anyway. They will keep you there if you're feeling light headed until you are better. The actual blood extraction takes about 10 mins (for me at least)

O and have a meal before you donate if possible

Seems that they do not open on Saturday? I would have thought that would be the best day of the year to be open.

wench

revz wrote: »

I was saying to my dad there should be a test for vCJD that the patient can pay for if they want to get it done, if they feel that strongly about donating, but he said he thinks there isn't any test like that in Ireland at the moment?

There is no way to test for CJD, and it can take 30 years for symptoms to appear, so for now it is safest to eliminate the highest risk people.

In the UK they have to just accept the risk, as otherwise their whole population would be ruled out.

zenno

I see. So basically it's a walk in the park. That's good, at least i know now.

Yeah, i figured that they would wait and check on you just to be sure you didn't walk out dizzy/light-headed. And ten minutes is grand, not too fast and not too long.

OldNotWIse

zenno wrote: »

I'll keep it in mind. I might do it in january. Not worried about a pint but it would be nice straight after it though. I'm not fond of kneedles but once it's in it doesn't bother me.

The worst part for me is when they give you a bone and ask you to role it up and down in your hand and squeeze it. (stop with yer dirty minds now, its the rubber one I'm talking about ) - horrible sensation tbh

stmol32

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar wrote: »

im assuming donating blood when you have a squash game in the evening is a silly idea ... ill head up on friday

cheers op, wouldn't have occured to me to do it on my own. I'd gotten so used to the idea that I wasn't eligble thanks to the wonderful drugs I used to take when i was younger.

Nothing wrong with playing squash afterwards, give it about an hour just to make sure you have no adverse effects.

I've given blood a few times and each time I don't really feel any different and just carry on as normal.

tomboylady

I've lived in Ireland my whole life but thanks to having my tonsils removed in the North, I can never give blood here. I was gutted the day the woman in D'Olier Street told me.

NegativeCreep

tomboylady wrote: »

I've lived in Ireland my whole life but thanks to having my tonsils removed in the North, I can never give blood here. I was gutted the day the woman in D'Olier Street told me.

Gutted? Really?