Giving Blood

Aglomerado

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Easiest good deed you'll ever do

But God be with the days of a glass of Guinness / Harp (although maybe not the Harp :eek:).

Used to love the Guinness, especially as I used to give blood in my old secondary school hall and and it was surreal drinking alcohol in the same space I'd done my Leaving Cert exams in.

donegal__road

I overheard some tizzy on the radio last week, about Irish Blood and the fact that they sell on the blood from their banks for something like €750 per pint/litre. I can't find a link online and I dont know what radio show it was on, I only heard it in passing..

snowbabe

There are alot of restrictions and the pool of people able to donate is getting smaller all the time.I really think it needs to be brought home to schools the importance of giving blood.Its particularly important for the O neg and B neg blood types even one pint donated of these types will insure there is 8pints there for them for surgery or if theyre involved in an accident.Also many people probably dont realise that in the cases of car accidents where there is no time to match bloods O neg is compatible with everyone.Obviously then its important for all the other blood groups to keep the bank full for surgerys etc.My husband gets regular texts etc,and they have even offered taxi to collect him on occassions when supplies are at a very low level.

Macy0161

Would do, and did when I lived in Britain. Can't here, because I did live in Britain.

Vote 4 Pedro

Macy0161 wrote: »

Would do, and did when I lived in Britain. Can't here, because I did live in Britain.

I'm just the same, shame really.
If anyones blood who lived in the UK in that time is so dangerous then how are the UK blood banks doing, they have no problems with it.

tomwaterford

SweepTheLeg wrote: »

I'd love to donate some of my rare B- blood. But I don't qualify since I lived in England when all that mad cow stuff went on.

Only 2% of the population are B-. Gutted I can't donate.

I'm B- as well and they do be ringing and texting if they stuck:D (only people who ever text me:o).....im surprised they havnt come up with some test for the mad cow thing??

Joshua J

donegal__road wrote: »

I overheard some tizzy on the radio last week, about Irish Blood and the fact that they sell on the blood from their banks for something like €750 per pint/litre. I can't find a link online and I dont know what radio show it was on, I only heard it in passing..

Yeah I heard that too was on Highland Radio. Guy was on thought when he gave blood that it was giving to the hospitals but they actually have to buy it off the Irish Blood. The CEO of IB was on saying they got €248 for a unit of red blood cells and a unit of platlets, made up from three donations, was like €800. Theres a third constituent they sell but he didn't remember what it sold for. The DJ asked him how much a donation of blood was worth to them and he hymned and ha'd and avoided the question.

He did say that it costs €64,000,000 per year to run Irish Blood. I think there's a few Board member making killing while your saving lives.

donegal__road

Joshua J wrote: »

Yeah I heard that too was on Highland Radio. Guy was on thought when he gave blood that it was giving to the hospitals but they actually have to buy it off the Irish Blood. The CEO of IB was on saying they got €248 for a unit of red blood cells and a unit of platlets, made up from three donations, was like €800. Theres a third constituent they sell but he didn't remember what it sold for. The DJ asked him how much a donation of blood was worth to them and he hymned and ha'd and avoided the question.

He did say that it costs €64,000,000 per year to run Irish Blood. I think there's a few Board member making killing while your saving lives.

I remember hearing this part alright.




.

Arthur Beesley

Ghost Buster wrote: »

I said 'perhaps'. You stated that you think the op is being superior.
I didnt give a definitive answer...but you did.:)

I asked a question. Hardly a definitively answer.

Ghost Buster

SweepTheLeg wrote: »

I'd love to donate some of my rare B- blood. But I don't qualify since I lived in England when all that mad cow stuff went on.

Only 2% of the population are B-. Gutted I can't donate.

Im B+ , rare enough at only 9% but got a text today-

"B+ stock is now 8.4 days. Please consider skipping donating this time. We hope to see you there the next time"
I feel rejected!:(

Badly Drunk Boy

The last time I tried to give blood I wouldn't bleed. I don't think I'd eaten enough close to the time I tried to donate. I even let them stab me in both arms but to no avail. I'm A- so it's a relatively rare blood type.

miss no stars

SweepTheLeg wrote: »

I'd love to donate some of my rare B- blood. But I don't qualify since I lived in England when all that mad cow stuff went on.

Only 2% of the population are B-. Gutted I can't donate.

Ah sure don't worry, only 2% of people needing blood will need B-.

What an emo blood-type.. "Be negative"

:pac:

Everyone who can, should. No harm either to be put on the bone marrow database. Meant to the last time I was there but it was too late when I mentioned it. Oops. Have since had to stop as I was so unwell afterwards, not immediately afterwards but very run down for the week or so after.

Alf Veedersane

Badly Drunk Boy wrote: »

The last time I tried to give blood I wouldn't bleed. I don't think I'd eaten enough close to the time I tried to donate. I even let them stab me in both arms but to no avail. I'm A- so it's a relatively rare blood type.

Maybe your blood had left your veins for a lunch break.

Julez

miss no stars wrote: »

No harm either to be put on the bone marrow database.

Isn't giving bone marrow very painful? Not saying you shouldn't but its a bit more of a comitment than blood, right?

Diabhal Beag

Been doing it now for about 3 years. Honestly don't know they background of whether it's bought off the HSE or whatever but once it gets to somebody who needs it I couldn't give a ****. I hate needles too but that's no excuse. Have gotten about 5 or 6 of my friends involved too. They are very flexible with days too and the staff are lovely.

miss no stars

Julez wrote: »

Isn't giving bone marrow very painful? Not saying you shouldn't but its a bit more of a comitment than blood, right?

I believe it's come a long way in recent years. With matches being so rare a person might never be called. Obviously it's not for everyone and it's more of a time and physical commitment, but if you're fit and healthy you could give a second chance to someone who's in dire need of the transplant with only a small effect on you. I just can't imagine being in the last stages of some sort of leukemia, needing a bone barrow transplant, and being told there was no match for me. How awful it must be to know there's a treatment, but they just can't find a match for you... It's not even like organ donation where someone has to die to get a transplant, it's a small procedure for someone.

CrabRevolution

Have donated since I was 18, as a B- I do get texts and sometimes calls to come in for the clinics. I think B- is the joint 2nd most useful blood after O-, but is 4 times more rare.

AB+ must be easy to deal with, being able to get blood off any donor.

Capt'n Midnight

hairyprincess wrote: »

And the free Coke, crisps and biscuits are a major bonus! Not to mention the free pencils!

And 2hrs free parking in town

miss no stars

Bump:

Bone Marrow recruitment nurse will be at the D'Olier Street clinic on:

Wednesday 14th May 2014 from 12.30 to 7.00pm

Thursday 15th May 2014 from 12.30pm to 7.00pm

Thursday 22nd May 2014 from 12.30pm to 7.00pm

You can make an appointment by contacting the bone marrow team on:
Telephone: (01) 4322836
Fax: (01) 4322933

Tip

Dont arrive with your blood already drained into a 2 liter TK bottle, even if it was washed out.

Gael23

All the regulations about who can and cannot gove blood put me off doing it. Also I know a few people that were unwell after giving blood

HeidiHeidi

ryanf1 wrote: »

All the regulations about who can and cannot gove blood put me off doing it. make me all the more determined to donate and keep donating. Also I know a few people that were unwell after giving blood

Given how few people are actually eligible to donate, I think it's all the more important that those who can actually do. That's just how I look at it.

(the merits or otherwise of the current eligibility list is an argument for another day/thread)

And in all my times in the donation clinics, I've maybe seen two people who've had to be lain down and looked after - most people if they're sensible (eat and drink plenty beforehand, don't over-exert yourself afterwards) are absolutely fine following donation.

ryanf1

ryanf1 wrote: »

All the regulations about who can and cannot gove blood put me off doing it. Also I know a few people that were unwell after giving blood

It literally takes 10 mins to answer all the questions, they wont be long telling you if you cant donate or not.

Heroine addicted monkey handlers are a big no no

irish_goat

Last time I donated I got chatted up by a hot girl when we were both having our tea and biscuits after. She was clearly suffering from loss of blood to the head...

mcko

Always gave blood great thing to do.

seamonkey92

If your healthy and pass the criteria you should definitely do it!

Diabhal Beag

ryanf1 wrote: »

All the regulations about who can and cannot gove blood put me off doing it.

This seems like more of an excuse for not wanting to do it anyways IMO. You'd know yourself even before reading the questions what sort of scenario would deem you unsuitable.

ryanf1 wrote: »

Also I know a few people that were unwell after giving blood

It does happen from time to time for different people. They might feel faint afterwards but there's nurses there to help always and you get recommendations of what to do/what not to do for 24 hours. Maybe happens to 1/50 who give blood.

cloud493

I was in england between 1988- 1998 so I'm ineligible :cool:

wdmfapq4zs83hv

From a recipient of a blood transfusion which saved my life thank you to everyone who donates

yeppydeppy

ryanf1 wrote: »

All the regulations about who can and cannot gove blood put me off doing it. Also I know a few people that were unwell after giving blood

I'm a donor for the last 20 years or so - not every three months like some people but regular enough. I've seenthree incidents of people coming over a little faint after giving blood - not what I would describe as unwell.
There is always ample care there for donors and a number to call should anything go wrong after you've left the clinic.

shampon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2htZJDY4_c

???

canonball5

It depends if you have Aids or not. If you do i'd maybe think more about it.

osarusan

Karter Spicy Sesame wrote: »

From a recipient of a blood transfusion which saved my life thank you to everyone who donates

You are welcome my good man/woman.

+1 on encouraging everybody to donate if possible. A crucial part of the body's recovery from accidents.

I've seen one or two people feel a bit faint for a minute or two, but some liquid and some sugar and they were fine again almost straight away.

Aglomerado

yeppydeppy wrote: »

I'm a donor for the last 20 years or so - not every three months like some people but regular enough. I've seenthree incidents of people coming over a little faint after giving blood - not what I would describe as unwell.
There is always ample care there for donors and a number to call should anything go wrong after you've left the clinic.

+1 This has happened to me and I was well looked after by the clinic staff until they felt I was able to leave. Unfortunately it has happened too often and I'm now excluded from donating which is a pity but they have a duty of care. I have to say they have always been great to deal with.

Ardeehey

I gave blood a good few times but now I give platelets...it's a longer and more tiring process.....plus not always easy as they only do it in and around work hours...but it's important and try to do it as often as possible.

Doesn't matter what you donate as long as you do if you're able.

MonkieSocks

I used to give Blood a lot, when I got to 100 Donations, a group of us went to meet Mary Robinson when she was President.

I also got a call a few times in the middle of the night to go in and give Blood.

The most satisifying thing was I went on the Bone Marrow List.

They take your DNA and if someone who needs bone marrow that closely matchs your DNA, you can donate your Bone Marrow to them.

After a year I got a call to ask me to donate my Bone Marrow.

Some little Girl in Canada needed it and I was a good match.

"No Problem" I said.

Went into hospital for the procedure.

You are out for the procedure, they take the marrow from your Pelvis area from the rear.

After I woke I had bit os soreness in my lower back.

This lessened each day and went away after about a fortnight.

I got a Beautiful Thank You Card from the Girls family in Canada thanking me, and their girl was making a good recovery.

I still have that Card today after over Thirty years.

Every now and then I take it out and wonder how that little girl is doing now.

The family wanted to remain anonymous, so I don't know how she is now.

Just the thought of her making a full recovery and probably having kids of her own fills me with a warm feeling that I will always carry around with me.

Plazaman

FearDark wrote: »

It's a terrible idea for a gift.

"Happy Birthday, I got you some blood"

I like to hang coloured plastic sacks full of my breath around rooms where there are birthday parties. Used to be blood but I'd only manage 1 before fainting.

yeppydeppy

Fair play - that's 4 donations a year for 25 years without missing one!

Capt'n Midnight

cloud493 wrote: »

I was in england between 1988- 1998 so I'm ineligible :cool:

you're still eligible in the UK

http://www.nibts.org/wheretodonate.html

http://www.nibts.org/canidonate.html

You should not donate if you have received, or think you may have received a blood transfusion anywhere in the world since January 1st 1980. This also applies to any human tissue you may have received from another individual (dura mater grafts, corneal and scleral tissue grafts, human pituitary derived extracts) This was introduced in 2004 as one of the measures to reduce the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (vCJD).

You should not donate if diagnosed with any form of CJD, or you have had two or more blood relatives develop a prion-associated disease

No Pants

I think I've donated blood about 14 times. My missus can't, her veins are too small. She's tried a number of times, but they can never get the full measure and she always ends up in bruises. They won't let her try anymore.

Penny Tration

osarusan wrote: »

You are welcome my good man/woman.

+1 on encouraging everybody to donate if possible. A crucial part of the body's recovery from accidents.

I've seen one or two people feel a bit faint for a minute or two, but some liquid and some sugar and they were fine again almost straight away.

I've managed to get my sister donating, despite her being terrified of needles.

I donate as much as I can. Once, I was quite ill after donating, but that's only because at the time, although I had eaten before donating, I hadn't eaten much all day. Became very dizzy and had to lie down, then vomited after I got home.

Every other time, it's been simple.

eisenberg1

I have been donating for a few years now, and will continue for as long as I can. But one thing bugs me, when people say "Oh aren't you great, I would love to give blood, but I hate needles". I resist the temptation to advise getting a tattoo stating that, in case they ever require a transfusion.

Don't get me wrong, if, for whatever reason, you cant, I have no issue., even if you simply don't want to, that's fine, .....but spare me the above.

No Pants

eisenberg1 wrote: »

when people say "Oh aren't you great, I would love to give blood, but I hate needles".

I really hate needles too and some donations can be difficult for me if I let my mind wander. My memory plays tricks and previous donations always seem worse than reality. I do tell the nurses about it and ask them just to not let me see what they're doing. That seems to work.

Muise...

eisenberg1 wrote: »

I have been donating for a few years now, and will continue for as long as I can. But one thing bugs me, when people say "Oh aren't you great, I would love to give blood, but I hate needles". I resist the temptation to advise getting a tattoo stating that, in case they ever require a transfusion.

Don't get me wrong, if, for whatever reason, you cant, I have no issue., even if you simply don't want to, that's fine, .....but spare me the above.

meh, they're just politely excusing themselves. Like when someone asks for sponsorship to climb a mountain or something, I say "aren't you great, but I'm broke/I'll get back to you" rather than "I'm broke and I really don't get the structure of this charitable transaction."

Chattastrophe!

Sir Arthur Daley wrote: »

I would love to donate blood but faint when i see it plus cant stand needles either, fair play to everyone who does.

To be perfectly honest, I think that's a really horrible and astoundingly selfish attitude.

If you needed a lifesaving transfusion, if your child needed a lifesaving transfusion, do you think you'd be saying "Eh thanks but no thanks, I can't stand needles."

I doubt it, somehow, I'd say you'd be quite willing for you or yours to take the transfusions when/if the time comes, despite your reluctance to contribute yourself.

Muise...

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

To be perfectly honest, I think that's a really horrible and astoundingly selfish attitude.

If you needed a lifesaving transfusion, if your child needed a lifesaving transfusion, do you think you'd be saying "Eh thanks but no thanks, I can't stand needles."

I doubt it, somehow, I'd say you'd be quite willing for you or yours to take the transfusions when/if the time comes, despite your reluctance to contribute yourself.

What part of voluntary don't you understand?

Also, you completely lost the argument by bringing in hypothetical sick children in a different scenario for optimum emotional appeal.

_Redzer_

But the thing about it is, it doesn't actually hurt. I've never given blood directly, but once had to give a large amount for loads of blood work and the nurse said it's pretty much exactly the same procedure in that particular instance.
Anyway, the only way I could describe it is as is very mildly uncomfortable, but only when they put it in, completely gone after that. They're very good at it, they don't jab into your vein at all.

Actually, every single vaccine I've gotten was more painful or uncomfortable than that, easily.

If you're eligible for it, there's no real reason not to, you'll make a huge difference... and even help get over any phobias about needles you have along the way.

MonkieSocks

MonkieSocks wrote: »

I used to give Blood a lot, when I got to 100 Donations, a group of us went to meet Mary Robinson when she was President.

I also got a call a few times in the middle of the night to go in and give Blood.

The most satisifying thing was I went on the Bone Marrow List.

They take your DNA and if someone who needs bone marrow that closely matches your DNA, you can donate your Bone Marrow to them.

After a year I got a call to ask me to donate my Bone Marrow.

Some little Girl in Canada needed it and I was a good match.

"No Problem" I said.

Went into hospital for the procedure.

You are out for the procedure, they take the marrow from your Pelvis area from the rear.

After I woke I had bit os soreness in my lower back.

This lessened each day and went away after about a fortnight.

I got a Beautiful Thank You Card from the Girls family in Canada thanking me, and their girl was making a good recovery.

I still have that Card today after over Thirty years.

Every now and then I take it out and wonder how that little girl is doing now.

The family wanted to remain anonymous, so I don't know how she is now.

Just the thought of her making a full recovery and probably having kids of her own fills me with a warm feeling that I will always carry around with me.

Choked up a bit reading that, what a wonderful thing .

I've never given blood, I don't meet the weight requirement as I am very small and only 6.5 stone. I wonder if I can still register as a bone marrow donor though, it never occurred to me until I read this post MS, so hopefully you've paid it forward again, and if I can register as a BM donor, I can too.

You might have started something good.

Edit: I just checked and there seems no reason for me not to register as a BM donor, and I'm filling in the application form atm.

MonkieSocks

Candie wrote: »

Choked up a bit reading that, what a wonderful thing .

I've never given blood, I don't meet the weight requirement as I am very small and only 6.5 stone. I wonder if I can still register as a bone marrow donor though, it never occurred to me until I read this post MS, so hopefully you've paid it forward again, and if I can register as a BM donor, I can too.

You might have started something good.

Edit: I just checked and there seems no reason for me not to register as a BM donor, and I'm filling in the application form atm.

Brilliant Candie,

You just choked up a bit too.

They will call you in to Jame's Hospital after you have registered and explain what the procedures are and to ensure that you understand everything.

The bit of soreness of the procedure is Microscopic, compared to the joy that you will have, that you may enrich and improve the health of someone less fortunate than ourselves.

Hope all goes well for You

maguic24

FearDark wrote: »

It's a terrible idea for a gift.

"Happy Birthday, I got you some blood"

Unless you're friends with a vamp, then it's an excellent gift.