Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

the prick in the finger hurts more. they can't find veins so trying to put the needle in both arms hurts a bit. also squeezing hurts a bit. overall the prick in the finger is the most painful though.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I donated once in high school and had no problem.

Donated in college and passed out.

Donated once I got out of college and passed out.

I would love to give blood but I am so afraid of passing out again.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

It has been years. I used to do it regularly. Rules have changed several years ago. I am no longer eligible to give blood.

ETA: It's really not that. You are talking to someone that used to pass out at the view of blood. Just don't look.

Message edited 3/28/2009 5:51:31 PM.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I used to constantly. I was in the gallon club and everything.

A few years ago, I called the NY Blood Center to find out how I could give blood for my father's surgery since we are the same type. I had done this when he had surgery in Florida the year before, and they used my blood and my sister's blood for the operation.

The NY Blood Center told me that it would cost my sister and I $108. each! I was flabbergasted. I asked what that was for, and they said simply, "tracking". I pushed and was told that it had to be transported too, and I volunteered to give at the hospital he was at but they said no.

It didn't matter, the gallons of blood I had given. I understand that there are employee salaries involved in getting a pint from their location to his hospital, but $216. seemed a little much and they weren't very nice about explaining those costs to me.

Since that situation, I haven't given blood at all. I don't know if it still costs that money, I suppose I should find out. I looked for other blood banks but everything was the NY/Long Island Blood Center in those days.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I have never given blood in the US because of my UK resident status, and I haven't given blood in the UK because I have the worlds worst veins and I only have gravy running through me. But its so difficult for anyone to find my veins when I have to give blood, doing it by choice would be my worse nightmare.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I give every four months (I think that's time space between donations). We have blood drives at work all the time. My company offers a great incentive to donate, you get 1/2 day off. Although it's an incentive, it's not my incentive.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I donate at work every six months. Sometimes I feel fine, sometimes I get a little woozy but that goes away after eating.

I am a slow bleeder so starting two days before I almost triple my water intake and I have no caffeine before donating - what a difference! I am done in half the time!

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

never im anemic, i would if i could

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

May or June I believe ... I like to try to donate a minimum of twice a year but now have to wait until after the baby comes.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

Never.
I have a blood dissorder & was actually in the hospital yesterday to recieve blood & iron. I do this every other month & will continue 'til I'm on this Earth.
Luckily my sister,DH & BIL bank their blood for my use. They are also regular donators because we understand the need & shortage for others to use.

I want to say "Thank You " to all the wonderful ladies here who have donated- it really saves lives ( like mine). Also I thank all who have tried in the past,but weren't successful...to all who are thinking about it,get on the ball & just do it!

Edited to say I can't believe that Greenfreak was charged. I've had 4 surgeries in which family & friends have banked blood for me at NYU Medical center (hospital I was at) & no one paid a penny. I do pay a bankinhg & screening fee for the blood during treatment but it is minimal.

Message edited 3/28/2009 8:23:56 PM.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

Posted by BunnyWife

I can't. I've tried a few times but I'm too close to the lowest weight you can be to donate.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

It's been a while. I always got very dizzy and on the verge of passing out when I donated so I stopped.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I used to do it regularly but then couldn't while I was pregnant. It is time for me to start again, although I don't know if it is ok while breast feeding - not sure if it affects supply.

It doesn't hurt, just a burn and a pinch when the needle goes in.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I donated once in HS and had a bad experience. I never did it again.

They went THROUGH my vein (which hurt like a *****) and my blood dripped too slowly and they couldn't get enough blood in the allotted time. So they had to throw all my blood out. Apparently they can't keep the needle in for more than a certain amount of time. So they hurt me and wasted my blood

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I can't donate for medical reasons

so I never have

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

For all of those who pass out, or get very dizzy, you should definitely look into apherisis. There's another method that they are doing recently as well. You keep your blood volume, so you won't pass out or get dizzy, but they take parts of your blood out (platelets, plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells, depending on the donation).

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

Posted by Kathy116

Posted by BunnyWife

I can't. I've tried a few times but I'm too close to the lowest weight you can be to donate.

What is the weight cut off? I'm considering doing it as well.

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

Re: When was the last time you donated blood?

I don't weigh enough so they won't let me