I'm going to a local blood drive tomorrow. I've never donated blood before, though I did volunteer at drives when I was younger (I didn't meet the requirements under 110lbs!).
The American Red Cross put out an emergency call for blood donors last week, especially types O-, A- and B-.
I'm B-
Do you donate blood?
GOLD / eggplant / 11517 posts
I used to regularly (I'm O Negative), but haven't since being pregnant/breastfeeding.
cherry / 165 posts
I used to do it like clockwork, but the older I get, the more nauseous/dizzy I get. Doesn't matter if I've eaten before hand, or sipping OJ during, or whatever. Now I try to do it twice a year, but I always plan it out and make sure someone is with me to drive me home. It makes me sad though.
ETA: just realized the older I get the more motion sickness affects me (roller coasters, cars, etc) - related? I don't see how, but maybe?
coconut / 8854 posts
No, I truly can't. I've tried multiple times, but my extreme fear of needles gets me every time. I literally pass out when they are putting the needle in my arm, and them my blood pressure goes crazy, and they tell me maybe next time.....I've tried probably 4-5 times now and it happens every time 
pomelo / 5524 posts
I do pretty regularly. I think I'm eligible again shortly! I'm going to have to find a drive near me!
hostess / wonderful apple seed / 16729 posts
Yup, I have done it a bunch of times. I went out of the country recently so I'm out for a year. I feel so bad that I can't donate right now.
coconut / 8279 posts
@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: that's awesome!
The one I'm going to tomorrow is to honor and is hosted by Officer Dic Donohue. He's the transit officer that was shot in my backyard during the firefight with the Boston Marathon bombers. I want to thank him personally for protecting my family.
grapefruit / 4703 posts
@rachiecakes: wow, that's awesome! Especially because I remember hearing he lost nearly all his own blood supply in that shooting.
apricot / 469 posts
No!! I would love to but like @Adira I can't because I lived in Europe for a time.
persimmon / 1180 posts
I would if I could. I have thalassemia, so my hemoglobin is always to low.
pear / 1812 posts
I used to try all the time but I have given up. My anemia is never at the right levels. I wish I could! I even was willing to conquer my fear of needles for it but nope... stupid anemia.
cantaloupe / 6800 posts
I tried before, but I have such little veins that don't let a lot of blood out, so they got like 2 tubes before it just stopped coming out lol!
persimmon / 1491 posts
i donated for the first time earlier this year, it felt good to pay it forward. my dad needed so many blood transfusions last year, that if it werent for people that donated my dad wouldnt have gone a lot quicker...
i am currently out because of being KU, but hubby just called to say that he will be donating today after work...there has been a shortage hear because of the SFO plane crash.
bananas / 9357 posts
I never have but I really should. I'm 0-, universal donor, so I really should be donating.
grapefruit / 4669 posts
I do occasionally. I assumed I couldn't while breastfeeding, but according to google/Red Cross I should be okay!
GOLD / wonderful coconut / 33402 posts
I donated at work drive a couple weeks ago. They did a raffle for $100 gift card and I won.
grapefruit / 4681 posts
I can't. I had Dengue Fever and they don't want my blood.
I tried to in college because we would get extra credit for classes. They always turned me away for the above reason, but I still got extra credit for showing up with the intent to donate.
pomegranate / 3768 posts
I don't...too scared of needles. But DH does all the time. I think he does the double red cell donation.
coconut / 8681 posts
I used to donate all the time and I loved it! But now I've been either pregnant or breastfeeding since the beginning of last year soooooo I haven't been able to in awhile.
GOLD / wonderful coconut / 33402 posts
@highwire: @Running Elley: You can donate while BFing.
GOLD / eggplant / 11517 posts
@Smurfette: I just don't want to. I have low supply and don't want to do anything to potentially negatively impact it.
honeydew / 7589 posts
I can't. I was underweight for years, and now that I'm not, I'm disqualified because of living in Europe.
nectarine / 2797 posts
I used to all the time, but haven't since before I got KU. I didn't want to do it while exclusively BF, and I haven't gotten around to it since then. Maybe I"ll do it while I'm off work in 2 weeks! I'm O- so I know they always want my blood.
pineapple / 12793 posts
I used to try regularly (maybe two dozen times) but have only successfully given the full pint twice. I'm hcmv negative so I'd get called to donate all the time, but either I'd clot too quickly and not give enough or my iron would be low and I'd get sent home.
I haven't gone to donate in maybe four years. I should try again.
watermelon / 14206 posts
I used to all the time...but once I got pregnant with DS I stopped...I should, though...no reason not to right now.
pomegranate / 3204 posts
I do! I have B- blood and they are always calling me asking me to donate.
pomegranate / 3716 posts
I've never tried! I've always been scared of needles and could not bring myself to do it.
However, ever since starting TTC last year, getting PG and then MC, I've had my blood drawn more times than I can count. It doesn't bother me so much anymore (as long as I look away when the needle goes in). Maybe I should give donating a try!
GOLD / pomegranate / 3938 posts
My DH and I donate blood about twice a year. DH also does the ALYX donation. Its generally a longer process because it takes about twice as much blood (I think), but he still always finishes before me. I'm a big baby about it and refuse to squeeze the ball they put into my hand. And FYI: the Red Cross calls me so much asking for more blood donations that I feel like taking out a temporary restraining order against them.
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