What was your experience like?
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I've tried many many times but I have uncooperative veins, low blood pressure, and frequently low iron.
In maybe two dozen attempts I've only successfully give three pints. I finally gave up trying. I wish I were a better candidate because I never had some childhood illness that makes my blood eligible for newborn donation. -
Yep, and my husband works in the industry.
I was scared of blood when I was younger and passed out twice in high school/college when I tried to donate. Not sure how, but I got over it.
They ask you heath screen questions, test your blood, and then take you to a bed. I have really good veins so it doesn't take too long to fill the bag. Usually there are snacks and drinks afterwards. It has always gone really smoothly for me.
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Easy- just filled out a survey, they took my blood pressure and did a finger stick, then I hung out on the little couch for 20 minutes or so until I was done. They usually hand out cookies and juice afterwards. It never really hurt or anything and I usually try not to do too much strenuous activity after, but I have not had an issue with being light-headed.
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Many times. I have no issues during or after giving.
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I would like to and have tried in the past but as I lived in Europe during the 80's and 90's I can't because of CJD fears (Mad cow disease -moo.)
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Lots of times, also platelets. It helps to have a nice vein. And you want to hydrate really well both before and after...and take it easy (not go work out) afterwards.
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@Aimed: Me too. Lived in England for about 6 months in the 80s so I can't give blood.
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@Aimed: I don't understand how donating blood would put you at risk...
ETA: Oh, I get it now...THEIR fears.
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@FliegepilzHut: It doesn't - it could potentially put recipients at risk in case our blood is tainted. It can take years for CJD to appear so it is possible to be carrying it without knowing, that said that chances of having it are miniscule but I guess they figure better safe than sorry!
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Many times. I have o negative blood so I feel I should donate. I never have any issues. I wish they would loosen up their restrictions on giving after having a tattoo. Since I get tattoos on a semi-regular basis, that has kept me from donating.
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Passed out in high school haven't tired since! I have slow veins as well so I'm not really a prime candidate for donating.
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@TemperanceBrennan: Pretty much the same here, although I've been turned down before because my iron was too low. And once I got really super faint afterwards, like I was going to collapse/faint. But for the most part I've had a pretty smooth experience. I haven't donated since before I got pregnant, though, and I should soon.
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I have donated a few times. The experience is pleasant enough. You sit or recline for several mminutes while your blood is pumped. You answer a few health screening questions. You choose a sticker that let's the blood tech know if your blood should be tested or skipped. That part is anonymous so you can save face in front of people in case you already know you have HI or something. Then you get juice or a cookie or chips to boost your energy.
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I've done it several times, though not for a while. It was paperwork, a fingerprick to test for anemia etc, then the donation on the bed, although a few times I got pins and needles in my arm and they had to readjust it all. I had a few donations take too long for them to accept too. The tea and biscuits at the end were my favourite part
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I never have. I hover around the weight requirement. DH donates fairly often.
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I've done it several times in university. I kept getting what my aunt (a nurse) calls a "parasympathtic reaction". Essentially, I subconsciously freak out and start to faint. I tried it several times to try to get over it, but eventually found out I was chronically anemic and it would be better if I didn't donate. But the process is kind of neat. Everyone is really nice to you. The questions can be a little weird and very personal.
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16 comments