There is a blood drive going on and I am considering it. What was your experience like?
There is a blood drive going on and I am considering it. What was your experience like?
pomegranate / 3350 posts
I gave blood as a direct donation for my mom when she had major surgery. The process wasn't painful but I did almost pass out. They had to flip my legs up and gave me ice packs so I didn't. I actually was in the room when they gave my mom the transfusion and it was amazing to see. She had been totally gray and the blood brought color back to her. Her cheeks turned pink and she really started to recover afterwards. After seeing how much blood can help someone I would absolutely do it again when I am not pregnant and/or nursing.
nectarine / 2936 posts
I haven't given in a long time because both times I tried I passed out. I would like to try again though because LO has been the recipient of numerous transfusions and I know how important it is.
apricot / 420 posts
I used to do it in college a lot. I only got woozy once. The only thing I remember was that it took a while for the whole donation process. My dad does it often as he has the blood type that they really want. I would do it now but I was in the UK during the 90's mad cow thing and they won't take my blood.
coconut / 8279 posts
@skipra: that's amazing!
I donate as often as I can!
There was a crazy incident on the street behind my house where an officer was shot protecting us and lost just about all of his blood supply. He was rushed to the hospital down the street where I had J and they were able to save him (with 46 units of blood!).
I'm also a rare blood type, so I feel like it's important that I donate if I'm able to.
coconut / 8854 posts
@mrs. 64: Same here, I always faint.
I've been told a few times that I have awful veins, and only the butterfly needle works for me. Obviously the need for giving blood is much larger, so I'm counting myself out.
bananas / 9229 posts
I do it ALL the time with no issues! I know I can't work out that day (or sometimes the next either) and can feel a bit off after but otherwise, plenty of fluids and food and I'm fine! (I'm 5'3" and have donated from 110-130 lbs. with no issue!)
pomegranate / 3983 posts
I did pre kids but haven't been able to for a few years. I'm guessing it will be a while longer until I am able to again.
honeydew / 7917 posts
I attempted to but didn't pass their initial test. My heart rate was too slow (40 bpm). Later I learned that my heart often skips a beat, which would explain the slow heart rate. Also I'm on the lower end of the weight limit. Unfortunately I don't think I will be able to donate due to the two conditions. I really wish I could.
papaya / 10343 posts
I used to do it all the time! (I can't anymore due to low iron). It's not really that big of a deal for most people. It doesn't hurt anymore than a standard blood draw (you only get poked once, blood just flows longer!) and it is pretty quick. Plus ya know, they give you cookies after
nectarine / 2358 posts
@rachiecakes: amazing! I've never heard of that many units for one person before but obviously very well worth it.
Whenever I administer blood in the hospital, which is pretty often, it's amazing to see how the color just comes back into their skin and how different their mentation is if their hemoglobin was really low. It is so important so I will be sure to donate after this pregnancy is over and long after. The process is easy too. Just make sure to eat a snack and drink some juice and you should be okay. Feel free to take your time and lay there a while too!
pomegranate / 3904 posts
I used to donate frequently, but haven't in a couple of years either due to pregnancy, or for one year I wasn't allowed to because I had been to Santorini, Greece shortly before. It was very strange, because apparently Athens was OK, but the islands put you on a wait list.
Anyway, my experiences were always good, but I don't get queasy at stuff like that.
hostess / cantaloupe / 6486 posts
I used to do it all the time! Sometimes my arm would get a little cold or feel slightly weak but other wise it was no big deal! Since becoming pregnant & not being allowed to, being a mom & not having anyone to watch LO while I do it & now being pregnant again, it's be awhile since I donated but I miss it!
pomelo / 5469 posts
I used to do it every few months pre-LO. I don't have great veins and it takes a few attempts by different nurses usually to get it.
I need to find somewhere to do it locally now.
honeydew / 7589 posts
I'm not allowed to donate in the USA because I lived in Europe. Even though the countries I lived in didn't have mad cow cases, they still won't accept my blood.
grapefruit / 4355 posts
I have terrible veins and I've not had any difficulty donating. I've done it lots of times (in 5 different states!).
pear / 1503 posts
I've donated many times (maybe 30+) over the years, which has been difficult with my travel schedule. DH and I are scuba divers and for the last 5 yrs have been traveling to areas that are malaria-prone, which means I can't donate for a full year. And now I'm pregnant!
It's really straight forward. I tell first-timers to be really hydrated and have a somewhat full stomach beforehand, and also not to watch the needle - being hungry/thirsty and doing the later can make people feel as little faint if they haven't donated before. To make the blood flow faster I flex my fingers/hand, but that might not be advised your first time (I play a game to see how fast I can donate that pint!).
The volunteers and nurses take good care of you, ensuring you are well rested and re-hydrated after. Then there are the cookies!
I only eve felt bad once, and that was in college, and I ran across town so as not to be late for class. I made it, but felt nauseous once I got there. They do tell you not to exercise afterwards, however. Good luck!
apricot / 375 posts
I donate whenever there is a drive at my school - my blood is negative for something (I always forget what...) that's also missing in babies' blood, so it's good for infants who might need it.
It's always been a good experience. Although I find I have a delayed reaction. I feel great right after, then feel like I need to sit 20-30 minutes later. Of course, that could be because I always donate at school on my prep, then go stand in front of my class right after.
But no matter what, I always feel happy after because I helped someone, and maybe a little baby!
grapefruit / 4819 posts
I'm an avid donor - usually donating blood every six to eight weeks, as per the guidelines. Australia doesn't let you donate whilst BF'ing at all, and since I was still BF'ing DD1 when I got pregnant with DD2, I haven't been able to donate in almost three years I need to look into the UK's rules on donating whilst BF'ing as I miss it and want to get back into the routine of it.
I don't know the exact number of times I've donated in my life, somewhere around 50 times, and I've never had a bad experience. Apparently I have great veins in my left arm and pump out a pint of blood in 5-6 minutes. I generally don't work out on the day I donate though and add in an additional litre of water to the normal 3 litres I drink per day.
pomelo / 5041 posts
I've done it often. It's such a great gift. Just ask for an afternoon appt so that you can eat plenty and avoid any fainting spells.
pomegranate / 3658 posts
I used to give every eight weeks on the dot. I received a 2-gallon pin from our local blood donation center, and I think my lifetime total (including when I lived in other states) is something like 4 gallons. I've been kind of sad to miss out on it since I've been pregnant. I have easy-stick veins and never get faint or dizzy, so it's super easy for me. I pretty much consider it an obligation.
bananas / 9229 posts
@PawPrints: That's amazing!! I always find a blood drive but might need to just go to my local center within the next week (pre-IUI).
persimmon / 1177 posts
I did once when I was 18, but nearly passed out and felt terrible for the next day. I always wanted to do it again, but even getting my blood drawn makes me dizzy since then, so it's probably not a good idea.
pomelo / 5258 posts
I've donated 7 times but passed out each time. I would probably still donate but my MIL - who runs a blood donation bus- asked me to stop. She said they only get fainters about once every two weeks so if I'm that person they would rather not have me.
kiwi / 687 posts
Yes, a number of times. Maybe 10? My veins are deep and small so it always involves some digging around and it hurts. But it's very brief. I got faint one time in college when I'd been dieting and was under the weight minimum, but lied to them about it. Learned my lesson! Usually it's no big deal. Travel, pregnancy, and significant blood loss in c-section have kept me from it for about 2 years now, but I will definitely do it again!
pomegranate / 3658 posts
@LindsayInNY: Would you believe our local blood center has a wall recognizing people who have given 100 gallons?? I'd love to make it on there someday.
bananas / 9229 posts
@PawPrints: Wow, that's intense!! I was researching donating while going through IF treatments and I'm thinking it's probably not the best idea for the time being
pomegranate / 3706 posts
I gave twice- at drives in high school and college, because I'm O+ and know they're always in need of it. But, I haaaaate needles and it's not easy for me, so when the last phlebotomist was particularly rude, stuck me repeatedly and not gently, and then left me with a giant purple and brown bruise on my arm, I never did it again.
pear / 1503 posts
Yay! Congrats. I hope it's a pleasant experience for you, and that you continue to donate in the future. It is a very rewarding experience.
Even after a lifetime of donating regularly, I still feel slightly guilty whenever travel and pregnancy prevent me from going.
pomegranate / 3845 posts
That went well! I feel a little light headed but nothing crazy. I think I'll donate again!
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