Why aren't you donating blood?

Tom Mann Centuria

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

I'm English, your anti-Brit Blood transfusion service won't take my blood.

^^^^^^ what he said which is a shame really as I donated blood when I lived in England.

Seems like an outdated rule at this stage.

dogmatix

Sadly I suffer from Hemophobia and Trypanophobia so having someone siphon of a pint of my red stuff every now and again would be hell on earth.

But it is a worthy cause. So I was thinking, if as they say “laughter is the best medicine” then maybe the government should set up an agency called say “An Bord medically-funny” or whatever it is in Irish and I could scribble down a few jokes or maybe some funny pictures of Tommy Cooper or clowns and post them in every few months in lieu of my blood?

Sebastian Dangerfield

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote: »

Excluding those with medical conditions, every Irish adult should be donating blood. It's a disgrace that so many don't.

What's your excuse?

I think the government should start a campaign to shame people into doing it. I'm not against (provided it was set up right) a public name-and-shame list of those who don't donate and haven't proven that they can't/or given a proper excuse.

And then there'd be blood lakes alongside the butter mountains and sugar hills and t'would go bad. Or our blueshirt government would sell the excess to our EU brethern. And sure wouldnt all and sundry come looking for our lovely celtic blood and then, sure, isn't everyone claiming to have Irish blood and the foreigns would be in atop a'us in no time.

No, no. Things are fine as they are.

GLaDOS

I've donated several times before and will donate again but it's a bit of pain tbh. I don't work in the city centre so usually have to wait for one of the mobile clinics (usually college campus as I'm in academia). Waiting times are horrendous so if I can't afford to take 1-2 hours out of my working day its not happening.

Pkiernan

I'd gladly give blood if I could request that it go to people on the top rate of income tax.

is_that_so

MarkR wrote: »

13 times so far. Tried last week, but I had a stomach bug the week previous, so didn't meet the criteria. Free crisps and chocolate are a plus.

Ah, the Guinness days!

arybvtcw0eolkf

Martina1991 wrote: »

Just want to say its not just doctors and nurses that are involved major haemorrhage cases.

In the blood transfusion laboratory there are medical scientists cross matching units of blood, plasma, platelets and other blood products for patients. Their work is critical as one minor mistake or error can be fatal.

In most hospitals at night and on weekends there is one person working in the blood transfusion department.

Last night on call, a woman had a major haemorrhage during a c section. It took about 12 hours and at least 20 blood products to stabilise her with that one person being responsible for her receiving the right products as soon as possible right throughout the night.

I didn't know that, I'm not a medical person but I'll never forget that day in resus and a doctor pulling no punches in telling us how critical our daughter [my son's]/sister was.

At one stage we were allowed into resus to see her, it was fairly obvious that a battle had been fought to save her.

I'm actually going to close the laptop here and take a breather.

amcalester

is_that_so wrote: »

If you've lived in the UK for any length of time you can't donate. That rules out a lot of people, including me.

Yeah, I tick a few of the exclusion boxes.

Martina1991

Tom Mann Centuria wrote:

Some blood products are imported from the US of A.

Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to a year.

Red blood cells have a shelf life of around 35 days.

Platelets have a shelf life of 5 days so some products are not ideal for importing.

_Kaiser_ wrote:

Not donating (don't even know my blood type - which is probably a reflection of rarely being in a doctor's office anyway) and I don't have the time or inclination to spend hours doing it.

You're attitude here comes across as selfish. You may not have the time but some patients do not have much time.

Please consider donating. The IBTS site has a quick quiz to see if you're eligable to donate.

demanufactured

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote: »

Excluding those with medical conditions, every Irish adult should be donating blood. It's a disgrace that so many don't.

What's your excuse?

I think the government should start a campaign to shame people into doing it. I'm not against (provided it was set up right) a public name-and-shame list of those who don't donate and haven't proven that they can't/or given a proper excuse.

Even though I have a rare blood type, they always tell me they have too much.

Conall Cernach

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

I'm English, your anti-Brit Blood transfusion service won't take my blood.

It's not just the English they hate. They also won't take my Irish blood because I once lived in a different part of Ireland.

Elemonator

People have a right to bodily autonomy and to decide what is done with their bodies. Not only would the ill thought out and heavy handed tactics cause a legal ****storm, but would destroy the good natured intent of giving blood in the first place.

Up to yourself whether you donate or not.

Pauliedragon

tcawley29 wrote: »

The rampant recreational drug use would have an impact on this too as I believe you have to wait 6 months after your last dose to donate. That rules out a lot of the youth today

That's crap. I took every drug recreational drug available back in the day and was told I'm fine to donate. Anyone who's shared needles can't donate which I never did as I never used needles. Anyone else is fine.

BullBauld

Frances Fresh Soreness wrote: »

Feb 14th 2018 my daughter took ill and was brought to Beaumont Hospital with internal bleeding, an artery had ruptured. The blood loss resulted in a cardiac arrest.

Blood donations saved her life.

She received so much type O Negative that the hospital sent out a text alert for O Neg people to donate.. To those people and the doctors & nurses of Beaumont Hospita I'm eternally grateful.

As a diabetic I can't donate, but to anyone here who can ~ thank you, you really do give the gift of life.

Even typing this now and remembering the day chokes me up.

I'm O Neg and donate regularly.

It's hearing stories like this that will make sure I never stop as long as I'm allowed. Knowing that my blood will help a baby or young child stay alive. Especially when I have a toddler of my own.

Glad everything worked out for you.

Autosport

I don't donate for the thanks but as my mother is and was in hospital a lot over the years and received donations i feel its only right to contribute some back. It's only takes an hour or 2 overall and who knows maybe one day I might need a donation.

The Princess Bride

I've donated 50 times.
Last week, I was at a presentation night, to acknowledge those of us who'd donated.
Over 80 who'd given 50 units and over a dozen who'd given 100 donations!

A woman gave a short speech at it.
She'd required blood transfusions during treatment for childhood cancer.
In recent years, she'd a difficult labour on the birth of twins, again requiring a transfusion.
And one of her twin boys was diagnosed with cancer last year and has received multiple blood product transfusions during his ongoing treatment.

So yeah, I donate, and hope to give many more while I'm eligible and healthy.

bodice ripper

I am a tattoo artist, and they oughtn't take my blood.

ohfa6muwtsvkc1

Elemonator wrote: »

Up to yourself whether you donate or not.

As it would be after these proposals go through. Except you'd pay hefty tax, and be the object of scorn. I wouldn't be above requiring employers to be notified of said status.

Gwynplaine

38 donations since 2004. Had to miss a few as I was in Haiti on honeymoon.(for about 2 hours). B negative, I think less than 2% have it. They always ring and ask me to come in. It's a good thing to do if you can. My mother being sick years ago is what spurred me on to do it.
Plus there's free crisps and pencils.

ednwireland

lived in UK during bse so can't give here.
had a transfusion 4 years ago so can't give on those grounds either.

but very grateful for getting what I got when I needed it so name and shame away but I can't give.

Macy0161

I'm not allowed, as I lived in the UK during the proscribed period. My living there also excludes my wife from donating.

I find it quite frustrating, given the regular the calls for more donors, and I'd be happy to donate if allowed.

I'm obviously not expert enough to judge, but as a non-expert it seems like they've gone too far the other way to make up for past failings.

LollipopJimmy

I would do it more often only the hours the clinic is open are poxy, these kind of services should be open on Saturday and Sunday

Fr_Dougal

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote: »

Excluding those with medical conditions, every Irish adult should be donating blood. It's a disgrace that so many don't.

What's your excuse?

I think the government should start a campaign to shame people into doing it. I'm not against (provided it was set up right) a public name-and-shame list of those who don't donate and haven't proven that they can't/or given a proper excuse.

Because I donate platelets, you are not permitted to donate both.

keano_afc

I'm type 1 diabetic, so I cant donate any more.

I was a regular donor for years. You get a great sense of accomplishment, and loads of free food. Whats not to like? If you can donate, please do. There really is no excuse not to.

Qrt

Gay – plain ol’ homosexuality.

Lifetime ban is gone now, but there’s still a year of abstinence needed, which ain’t happening.

They’re also barring people who take PrEP from donating these days, which seems odd considering it’s literally a medication to prevent HIV.

Kitty6277

I’m not eligible as I’m under the weight threshold. And I’m not a fan of needles either

Sleepy

Pauliedragon wrote: »

That's crap. I took every drug recreational drug available back in the day and was told I'm fine to donate. Anyone who's shared needles can't donate which I never did as I never used needles. Anyone else is fine.

Yep, I remember bashfully admitting to having had a joint the night before my 5th / 6th donation and the Nurse laughing when I asked if that was a problem. "Anyone in need of a transfusion could probably benefit from a bit of THC!" was her response at the time.

I used to donate 4-6 times a year as my office at the time was handily located for the clinic in Stillorgan and work were happy to pay for a taxi to send a few of us over every couple of months.

Since having a family and moving jobs a few times I haven't been doing it though I must start again. This thread (Makikomi's posts in particular) have given me a push to look into my options for donating again.

Plumbthedepths

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote:

What's your excuse?

None of your business.

ohfa6muwtsvkc1

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

None of your business.

Fine. Pay up and have your name published for all to see.

Next.

tcawley29

Pauliedragon wrote: »

That's crap. I took every drug recreational drug available back in the day and was told I'm fine to donate. Anyone who's shared needles can't donate which I never did as I never used needles. Anyone else is fine.

Hey I'm not arguing the fact as I found it strange myself.

After a quick google I see that it is not the case but I definitely remember seeing that on paperwork when I was donating in college.

Fr_Dougal

Qrt wrote: »

Gay – plain ol’ homosexuality.

Lifetime ban is gone now, but there’s still a year of abstinence needed, which ain’t happening.

They’re also barring people who take PrEP from donating these days, which seems odd considering it’s literally a medication to prevent HIV.

How can you take a year off being gay?

mzungu

I do think they should take a look at the 12 months that MSM have to wait before donating. In the UK they reduced that to three months and are now looking at scrapping it altogether. Instead they are looking at risqué sexual practices in both the straight and gay community as a means of removing potential donors with STDs.

Fr_Dougal

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

How can you take a year off being gay?

No, how’s your father, Father.

Rubberlegs

I lived in England till 1981 so that just puts me in the time frame to be not allowed to donate blood. I would love to be able to donate and fair play to all of you that can and do.

Mint Sauce

I'm English. They dont like mine/me.

honeybear

Low iron

_Kaiser_

Martina1991 wrote: »

You're attitude here comes across as selfish. You may not have the time but some patients do not have much time.

Please consider donating. The IBTS site has a quick quiz to see if you're eligable to donate.

I'm out of the house about 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, and work in a Business Park on the edge of town with pretty much nothing in or around it. Weekends are similarly busy most of the time.

Selfish or not, I'm not likely to go hunting down a mobile unit or whatever.

mzungu

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

How can you take a year off being gay?

He meant a year off sex as opposed to a year off being gay.

end of the road

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote: »

Also I think this should be extended to other areas.

If you aren't an organ donor, then more tax while you're alive and 99.9% tax on any inheritance you plan to pass along. And being named and shamed.

can be got around by insuring there is no inheritance.+ one will be dead anyway so naming won't be shaming.

Plumbthedepths

Ush1 wrote:

Harder, must try harder.

At least he has moved on from trolling about pensions destroying the earth.

Nekarsulm

Give over 30 times, the last time the tests they carry out threw up a reaction to some Africian disease or other.
The retest on the second sample was clear, so it was a False Positive.

Dosen't matter to the IBTS, I'm banned from donating for life.

Blazer

Christ another newly registered idiot op posting shiite.
The government should name and shame these idiots in real life.

bolgbui41

I gave my first donation when I was 18 and donated 11 times in total. Then I got sick and, as a result of that illness, I've now received more pints of other people's blood than I donated. I'd be very against with penalising people who don't give blood like the OP suggested, but because of my own medical history I have zero qualms about emotionally blackmailing close friends and family into donating.

To those of you who have donated - a big thank you from one of your potential beneficiaries.

...Ghost...

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote: »

Taxes in combination with it will.

And let's address waiting times too. Why not. It's not a fundamental property of the universe.

So if I don’t give my blood, I get taxed? Leo, is that you?

suicide_circus

faint every time. nurse told me to find some other good works to do.

I don't meet the weight requirements to donate, but I would in a heartbeat if I could. No one should be pressured into doing it though.

wench

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

^^^^^^ what he said which is a shame really as I donated blood when I lived in England.

Seems like an outdated rule at this stage.

Unfortunately the only test for vCJD at the moment is an autopsy, which won't help donor numbers!

retro:electro

I can’t give blood due to having an abudent of allergies. I also am a carrier of a genetic condition which means I’ve excess iron in my blood, and have been advised that giving blood would be a good way to offload some of that. Well too bad because no one wants it. My mam is a cancer patient and due to various treatments and dietary highs and lows, has very low haemoglobin, like almost non existent; and is the recepient of regular blood transfusions. They’re almost monthly at this stage. And so I would love nothing more than to be able to donate, I’m the perfect candidate apart from having shltty allergies! And I’ve no problem with needles. It’s something I was actually quite down about for a while when I was told I can never give.

scuby

retro:electro wrote:

I can’t give blood due to having an abudent of allergies. I also am a carrier of a genetic condition which means I’ve excess iron in my blood, and have been advised that giving blood would be a good way to offload some of that. Well too bad because no one wants it. My mam is a cancer patient and due to various treatments and dietary highs and lows, has very low haemoglobin, like almost non existent; and is the recepient of regular blood transfusions. They’re almost monthly at this stage. And so I would love nothing more than to be able to donate, I’m the perfect candidate apart from having shltty allergies! And I’ve no problem with needles. It’s something I was actually quite down about for a while when I was told I can never give.

They take it from harmochtomotosis patients for a few years now

Plumbthedepths

Judson Squeaking Patient wrote:

Fine. Pay up and have your name published for all to see.

Pay what? Once only villages had idiots. Now with the internet they have gone global.