View Full Version : give blood today
super_sop
18.05.2003, 15:36
Hi everyone, ive just been going through some of the threads in here and came across the 'our thoughts for little kerri' thread'.(if a mod could enter the thread details as i dont know how to :oops: )
EDIT by John: Here you go Craig ... http://www.themouthpiece.com/viewtopic.php?t=836&highlight=kerri
Iwas just wondering, as a few people had shown an intrest in giving blood, and joining the bone marrow donor list, if anybody had gone ahead and done this.
i thought id start this thread and give the web adress http://www.blood.co.uk/ of the national blood service, and remind everyone that they can help in some way.
its easy to do (and pretty painless :wink: )
the site gives out any info you might need including were you can go to donate
regards
super_sop
satchmo shaz
18.05.2003, 16:43
My husband, my brother and myself on on the bone marrow register, and I am waiting to become a blood donor............ can you see my halo........ no niether can I :wink:
My husband, my brother and myself on on the bone marrow register, and I am waiting to become a blood donor............ can you see my halo........ no niether can I :wink:
AS the old saying goes ..... "I saw this and thought of you", and we can quite clearly see your halo .... but just wait!
http://216.40.249.192/s/otn/angels/bat_angel.gif
AN ON TOPIC NOTE:
I was just wondering ... what is the youngest age limit you can be to give blood???
Ben :?
<pondering>
super_sop
18.05.2003, 20:23
Hi Ben.
just checked the web site linked above and it says you have to be between 17 and 60
Well only 2 more years ..... Kerri's story really got to me, I'll be down there (if be it a bit scared!!!) ...
Ben
;)
TheMusicMan
18.05.2003, 22:08
Well only 2 more years ..... Kerri's story really got to me, I'll be down there (if be it a bit scared!!!) ...
Ben
;)
Hey Ben (& everyone who's interested)... you will be pleased to know that June (Kerri's Mum) played in contests both yesterday and today - dedicating her playing to her lovely son Kerri. She played a peach both times & deserves an award in my book.... :)
super_sop
18.05.2003, 22:10
well i wont say it doesnt hurt, :?
it feels like a scratch as the needle goes in but that is only for a split second :D
you do get to have a drink and bicky after though :lol:
neiltwist
18.05.2003, 22:14
it's easy. you get looked after very well in my experience, and you do get the free drink. i've driven to and from each session so far, and i've been fine. go for it!
Well only 2 more years ..... Kerri's story really got to me, I'll be down there (if be it a bit scared!!!) ...
Ben
;)
Hey Ben (& everyone who's interested)... you will be pleased to know that June (Kerri's Mum) played in contests both yesterday and today - dedicating her playing to her lovely son Kerri. She played a peach both times & deserves an award in my book.... :)
Music Man It's nice to know that she can get through this tragedy, and although Kerri may not still be here, she can get on with her life, and know that he will be proud of her, and It's nice that she dedicated her playing to him. I bet she played excellently, especially as it was for Kerri, I second that award.
Craig I'm glad they still do the whole Tea and biscuit thing .......... I had 5 injections into my foot ... straight into the bone ... I think I can handle a little scratch! :D (and I had my meningitis, BCG, tetnus and Polio ...... (gross or what!!))
Ben
;)
I might as well give a plug for Kidney Donors then.
My aunty, who I was extremely close to, was with us for many extra years due to the kindness of a family who donated someones kidney after they had died.
Unfortunately she died 1 year ago due to something totally unrelated to her kidney trouble.
I know donating a kidney is a much harder decision to make than giving blood but it will save or, certainly, change someones life for the better.
Cheers!
My next scheduled 450ml is on Tuesday afternoon...
I tend to have x1 - x5 out of the left arm and x6 - x0 out of the right: gives the veins a couple of years to recover! It really doesn't hurt - particuarly so for people who have "visible" veins in their elbows.
Best deal was when I was at college: pint of blood and they gave you a pint of beer, and boy did it "hit the spot"! (Note: nowadays they don't recommend this :( )
Cheers :)
stephen2001
18.05.2003, 23:25
Best deal was when I was at college: pint of blood and they gave you a pint of beer, and boy did it "hit the spot"! (Note: nowadays they don't recommend this :( )
From past experience, it is not a good idea to drink after donating blood :?
Lets just say, the drink went to my head a little quicker than normal (but I suppose I spent less money, so can't complain :)
Lets just say, the drink went to my head a little quicker than normal
That's EXACTLY what I meant by "hit the spot". One pint = distinctly merry".
I certainly wouldn't recommend driving or operating any serious machinary (Brass instrument?) in such a state.
Which is why it isn't "recommended practice" any more, I suppose.
Neil.
SoloBaritone
19.05.2003, 10:49
I'm already I blood donor, I got my card through the post the other day. Yey!
Jayne
You wanna blow my what?
19.05.2003, 16:31
Giving blood is a nice idea, but I couldn't cope with it! Keep it up anyone who has!
cornetgirl
19.05.2003, 21:14
I'm a blood donor but have been out of action for a year plus as have had surgery then had my ears pierced - should be ok from next month tho!
Rach x
I give blood on a fairly regular basis, had to stop for a couple of years due to a major op, but back on the donor flow now. I hate needles but think its really important
stephen2001
19.05.2003, 23:14
Well I shall be going for the 1st time in ages on Thursday. :D
I will be nice and sober seeing as I am giving up alcohol for a fortnight as of tomorrow, due to exams :cry:
super_sop
18.10.2003, 12:11
Hope nobody minds, but i thought id reserect this thread, mainly because i had my bone marrow doner card through today, and wondered if anybody else on here had done anything about either giving blood or joining the bone marrow doners list.
Over to you
Big Twigge
18.10.2003, 16:28
I joined the bone marrow register about 2 years ago now. I haven't yet been a match, but you never know who the next person on the register will be.
I'm a blood donor too and it really doesn't hurt, although it is important that you're hydrated and have had some food or you might end up flat out on the pavement of your local high street (didn't hurt at all except for the humiliation :oops:) that was after my second donation and since then I eat lots, drink lots and I haven't had any problems since.
As for getting biscuits, last year at uni if you donated you got a free tub of Ben and Jerry's ice-cream (a big one too, not just a teeny one!)
Yep I am a regular blood donor - about 11 times so far - would have been more but they struggle to find my veins at times!!!
Definetly echo the make sure you are hydrated part as I have always been fine until the last time. :shock:
We went to give blood just before lunch and I had not had anything to drink in the morning. I felt fine until I got outside (yep that would be part of the nottingham one way system roger and super sop :wink: ) and thankfully my fiance was there to catch me as my vision and legs just went!!!! :o :shock: :oops:
Now I do not want to scare you by posting this just make sure you drink plenty of water before hand - I just had to go back and have more squash and biccies!!!!! :D :D
My third donation will be a week on wednesday.
Its always been something i thought was important to do, and i try and drag as many friends along as I can aswell.
super_sop
19.10.2003, 16:48
I got my bronze badge the other day for 10 donations :lol:
kool! a bus comes to our college once every few months to take people to donute, so quite a few go each time!!
Jo Elson
19.10.2003, 16:51
wow. i totally forgot i am old enough to give blood now! The next time the letter comes through for my mum, i'll be there too!
bigmamabadger
19.10.2003, 20:03
I used to give blood lots, in spite of the fact that it made me faint, but I've been told I can't any more because of a long-standing medical condition. Not because of the drugs I sometimes take to help combat it, but because of the disease itself. I also wanted to become a plasma-donor and/or a bone/marrow donor, but was told many years ago I wasn't up to it because of my low blood-pressure and the elusive nature of my veins.
Most canvassers are OK about it when I tell them, but some get a bit self-righteous and only listen to the "I can't..."
On the plus side I can now get a new tattoo without feeling guilty... :P
BMB
i got my blue card recently! Only a few more years and I'll be invited to a dinner to celebrate my 50th time!
One thing still puzzles me about giving blood (even after 19 times). Why do they give you a local anaesthetic (if you want) for sticking a needle in your arm, by....sticking a needle in your arm?
Never figured that one out!
Funniest time was when me and a mate (who'd been far more times than I had) persuaded two female friends to go for the first time. He worried the whole time that they'd pass out or something and blame it on him, got himself so worked up that.......yup, betwen the giving and the recovery, flumph, big heap on floor. Did we laugh? Oh yes! We were fine, and he's still the only person I've ever seen suffer any after-effects from it.
(and you get an hour off work, and a free brew!)
Hope nobody minds, but i thought id reserect this thread, mainly because i had my bone marrow doner card through today, and wondered if anybody else on here had done anything about either giving blood or joining the bone marrow doners list.
Over to you
My sister was a nurse on a special baby unit ward in Leicester, and she was an organ donor.
Unfortunatey very recently she died along with her 4 year old daughter in a road accident. As a result my niece's corneas and her heart were given to another young child.
Although they are now both gone, at least a bit of my niece still lives on.
iggmeister
20.10.2003, 14:00
I had a complete blood transfusion when I was 4 after a nasty accident when I lost half the blood in my body.
To all of you who donate blood you have my eternal thanks and respect for doing something which really affects so many people. Without the blood I would have died without a doubt. As far as I am aware I cannot donate blood due to that incident and other significant surgery that I have had. To that end I always feel bad that I cannot return the favour.
You should all feel quietly proud of yourselves!
Igg
(with bionic blood! [or so the doctor said at the time])
My sister was a nurse on a special baby unit ward in Leicester, and she was an organ donor.
Unfortunatey very recently she died along with her 4 year old daughter in a road accident. As a result my niece's corneas and her heart were given to another young child.
Although they are now both gone, at least a bit of my niece still lives on.
I am sorry to hear of your tradegy but pleased to know that as you say a bit of her still lives on.
Not only should everybody who can give blood but if we all carry a donor card as well even more lives could be saved - remember to tell your family though!!
Jo Elson
12.11.2003, 11:12
I gave blood for the first time last week. I had totally forgotten I could until I read this thread-cheers Craig. :D
super_sop
12.11.2003, 11:42
nice one jo, well done :tup
traceybostwick
12.11.2003, 13:20
I've been a blood donor for some years now and as it happens thats just where I'm off to this afternoon.
I'm also a nurse and know how important it is for everyone to give blood if possible, you never know when you might need some.
SoloBaritone
12.11.2003, 15:37
I got a letter this morning. I'm giving my second pint this month. :P
Jayne
Big Twigge
12.11.2003, 15:40
Had a little 'incident' when I tried to give blood last week, so hopefully will be giving some again in a few weeks!
Big Twigge
09.08.2005, 21:46
I've just given pint number ten and fell very proud! I thought it was only 9 until I looked at the letter and then they were extra nice to me and gave me a certificate and everything!
It was Elin's second time today and I'm very proud of her because she is a bit squemish!
satchmo shaz
10.08.2005, 08:52
they dont want my blood :( cos of the medication I take for my dicky ticker!
But I,m still on the bone marrow transplant donor list
Went for my (approximately) monthly platelet doning (apherisis) last evening at the JR in Oxford. Before I started platelets, I'd done lots of whole blood too (which is one of things they ask for - shows you've got "good veins")
As the product is used for cancer / burns sufferers, and they get at least 2 doses from each of my donations, it feels very worthwhile.
From my point of view, I get a full blood count done each visit, which is reassuring from a health point of view. Its also a nice 1.5 - 2 hour rest - with tea/milkshake and biscuits provided :-)
The only thing I've not done (and I did think about it yesterday, but only after I'd finished, so too late to take another sample...) is to put myself on the bone marrow list.... Must remember on Sept 15th!
There were signs up reminding people of the drop in donors in the summer holidays, so if anyone's thought about it - just do it. You don't have to watch what they're doing to your arm (probably better not to!), and it really doesn't hurt.
Find a local session on www.blood.co.uk
Neil.
One thing still puzzles me about giving blood (even after 19 times). Why do they give you a local anaesthetic (if you want) for sticking a needle in your arm, by....sticking a needle in your arm?
Never figured that one out!
Funniest time was when me and a mate (who'd been far more times than I had) persuaded two female friends to go for the first time. He worried the whole time that they'd pass out or something and blame it on him, got himself so worked up that.......yup, betwen the giving and the recovery, flumph, big heap on floor. Did we laugh? Oh yes! We were fine, and he's still the only person I've ever seen suffer any after-effects from it.
(and you get an hour off work, and a free brew!)
(since noone else has ever answered this!)
The anaesthetic needle is small diameter, so you don't really feel it. The donation needle is much larger, and some people find it uncomfortable.
Not all areas use anaesthetic - there are significant differences in the procedures the different regions use!
[Funny story] one time I gave blood in Wiltshire, and there was a very "plummy" lady on the next bed with her 2 children with her. One of them suddenly piped up "but mummy, I thought you said you'd got blue blood"!
Neil.
Bryan_sop
10.08.2005, 10:24
I usually give regularly but just haven't had time recently. I think how it effects you depends on your size. I've never felt any effects after donating but then, I am 6'1" and about 15 Stone. I once took a friend along and she was just above the minimum weight and she was quite wobbly afterwards.
I usually cycle to the hospital and back (which is about 4 miles each way) and I feel fine. (probably gets the blood flowing better beforehand!)
timbloke
10.08.2005, 13:41
Since Christmas I've been going during lunch to a centre near the office. Each time we go, we try to persuade one new person to start donating. If everybody does this it'll increase the donors significantly.
And to anyone worried about needles or pain, it is honestly more painful to stub your toe than give blood. And you get as much tea and biscuits as you like.
bigmamabadger
11.08.2005, 17:45
I used to give blood regularly but I can't do it any more. I'd love to but hey, they just don't want it. And before anyone asks, no I don't have any communicable diseases. I think it's a great thing to do, it costs you nothing (OK I once fainted afterwards) and it can save lives.
BMB
xx
I used to give blood regularly but I can't do it any more. I'd love to but hey, they just don't want it. And before anyone asks, no I don't have any communicable diseases. I think it's a great thing to do, it costs you nothing (OK I once fainted afterwards) and it can save lives.
BMB
xx
Maybe the demand for blood suitable for the genus Meles meles has slackened off .... :biggrin:
[the word from your .sig:
you must have heard our readthrough of VoD last night. At least we've got time to learn the notes!!!]
Neil
twigglet
12.08.2005, 10:16
I gave blood on Wednesday, was my second time....
First time I was a speedy leaker, 6 mins, but this time things didn't work so well...
My vein didn't want to give its blood away without a fight so the nurse had to hold the needle in and wiggle it the whole time, I now am the proud owner of a nice raised purple vein!
Despite that, won't stop me doing it again, think it is a great and easy way to help other people massively.
Do it!
sevenhelz
15.08.2005, 23:12
:( i wanted to go today and forgot *facepalm* stupid helzy
xx
:( i wanted to go today and forgot *facepalm* stupid helzy
xx
Well find another local session on www.blood.co.uk then - there's bound to be one somewhere around where you live in the next few days - you don't have to go to your specificied appointment :D
Wonder if we can start a poll on which band section has the most donors?
Neil.
timbloke
20.08.2005, 23:30
First time I was a speedy leaker, 6 mins, but this time things didn't work so well...
Got challenged to a race the other week. I managed 5 mins 26 seconds, but got beaten by 13 seconds... gutted. Although i did have to give an extra sample for my inclusion on the Bone Marrow register.
meandmycornet
21.08.2005, 00:04
Everytime the blood donating people come i'm on antibiotics for summat or other! Hopefully next time I won't be though!
My dad is on the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register and has been since he was old enough too, he'd completely forgot about it until about 5 years ago he got a letter through the post, saying they thought he was a match for a patient requiring bone marrow and would he come to London for tests, so he went and he got a phonecall a week later to say he was in fact a perfect match! So off he toddled back to London, to a private hospital (he got wine with his dinner!!) and had the op, he had 8 holes in his back and they managed to get a good lot of bone marrow out of him, he was extremely painful for a couple of weeks after but he maintains it was very much worth, and is too this day still on the register!
And i've just been on www.blood.co.uk (http://www.blood.co.uk) and booked myself a donating appointment for this thursday! :D
satchmo shaz
24.08.2005, 08:06
good one!;)
they are still short of people on the bone marrow register especially young males, so come on and sign up............. you could be saving someones life soon!
meandmycornet
24.08.2005, 09:01
Ok I was fine about signing up to give blood, emailed for an appointment (which is a really simple method and you get an email in reply within 24 hours) and now its the day before (tomorrow 2.30pm!!) I'm starting to get a little bit nervous! Especially after reading a post above about someone who's friend was just over the minimum weight and was wobbly afterwards! I'm basically the minimum weight, like just, but I'm little as well so I think I should be ok! .... shouldn't I?
Big Twigge
24.08.2005, 09:14
Ok I was fine about signing up to give blood, emailed for an appointment (which is a really simple method and you get an email in reply within 24 hours) and now its the day before (tomorrow 2.30pm!!) I'm starting to get a little bit nervous! Especially after reading a post above about someone who's friend was just over the minimum weight and was wobbly afterwards! I'm basically the minimum weight, like just, but I'm little as well so I think I should be ok! .... shouldn't I?
You'll be fine and you'll feel superb afterwards. Just make sure you eat and drinks loads before it then you'll be great. It's the best excuse to have a fat day!
Good Luck
2nd man down
24.08.2005, 13:28
i gave blood first when i was about 20 and then didn't go again for ages (15 years!!!! :oops: ), not for any reason other than I never seemed to get chance.
Now I make a point of making sure I'm available when i can whenever the reminder arrives. :tup
Magic Flute
25.08.2005, 16:36
...minimum weight and was wobbly afterwards!
Anyone know what the min weight is now? I signed up, got blood tested etc when I was a student - and then got told I wasn't heavy enough.:mad: Have tried to make up for it ever since with cream cakes etc - but can't find any info on how much you have to be now.
If you go through the "can I give blood" questions on the website (http://www.blood.co.uk), eventually(!) you get the OK, but it says:
"Please note: You must weigh over 50kg (7st 12) to be able to give blood. If you are unsure please free to call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0845 711 711".
They certainly USED to accept small-framed people but limited donation to a "small bag" which I think was 250ml that was used for children. Don't know if they still do, though.
Neil.
meandmycornet
25.08.2005, 17:11
WOOOOOOOO!!! I bled :D not tremedously but I still did it!!! Took the poor women ages to find me veins! Then she wandered off and came back armed with lots more nursies! all poking my arms! (I had blood pressure thingamys on both arms! I am a 'left arm only' donater :tongue: cos I'm only little (but big enough! you have to be 8 stone!) and cos I only have measly veins they only took 405mls off me which is the minimum donation, normal amount is 470ml so I wasn't that bad really!
Its hurts but it was alright and I got 3 cups of lemon squash and as many wagon wheels as I could eat! I was more nervous about be able to get on the bed and the finger *****ing malarky that the actual needle!
I'm sooooooo proud of myself though :D and I'll deffo be going again!
Do you think I'll be ok to go to band tonight? I realllllly don't want to miss it!
bigmamabadger
25.08.2005, 22:21
I have what they call "slippery veins", which means instead of the needle going into the vein it kind of slips off to one side and doesn't puncture it. When I was in hospital a couple of months ago it took a junior doctor, a nurse and an anaesthetist 3 goes to get a shunt into my wrist...
The vampires are usually better at it because they do it all day every day, but it still used to be a struggle.
BMB "like getting blood out of a badger"
xx
satchmo shaz
10.09.2005, 08:45
My old man was called up last Wednesday by Anthony Nolan as a possible match so he went to give some more blood and now we have to wait............. hope somebody's life is saved...............
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