Giving Blood

J

John506

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Giving blood next week for first time, anyone do or done this and can tell me what it's like?
 
Painfull.

They take the blood from neck/head area with a 6" needle :cry:
 
I'm not allowed to give blood any more (and I'm sure that comment will fuel lots of speculation!!).

I didn't find it sore at all - they give you a little shot of local anaesthetic before they put the knitting needle sized cannula in.

First time though, I got up off the bed and promptly keeled over, went into shock and ended up in A&E!!!!! Turns out I was too light to have been giving blood (under 8 stones) and hadn't had anything to eat!!

I suggest that you have something to eat and drink before you go - not a three course meal, but a cuppa and a biscuit or something should do the trick. If you do feel a bit woozy, tell them, cos they'll get you to stay on the donating bed a bit longer - better than the embarrassment of falling over on the floor. Sit up slowly after you've donated as well - sitting up suddenly can cause a drop in blood pressure and make you dizzy and possibly faint.

Make sure you're honest about any medications that you've taken. If you've taken even a paracetamol or aspirin you have to tell them because they wouldn't be able to use your blood on certain people - like prem babies.
 
John506 said:
bolo said:
Try Googling Tony Hancock's 'The Blood Donor'.
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Unfortunately asking me to purchase the book, from Amazon and such sites :(
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Not seen this clip repeated recently on tv but just to give you a flavour:

After a thumb pin prick for a blood test sample Hancock is about to leave..

Doctor:
I've just taken a small sample to test.

Tony:
A sample? How much do you want then?

Doctor:
A pint, of course.

Tony:
A pint? Have you gone raving mad? Oh, well, of course . . . I mean, you must be joking.

Doctor:
A pint is a perfectly normal quantity to take.

Tony:
You don't seriously expect me to believe that. I mean, I came in here in all good faith to help my country. I don't mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint . . . why that's very nearly an armful. I'm sorry. I'm not walking around with an empty arm for anybody . . . No, I'm sorry, I've been misinformed, I've made a mistake . . . I'll do something else, I'll be a traffic warden.

You really need to see and hear this to appreciate it. His presence and the way he handled the lines just so funny.
 
as well as having a snack first - I would have said a ham sandwich and a glass of water, but it takes all sorts - wear something light and cool, as you might start to feel hot. A short sleeved shirt and no tie helps. you will take your shoes off, so slip-ons and clean socks help!

There is a questionaire to fill in. They will ask you questions in private. In my case, after I had some transfusions myself after a bad accident, I was no longer eligible to give blood. They offered to put a plaster on my arm so no-one would know I'd been rejected :lol: If you are a drug user, have had sex with prostitutes or people from sub-saharan Africa, or are ill that day, they also don't accept you. If you don't qualify they really would rather you admitted it in advance or didn't go.

I ask fort the local anaesthetic, but it is your choice. The actual needle then doesn't hurt or feel uncomfortable.

Go to the loo first.

One of my buddies (a Life Guards gunner) weed himself, which he found rather embarressing. Never done it myself. But I have sometimes felt hot and faint. If you tell them they will turn up the fans and perhaps let you have a drink of water before you get up.

They have mostly done it hundreds of times before.

You will be on a couch or bed.

I prefer to look away when the needle goes in. Just lie back and think of England (or wherever) and enjoy the rest. Sit and enjoy your tea or squash and biscuilts for a few minutes before you go back to work.

There is nothing wrong with feeling a bit nervous before you do it the first time. It will be OK next time.
 
How much do you get paid for this nowadays anyway?! :P
 
i have given blood for over 30 years, for the past 10 i have given platelets (they use the platelets for some cancer treatments, they take blood out of one arm, it goes through a machine to remove the platelets and put it back in the other arm) the worst part by far is then they prick your thumb for a type test, i'm sure you have been jabbed by a pin before so you will know what it is like, they do offer an anaesthrtic but as it is a jag before a jag i've never seen the point, you get tea or juice and a biccy when done and you feel proud of yourself!! you get fruit juice if it is your first time, and they ask if you are feeling fit etc take it easy for an hour or so when done and you should be ok, i weigh 14 stone so don't have a prob feeling woozy when done,
well done for giving blood, and see if you can take another newby with you for support.
 
Alison556 my wife and son both have a medical condition that prevent them from giving blood,and there arent many,not lupus is it? :cry:
 
paulc7617 said:
Alison556 my wife and son both have a medical condition that prevent them from giving blood,and there arent many,not lupus is it? :cry:
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No, I've got Addison's amongst other things. Kind of similar I think - both autoimmune conditions? I'm on steroids so they won't take my blood - they told me I needed it more than them!! :(

Pretty naff, isn't it?
 
Hmmm, I used to be a bit of a pot head (ashamed to say), gave it up about 8 months ago, havent touched it since I met my girlfriend though, do you think that will affect it?
 
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