I gave blood today
 

They called me and set up an appointment to go to a local Blood Clinic. When you get there, I simply registered that I was giving blood. I sat down and had to answer a few questions about my personal info (name, address, etc). She then pricked my finger to check my iodine levels, Im not sure why. I then had to fill out some paperwork regarding my general health, such as wheather I took drugs by needles, or been exposed to HIV. I then went to a sort of "mini-interview" where they ask some more personal qusetions. Such as have you had gay sex with a man while unprotected, taken cocaine, been exposed to SARS or HIV or a bunch of other diseases.

After this stage, they take you to a type of collapseable couch. They lay you down, stick a needle in your arm, and suck out about a pint of blood (i think). All very simple, the whole process takes about 30 minutes.

I highly push people to give blood. Its such a simple thing to do, and you could potentially be saving lives. The only excuse I've heard, other than you have diseases, is "well, Im afraid of needles". To this I say, a moment's pain is well worth the saving of a life. In Canada, its all donated, you dont get paid for it. But Im sure in America, you get paid for it. So thats an added bonus for all you Americans. :D

i would do it, but i dont have much blood to give (barely, barely over the requirement and i dont wanna push it)

and i'm real afraid of needles.

Well, I used to be afraid of needles, but I just got a few imunizations for college shit, and the fear is gone. Next time I see a blood drive, Ill be there!

Good going, guy.
I give blood every so often...been doing it since I was in jr. high school.

It has the extra added benefit of letting you know if you're clean.
They test the small sample out.
Sometimes you even get the results back,
or you become a part of a study and you get those results. (this is very cool)

Just make sure, you've eaten...hopefully with some juice.
And that you have enough body mass to draw the required amount.
Actually the little pin prick for iron hurts more than the bigger needle. (it is nothing.)
They can do this with their eyes closed. (but don't;))

Give blood...it shows you care.

been doing it for years...it's a good thing...nothing to be afraid of...

In high school I could never give blood because it never failed that they would always come when I had a game that night or I was in a tournament. The coach said we couldn't. I gave blood during the Sept. 11th tragedy and I give blood every so often. The needles are nothin.. your little bit of pain could help save a life ;)

*looking North of the border* Nope... we don't get paid to donate 'whole blood'... we do get paid for plasma... *smile* did that a time or two...

The company where I work sponsers a Red Cross blood drive every 3 months... so I donate every 3 months... *smile* convienience is everything! *smile*

I love the questionaire... *grin* they know more about my sexual past than spring does... *L*

btw... kudos to you for donating!

Me too. They have a blood drive every couple of months at my office and I've given at every one for the last couple of years. Honestly, it really doesn't hurt much. I always find that taking the Band-Aid off my hairy arm hurts lots worse than the needle.

I donate regularly. I've never heard of being paid for it.

The test is to check your iron levels to make sure you have enough that it won't endanger you to give blood.

The iodine they use (if you're not allergic) is to cleanse the site where they'll take the blood.

I used to donate regularly but my hemoglobin (iron) levels haven't been high enough for the last year or so.

Thanks to everyone who donates. :)

Donating is no big deal. Giving the gift of your blood sure makes you feel good. I received several units when my apendix burst, so donating is my way of saying thanks.

Sorry but I need all my blood.

I believe in donating. Once I get done moving I will get back on a schedule for donating. I am afraid of needles but since I fill the bag so quick it is bearable to me.

i've donated before, and would like to again sometime, but i don't think i can. i had to have a transfusion about 5 months ago, and (while i don't know for sure) i think that may disqualify me from giving ever again, or for at least some time.

I'm not allowed to give blood because my wife used to be a junkie and the rules of the blood bank say that you don't get to give blood if you've used needles or are having sex with someone who did/does.

Needless to say, my wife's been clean for more than 5 years. You gotta love the rules...

I used to give blood regularily in my younger years. I havnt done it in about 5 years although I should.

One problem though that I notice is that I tend to get sick everytime I give blood. Maybe its just coincidence or just in my head but I think my immune system is compromised when I give blood for a day or two.

Anyone concur?

Know what's fun? Take three buddies in there and have a race to see who fills their bag fastest. Slowest bleeder buys lunch!

My personal record is 2 minutes 35 seconds. I'm usually more in the 4 minute range. Which is fast. We've got one guy who's never broken 7 minutes.

I've given blood every 8 weeks since September 20th, 2001. Nothing like a national disaster to get me over MY fear of needles!

I used to give blood every 8 weeks. Now they call me for platelets. Go in, spend about 2 hours in the place, they suck the blood out, spin it to seperate it, keep the platelets and put the plasma back.

I started giving blood regularly around 7 years ago, then in '99 I moved and lost the routine. I started again after 9-11. I really hate needles. Here's a tip: dont' look at it! Just stare away from the nurse, at the ceiling, at someone else giving blood, anything. Then all you have to deal with is the stick, which is over in a flash.
I've never heard of immune system compromise after donating. Probably just coincidence or from the stress of donating. I once psyched myself out after donating telling myself I was tired the rest of the day because "I had less blood, therefore less oxygen." It only happened once so I know I did it to myself.
It is very healthy to donate regularly, especially for guys. We don't have that monthy bleeding problem to deal with. Research has shown reduced risk of heart disease for older males who donate and don't smoke. Not particularly helpful your you younger guys, but remember donating can save someone's life.

can you link to some of these studies?

I love donating blood. To me it's a great community service opportunity. I'm O positive, so the Red Cross is always calling me and asking me to donate...unfortunately the last couple of times my iron levels haven't been high enough :(

Here's a tip for you all: Donate on the holidays when the need is pressing...and you get a neat pin from the Red Cross! My friend has every pin for every holiday. Very cool.

Wish I could. I donated a few years ago and fainted twice before I left. The whole ordeal took me two freaking hours! I'm not sure what was up with my body, but maybe its just not set up for that. Guess I should ask my doctor. In any case, once I was up and clear headed, I felt like I had done something great. I found the part about 'guys' from Bent above to be interesting. I'd like to read up on that.

Here's the link I found after a quick search on Google:
http://www.physicians-background.com/blood.html

Oh, here are some LINKS to studies and whatnot

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0901072035.htm

http://www.physicians-background.com/blood.html

One time a blood bank came to my work. They set up these really cool chairs that would flip you flat on your back in a second if you felt faint. While I was waiting to donate a nurse checked on a co-worker by asking how he was doing. He didnt' reply. She waved her hand in front of his face and said 'Yup, he's gone.' She tilted him back and a few minutes later he was fine. He fainted with his eyes wide open! It was hilarious.

Donating blood is very important and it feels good to know you are saving up to 3 lives for every pint you give.

It's not a pleasant experience, but it really shows you have a heart of gold.

Did it on Sunday. It's not that much fun, but it's very important to do.

Good on you for all the people that are giving blood. Esp. with all teh shortages lately. Congrats to you all. I, unfortunatly cannot give blood in canada because of living in england.
Good on all of you though, i think that it's great

Donating blood will not compromise your immune system in any way.

Some people do feel faint afterwards because of the loss of blood volume; the body re-equilibrates rapidly however so it's a short lived problem.

I used to give blood all the time before I had my Children. After the kids were born, I passed out twice giving blood...So I stopped...But I agree, it is a great thing to do.

I have been donating since I was 18. My mother has a rare type so I was always taking her in. They used to pay $10 buck back then. Considering what they are charging the patient that gets it. They should be paying donors something.

i'd like to greatly encourage people to donate blood as often as possible. i wish i could donate but my blood is far from prized.

its a very, very noble thing to do...

I selute you!
giving blood is a noble thing to do.
But personally i am a bit of a coward, my high school just had a blood drive, and i kinda chickened out.
I kinda feel bad

I agree, it's a great thing to do. I however, can't do it because i pass out after getting a vial or two drawn for a CBC or sugar workup. Bad stuff.

My girlfriend has an odd blood type and used to get pestered to donate all the time, so she would. The problem is that now she has so much scar tissue around her veins from poorly trained phlebotomists that it's impossible for her get an IV in either of her arms. Seeing her have to get one in her jugular when she had kidney stones did it for me. (Not to mention the itemized bill from the ER for the NINE iv needle/cath kits they used when attempting to start it in her arm)

If you are capable, support your fellow man - but don't be afraid to say no either.

Yeah, giving blood is a good thing to do. I donate when I can. I always get queasy beofre they sitck that needle in me, though.

nope. can't do it.

first and foremost, i get sick when i hafta give tiny vials... no fucking way i'm giving a whole damn bag

secondly, even if i wanted to i couldn't. my lovely ex-wife gave me something that disqualifies me. o-well.

I used to donate plasma twice a week in San Diego, but it was for profit.

i couldnt donate this year, but the past 2 years i have, i thought it was gonna b bad, but it's not, as long as the technition is good u wont have anything but a tiny bruise. was gonna donate plasma but couldnt cause i have small vein.

pretty intense head rush is kinda fun aftewards lol

I'm bumping this up again because of all the new members. I donated again a few days ago. And dammit, I feel really good about it. Its now my 3rd time donating I believe, and will continue to donate whenever possible.

Its such a simple thing to do. I wonder why more people don't do it. "Oh, well, Im DEATHLY afraid of needles." SO what? Overcome a second or two of slight pain, and potentionally save lives. It's that simple folks.

Donate today.

I'm O negative (both parents also O negative) and have never donated.

Please don't hurt me, I've just been too lazy to go when I hear about a new blood drive. I promise to go next time and save somebody's life. :)

I give blood as often as possible. Usually it's when I see a blood drive around, as I'm too lazy to actually schedule it or anything.

I always ask the nurse if she wants me to fill up two bags. I'm certainly big enough to handle it. :)

I would think about giving blood if I could...But I don't think they want blood with THC in it.

I've donated 4-5 times I think throughout highschool andI've never had problems with the needles.. hell I bet I could fill a few bags without feeling faint (big guy=P ) but I dont think they'd let me. (Not to mention its also a way to get out of class for a while=P)

It always is a great feeling and I would do it more often if I had a car and could get around easyer, but I'm starting college soon so hopefully they will have drives often.

And I was wondering.. does anyone know if you can still give blood after having operations? in my case I had a titanium rod put in my left femer after a car accident, but I'm not sure if that would disqualify me or not, anyone know?

I just went and got some tests done today, among them was some blood work, so when I get my results back and figure out what type I am, I'm going to go and donate blood... I just don't want to walk in there and have no idea what I'm giving them and make them do all this extra work... Besides, I would also like to know that my blood is good first, and that I'm healthy enough to give it.

I don't remember what blood type I have. Also, I'm not sure if I qualify to give blood, but #tfp convinced me to go in to at least see if I qualify. If so, I'll give.
I think some places still pay for blood, but normally you just get a lot of snacks to help you recover faster. Considering how much it costs to process blood donations, you should be glad to even receive a cookie.

I went to give blood at a University blood drive... got the bag ALMOST full, and passed out. I started feeling really nauseous and sleepy, and then just went.

The nurse wasn't paying that close of attention, apparently, because it was a minute before she noticed. She unplugged me, and when I woke up, there were about 12 people standing around me, speaking a language that I knew but couldn't understand. THAT was interesting... I knew they were speaking English, but I just could not understand what they were saying.

They tell me that if you don't fill the bag all the way, they can't use it. So I went through all that and they had to throw the blood away. I got my Red Cross donor's card and the Blood Type on it is blank.

The worst part is that now I get flashbacks to that nausea whenever there is a blood drive. I can't even go into the same building as it at school without feeling like I'm going to vomit. It's sad. :(

When I was in college, for some strange coincidence, I would only notice blood drive on the campus when I had an exam that day or the day after. I always meant to do it but never got around to it.

they have blood drives a few times a year in the building where i work.......i've been getting closer to doing it every time. maybe your post will push me to do it next time!

In 1992, the local blood collectors (United Blood Services) decided that I tested positive for "non-A, non-B hepatitis". I'm on the national donor blacklist, even though three different doctors failed to find what UBS found.

Oh well, c'est la merde.

giving blood is good for all

here is a cookie O

I'm barely above the limit, so I'm kinda worried about that. Add to the fact that any blood seriously freaks me out (I blacked out during the scene in Blade where his wrists get cut by the artifact thingy, and feel queasy talking about it now.) so I don't do it.

i donate all the time i think its an awesome thing to do, if you have the blood to spare than why not? i mean geez you get free cookies and juice!

Last time I gave blood I passed out from low blood sugar.. I was told to see my docotr. seems I have a heart condition.. No longer can I give blood.. It was quite teh rush coming to though. sort of like digging yourself out of a tunnel only underwater.. I felt I was struggling to get out.. trying ot get out of the black hole into the light able.. very trippy.. Anyway that was several years ago and I still remember it as if it were yesterday.

That's totally fine. I smoke like a chimney and they accepted it all 3 times.

I've donated a bit. 'O' Positive. The first few times I had an opportunity, ie. they came to my college, I chickened out but after the first couple times walking by and just watching a little I figured it wasn't too bad. Since then don't know how much I've donated.

They say you have only 6 pints of blood in your body (if I'm remembering right) so 1 pint isn't so bad.

Actually I find that donating isn't as bad as just giving a couple vials since no one is holding the needle and moving it because it's taped to your arm.

I've found that it seems to go faster if I vigorously squeeze the little ball. I guess it must because I'm causing more circulation. Couldn't be because of blood pressure - Mine's unusually low constantly.

Anyway, It's definately worth the effort. Besides it felt good to know that I had contributed when I actually ended up needing an emergency transfusion once. (You only had to wait 6 mo then after a transfusion before you could donate again.)

<--- Medically disqualified.

I'm in the U.S., donate every 6-8 weeks weeks, and don't get paid for it.

I think there are places that will pay for plasma donations, but from what I understand, plasma donation takes about 2-3 hours.

I try to give blood often but I don't give as often as I should. My blood drips slow so it takes like 20 minutes and twice it hurt really bad but that was only because I had incompetent nurses. I plan on going back soon (and drinking a lot of water beforehand :) ).

There was a blood drive at my school today and like I said earlier on this thread, I would go in and try the next time I saw one. I found out I qualify to donate blood. So I gave. And it was good. I bruised my vein from carrying my backpack with one arm, oops.

I got a hat, too. I gave it to my friend who can't donate blood and told him to spread the word to would-be donators in lieu of donating blood himself.

I gave on Wednesday of this week. I was walking through the student center and the mobile blood bank unit was there. Second time I've donated. I better be careful or this might become a habit :)

Though, the free t-shirts they gave were something I wouldn't want to be seen in. It was a cross between an American Idol theme and a blood bank theme. Makes me truly wonder who approved it.

They love me there. Last time, as soon as I became eligible to give again (every 7 weeks) they started calling and sending me junk mail. I'm O-Negative so they love me. Damn vampires

:D

I would give blood, but they won't take it from me.... that's what living in England for more than 6 months will do. Stupid mad cow disease scare .... :|

I think the limit is 6 months. I had a transfusion at one time and simply waited a year afterwards. No problem after that. I've given several times since. I haven't given lately because I constantly have kids to care for and rarely get away. Can't very well drag 2 and 3 toddlers to a blood drive. Also I've been so anemic and even still borderline anemic after regularly taking suppliments that my Dr prescribed. They wouldn't take my blood right now.

Thanks for the reminder; I got a blood drive card in the mail, gotta go sign up!

ive never given blood =/

I give blood all the time. I'm a rare type (B-), so they even call me in sometimes when they're really low. Last time I donated I hit the one gallon mark for donations. They even gave me a kick-ass 'One Gallon Club' pin as recognition! I'm so cool, it hurts.

Donated the past two times they came to my high school. You have to be 17, according to them, and I turned 17 three days before my first time so I did, had to lie down because I am a small guy so a pint is a lot for me.
Two-times so far, no biggie.
Last time was rough though: Friday, only 4 hours sleep, gave blood, went to work for 3 hours (a shift is only 3 and is very exhausting [waiter]), came home at 7:30pm and fell asleep at 7:45pm until 11am the next day.

Gave blood yesterday, then went to work and biked.

Don't do that, they tell you to relax for a reason, even having some "time" with the g/f almost made me faint becuase the blood was needed elsewhere...

I always donate though, I'm just not ver nice to my body...

I'm AB, one of the rarer ones :P

I try to give blood as regularly as i can since i became eligible (turned 18). So far i've given 8 times, with no problems, in fact, i'm done pretty fast.

The last time i did it, however, was weird. They poked my left arm, which was my regular donating arm, and in the beginning, it was fine. But after a while i felt that it was taking much longer than usual, so i asked the nurse if it was full. She checked, and found that the blood had stopped flowing out, and since it was for a while, the blood in the tube had clotted. The bag was only about halfway full. So they poked my other arm, but eventhough it started fine also, it stopped after a while. I was a bit worried, since i've not had any problems whatsoever before.

But anyway, i blame the nurse. I found out later that she pretty much a newbie, and i was the first she worked on that day o.o

I've given twice before at my high schools blood drives. I see some that go on here on base occasionally, but I am allways busy and can never get over to the blood drive. Maybe I will see about finding a place to donate.

yep giving blood is a good thing to do, it does not hurt that bad and it helps people. a lovley lady freind of mine got me to go the first time, and ill be going back dec 4 to go again. donate as often as you can, you get cookies and orange juice.

The more you donate, the more you increase the chance of lives being saved.