Blood donors - show of hands? If not, why not?

[caspernz]

So after my umpteenth blood donation this morning, I got talking with an old buddy in the afternoon about donating blood. He used to ride, had a bad accident and gave up riding as a result. We all know someone who has been in an accident and needed blood, crikey I can think of far too many myself, including family members even...

Now I've been fortunate in never having needed blood transfusions myself, touch wood, and it got me thinking...how many riders are able to give blood but don't? No, I'm not talking about those who live too far away from a centre where blood is collected. I'm just looking to prompt those who live in a main centre, who are able to give blood...to consider it. Heck, I donate to St Johns, Wellington Free Ambulance, the Westpac Rescue chopper. None of which would mean much if there's no red stuff in the bank when one gets to the hospital...that's my thinking anyway.

So not a poll, merely something to make you stop and think :Oi:

[GingerMidget]

I used to be a blood donor as often as they would let me, but I haven't been allowed to do to to chronically low iron levels. I can however still donate platelets which I do occasionally. Work gets in the way though so its not very often.

I ticked organ donor on my licence though.

[thecharmed01]

I'm not allowed :(

Weight is under threshold and I'm always anaemic. Also have low blood pressure.

[caspernz]

Good on ya Ginger!

Yeah work does get in the way of things. My wife has that low iron problem too.

Did I mention free coffee and bikkies? No I'm not getting paid to harrang anyone on here, I do that for free :bleh:

I've been doing plasma donations since early this year, done much the same way as platelets.

[caspernz]

I'm not allowed :(

Weight is under threshold and I'm always anaemic. Also have low blood pressure.

I'm sure I heard some women mutter a rude word when they read 'weight under threshold'...:rolleyes:

[SMOKEU]

I'm not allowed :(

Weight is under threshold

Do they go off the BMI, or is there a set weight limit?

[GingerMidget]

Oooh I could try plasma. That might be easier. Migraine meds might be a problem now though, best I go find out!

[Gremlin]

Do they go off the BMI, or is there a set weight limit?
Set weight limit from memory (not my concern).

caspernz: :wavey: ... whole blood

I've got the umbrella already... I think it's 25?

[Swoop]

Used to, but stopped some years back. Still have the card somewhere.


A mate has donated over 100 times and received a letter of thanks from the Govenor General. Most surprising.


Whatever happened to KB'er "Donor"?

[Berries]

Not allowed due to being English and obviously having mad cow disease. FFS.

I do think being an organ donor should be opt out though rather than opt in.

[Kickaha]

Do they go off the BMI, or is there a set weight limit?

There used to be a set weight limit, seeing as you're from the home of aids you might not be able to donate

Just ticked over 50 donations, whole blood only as they don't want me doing anything else, doubt I'll hit 100, to many operations and other stuff making me have stand downs over the years

[thecharmed01]

Do they go off the BMI, or is there a set weight limit?

They have a chart for height and weight.

Every time I've tried, they look at my height, weigh me, then shake their heads and send me packing.

I suspect that they would run into issues with my blood pressure too if they ever got that far - a blood test drops it far enough that I faint and it takes me half an hour before I can walk anywhere.

[caspernz]

Do they go off the BMI, or is there a set weight limit?

It's done off a BMI type scale, weight and height, but there's still an absolute bottom limit. The Asian girls I flatted with some years back were always hovering on that borderline...

www.nzblood.co.nz if you wanna do some reading and find out more :2thumbsup

[BigAl]

Up around the 70 pints donated & always good to replenish with a pint of another sort:msn-wink:

[Tony.OK]

Got a free blood donor t shirt the time before last donation, happened to be wearing it when I fell off my dirt bike and got taken to emergency 3 weeks ago, got a few smiles from the staff at HB hospital :msn-wink:

[ducatilover]

Have tried several times, each time I was told to piss off, underweight.
Oh well, moar bludz foa meeee:2thumbsup

[caspernz]

Oooh I could try plasma. That might be easier. Migraine meds might be a problem now though, best I go find out!

Ginger: You could always just improve the quality of your alcohol intake? I drink less, but only the good stuff nowadays, when the occasion calls for it...

Yeah well, even for plasma they check the iron count. I'm not an expert, merely interested to see the diverse opinions.

Gremlin: Yeah, I'm not surprised you're into giving away the red stuff :2thumbsup

[Ocean1]

Not allowed due to being English and obviously having mad cow disease. FFS.

Not English, was just visiting, still wasn't allowed.

I donated for years before the mad cow thing, though. Eventually they got sick of picking me up off the floor and told me never to darken their door again.

Actually I think the scary CJD thing has lapsed now, no?

[caspernz]

Used to, but stopped some years back. Still have the card somewhere.


A mate has donated over 100 times and received a letter of thanks from the Govenor General. Most surprising.


Whatever happened to KB'er "Donor"?

Yeah, that's a nice gesture in a way. Would love to get a letter like that, but it's just about making sure there's some red stuff at the hospital should one of us have an off...

[Gremlin]

seeing as you're from the home of aids you might not be able to donate
Nup, no problem there. I always have to bring up that I was in UK for 3 weeks during that period, but the limit is 6 months.

Been lazy now and then over the years, but hopefully I'll still hit 100. Whole blood does decrease your count though.

[caspernz]

Not English, was just visiting, still wasn't allowed.

I donated for years before the mad cow thing, though. Eventually they got sick of picking me up off the floor and told me never to darken their door again.

Actually I think the scary CJD thing has lapsed now, no?

Nope, there's still a question on the form relating to that mad cow period in the UK. Quite a big deal, since it's still asked about specifically...

[caspernz]

Nup, no problem there. I always have to bring up that I was in UK for 3 weeks during that period, but the limit is 6 months.

Been lazy now and then over the years, but hopefully I'll still hit 100. Whole blood does decrease your count though.

Plasma is something you can do fortnightly, but I have to admit it's more intrusive on the body overall. More prep and feel a bit more jaded after, or I should say, I feel a bit jaded after plasma donations compared to whole blood.

[EJK]

I enjoy the "feeling" of needle's penetration deep into my skin.... Ohhhh yeah, baby... That hit the spot... :drool:

[Pussy]

edwankbear will be along shortly to tell you all how evil you are.....

[mikemike104]

Always have given blood since school, I moved to plasma a couple years ago. Doing it again Queens B/d Monday at 8:30am too.

[ducatilover]

edwankbear will be along shortly to tell you all how evil you are.....
I figured it out. He's a vampire

[caspernz]

I enjoy the "feeling" of needle's penetration deep into my skin.... Ohhhh yeah, baby... That hit the spot... :drool:

Well, I could tell you about that time a nurse put my hand between her thighs 'by accident' but then I'd be just as dodgy as you :Oi:

And no mention of dating her for a while afterwards either.

I can't stand needles actually, it's the worst part. I really only go for the Vegemite crackers...:niceone:

[porky]

You can have all my blood... its pretty fucked.....and all the meds to balance it out.

So from someone who needs the occasional top up.........thanks to all those out there that do contribute.

[caspernz]

Always have given blood since school, I moved to plasma a couple years ago. Doing it again Queens B/d Monday at 8:30am too.

Well, apparently it's guys like you who are in short supply...so good on ya!! :2thumbsup

[SMOKEU]

Apparently illicit drug insufflation renders someone unworthy of donating blood. That rules me out then.

[sil3nt]

Apparently illicit drug insufflation renders someone unworthy of donating blood. That rules me out then.Thats just their way of saying they don't want any fuckwit blood spread through the nation :bleh:

[Little Miss Trouble]

I used to, not allowed at present as I'm on daily pain meds, as soon as the docs sort out what's going on I'll be back

[caspernz]

Apparently illicit drug insufflation renders someone unworthy of donating blood. That rules me out then.

Oh well, at least you weren't ruled out 'cause of prostitution eh? :rolleyes:

[EJK]

Question, what's the difference between blood donation and plasma donation?

[caspernz]

Question, what's the difference between blood donation and plasma donation?

Well, there's whole blood, where they just drain a pint of the red stuff. Takes 45 mins from walking in to walking out.

Plasma, they take blood, centrifuge out the plasma (looks like urine) and keep that, rest gets trickled back into the body. Takes 75 mins in to out.

Platelets is about the same as plasma, just slower. Not sure how long this takes, have heard 2 hours mentioned??

[GingerMidget]

The migraines are compunded by the numerous mountain bike crashes. The drinking is because I deal with people all day.

Unrelated drinking rocks

[rustic101]

If I kick the bucket my bits are going to help everyone else,:banana:
The anti-psychotics I'm taking taint the blood so I'm not allowed to give:psst:
Work is great for allowing/encouraging/supporting those who want to give :clap:

[SMOKEU]

seeing as you're from the home of aids you might not be able to donate



Apparenly the scientists in my homeland are trying to make synthetic blood. It will be pretty damn awesome when that does become a reality because then there will be enough clean blood for everyone who needs it. It's only a matter of time before it's a reality.

[EJK]

Well, there's whole blood, where they just drain a pint of the red stuff. Takes 45 mins from walking in to walking out.

Plasma, they take blood, centrifuge out the plasma (looks like urine) and keep that, rest gets trickled back into the body. Takes 75 mins in to out.

Platelets is about the same as plasma, just slower. Not sure how long this takes, have heard 2 hours mentioned??

They take the shit they took out back into my body? How? Do I have to drink it? :scratch:

[MyGSXF]

Yep :niceone:

My youngest son (now 9.5 yrs) had a blood transfusion at 2 days old.. a very sick prem bubby :blink:

[caspernz]

The migraines are compunded by the numerous mountain bike crashes. The drinking is because I deal with people all day.

Unrelated drinking rocks

You have my sympathy :first: for working with people all day. I just drive amongst them on the roads most days, and resist the temptation to post the onboard camera footage to some clowns' facebook page...

The best drink is the one I have at 7am at the end of my last night shift, cleaning the BBQ as I watch my neighbour go to work. He must hate me:rolleyes:

[caspernz]

They take the shit they took out back into my body? How? Do I have to drink it? :scratch:

No you just gotta keep still as the nurse fondles you...read it again you dodgy specimen :cool:

The red stuff, minus the plasma, is trickled back up the same line where they took out the whole blood to start with...

[Spazman727]

I give every now and then, not super regularly though cos I just don't get around to it. Last one was a couple of days ago.
Some of you guys must be tiny if they won't let you give. I'm 6ft and about 65kg an they've never mentioned my weight. My girlfriend is just under 6ft and about 55kg and they don't mention it to her either, but then she did almost faint the last time she went.

I like the little things they give you, like a wee keyring man filled with red liquid and you'r blood type on him, had mine on my bike key for a while until the 'blood' leaked out and turned my pocket red.

I think the main problem is that they aren't open on weekends, just during work hours, when people who are able to are... at work.

[Spazman727]

No you just gotta keep still as the nurse fondles you...read it again you dodgy specimen :cool:

The red stuff, minus the plasma, is trickled back up the same line where they took out the whole blood to start with...

Do you know how many time you have to give blood before your'e allowed to give plasma, or can you just ask to do it?

[caspernz]

Do you know how many time you have to give blood before your'e allowed to give plasma, or can you just ask to do it?

Just ask. Nothing to do with how many times you've given.

And I agree that the opening times can be a hassle for a normal working week person. I'm on shifts so I have the freedom, or should I say no excuse...

[GrayWolf]

Not allowed due to being English and obviously having mad cow disease. FFS.

I do think being an organ donor should be opt out though rather than opt in.

Ditto...... I was a donor in the UK and I am A positive, one of the types they are always asking for........

[joeyy]

I'm a regular blood donor. My dad (also a regular blood donor, and motorcyclist) took me for the first time year before last.
Been there every three months since.
Lucky I guess, because my shifts are flexible enough for me to make appointments.

Can't think of a single reason not to be a donor, really.

[Berries]

I always have to bring up that I was in UK for 3 weeks during that period, but the limit is 6 months.
I thought the Aids comment was aimed at the South Afrikaans, but then it does explain a couple of things.


Actually I think the scary CJD thing has lapsed now, no?
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Not in my case.

[Gremlin]

I can't stand needles actually, it's the worst part. I really only go for the Vegemite crackers...:niceone:
No problem with the needles... I've even watched as they go in. One time the nurse let me hold the bag of blood after. That was interesting, still warm of course.

The worst part is pulling the goddamn pressure patch off. I remember the first time I had one, when they switched from the coloured bands. I was constantly pressing it back on throughout the day, convinced it wouldn't hold.

I paid for it royally that night... :crybaby:

[caspernz]

I'm a regular blood donor. My dad (also a regular blood donor, and motorcyclist) took me for the first time year before last.
Been there every three months since.
Lucky I guess, because my shifts are flexible enough for me to make appointments.

Can't think of a single reason not to be a donor, really.

Good on ya mate :2thumbsup

Seems there's quite a few reasons why folks can't donate. Notice I said can't, as opposed to won't...

Weight, blood pressure, medication (legal or illegal), having lived in the wrong country for too long, worked as a porn-star for a while, abstaining after getting a tattoo, all being among the common reasons why some can't.

Good to hear there's a few who have the same outlook as me though, and some feedback from those who've needed it :niceone:

[miSTa]

O- whole blood donor here. Always get a phone call asking me to come in, nice to know my blood is in demand.


I enjoy the "feeling" of needle's penetration deep into my skin.... Ohhhh yeah, baby... That hit the spot... :drool:
What hits the spot is the needle hitting a nerve! There's a experience you don't want, trust me.

[Spazman727]

No problem with the needles... I've even watched as they go in. One time the nurse let me hold the bag of blood after. That was interesting, still warm of course.

The worst part is pulling the goddamn pressure patch off. I remember the first time I had one, when they switched from the coloured bands. I was constantly pressing it back on throughout the day, convinced it wouldn't hold.

I paid for it royally that night... :crybaby:

When you tale the little round plasters off it looks like you've been attacked by an octopus or something.

[caspernz]

No problem with the needles... I've even watched as they go in. One time the nurse let me hold the bag of blood after. That was interesting, still warm of course.

The worst part is pulling the goddamn pressure patch off. I remember the first time I had one, when they switched from the coloured bands. I was constantly pressing it back on throughout the day, convinced it wouldn't hold.

I paid for it royally that night... :crybaby:

Oooohh, I bet you only made that mistake once? My rule of thumb is to take the armband off after about 3 hours and just leave the little plaster on. If the hole ain't closed by then...no amount of pushing on it and aggravating the horrendous injury is gonna fix it...:nono:

I must admit that on one occasion I had a few tears in my eyes when a trainee nurse poked the needle straight thru the vein. :crybaby::crybaby: So I let them jab the other arm. That's about the only downside I've ever had.

[Oblivion]

I personally would, but I'm underweight ( I dont see that changing anytime soon) , and have a case of haemophobia. I cant stand the sight of my own blood. Let alone anyone elses :sweatdrop

[Kickaha]

Plasma is something you can do fortnightly,
I've asked about doing it but they didn't want to, something to do with me being O- and only wanting me to do whole blood

I thought the Aids comment was aimed at the South Afrikaans,
It was, I had a year stand down when I had a South African partner even though she was willing to undeggo any testing they wanted

No problem with the needles... I've even watched as they go in.
:lol: I do that every time, some of the nurses don't seem to like it though

O- whole blood donor here. Always get a phone call asking me to come in, nice to know my blood is in demand..
Yeah same, or rung and asked if I'll be around at high demand times and can be on standby

[hellokitty]

I'm not allowed :(

Weight is under threshold and I'm always anaemic. Also have low blood pressure.


I used to be a blood donor as often as they would let me, but I haven't been allowed to do to to chronically low iron levels. I can however still donate platelets which I do occasionally. Work gets in the way though so its not very often.

I ticked organ donor on my licence though.

I am a donor too, but as I have tattoos and piercings they don't want me for blood - plus I have iron injections so that rules me out. I have low blood pressure too but never even thought about that being an issue.

[Maha]

I gave blood once, it ended up costing me 6 months loss of licence and $900 fine so stuff that, never again.

[chanceyy]

:msn-wink: yup :cool:

[Road kill]

I've given blood about a dozen times over the last thirty years.
Should do more,,but I'm a slack bugger.
Will ask when the van vists the mill next.

[p.dath]

I got a bit over 10 donations, and then got diagnosed with a cortisol deficiency, and now I'm not allowed to donate again. Never mind.

[rustyrobot]

Have donated 20+ times, usually drop in whenever they call... and the boss lets me do it on work time (joy of working for a hospital).

All you organ donors realise that your body parts are just as likely to go to a med student or scientist as a sick person right? Who knows maybe they'll use some of your body tissue when they start human cloning experiments and you can live to ride again! :headbang:

[Hawk]

used to, not now, they don't want mine. They told me to be selfish with the drugs in my blood.

[munster]

AB- & off to do donation 96 today.

About half & half whole blood & plasma. Currently donating plasma every 2 weeks.

[SMOKEU]

and have a case of haemophobia. I cant stand the sight of my own blood. Let alone anyone elses :sweatdrop

Don't be a pussy, haven't you every drank your own blood when you phuck yourself up and start bleeding?

[Brett]

O+ donor...donate as often as I can/remember to...which has only been twice this year sadly. Happy to keep doing it as long as I am able to, it is a very easy way to help someone who might desperately need it. I looked at donating platelets, however they said my count was on the low side and not the best idea...dunno why...I feel fine (now). What I don't get is why they will take 470mm from someone weighing 50kgs (min weight according to their website) but not a double shot from me weighing 100kg.
Another upside, donating blood is supposedly good for you.

[caspernz]

O+ donor...donate as often as I can/remember to...which has only been twice this year sadly. Happy to keep doing it as long as I am able to, it is a very easy way to help someone who might desperately need it. I looked at donating platelets, however they said my count was on the low side and not the best idea...dunno why...I feel fine (now). What I don't get is why they will take 470mm from someone weighing 50kgs (min weight according to their website) but not a double shot from me weighing 100kg.
Another upside, donating blood is supposedly good for you.

:2thumbsup:2thumbsup Good to see so many fellow riders doing their thing. Plenty of valid reasons why some can't donate.

Yeah Brett, I was tried out for the platelet thing myself some years back, same deal, only had enough for myself with not much to spare. Typical, I am Dutch ater all :rolleyes:
I've wondered about the 470 ml max of whole blood as well, after all the plasma is done on a weight chart where at my 95 kgs they take 800 ml of plasma at a time.

[wysper]

They won't let me any more, apparently my blood pressure is too high.

[Parlane]

I'm not allowed :(

Weight is under threshold and I'm always anaemic. Also have low blood pressure.


They won't let me any more, apparently my blood pressure is too high.

If we combined the blood of these two people the blood pressure would be... juuuuuuussssssst right.

[wysper]

If we combined the blood of these two people the blood pressure would be... juuuuuuussssssst right.



The weird part is if my Doctor takes it or I test it at home with my father in laws blood pressure thingy it is fine!

[PirateJafa]

I donate plasma every fortnight, and would highly recommend that anyone drop in to their local donation clinic and ask about doing the same!

Pay it forward. :)

[caspernz]

The weird part is if my Doctor takes it or I test it at home with my father in laws blood pressure thingy it is fine!

Maybe the nurse taking the blood pressure is a distraction to you?

There's this symptom referred to as 'white coat hypertension' that afflicts some. I know it does that to me, for my own BP monitor reads lower than any medical professionals...

Oh and don't confuse it with 'big boob hypertension' as that has different symptoms :nono:

[nodrog]

I've been doing plasma donations since early this year.....

What a good cunt, can I have a 50inch?

[Badjelly]

I donated blood for 15 years, initially whole blood then plasma, once per month. They liked my plasma because I had good immunity: it must have been my wholesome lifestyle. In the last few years my donations were limited by various health issues, none particularly serious in my opinion, but the blood-suckers are very cautious about that sort of thing. Eventually we hit a show-stopper, so I've been stood down. I stalled at 97 donations. A couple of months after I finally stopped I got a letter from Jerry Mateparae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Mateparae), which was nice.

[PirateJafa]

Do you know how many time you have to give blood before your'e allowed to give plasma, or can you just ask to do it?

Just ask them, they're very keen for more plasma and platelet donors. Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to two years as well, which helps them keep a buffer against unexpected high-need times.


Just ask. Nothing to do with how many times you've given.

And I agree that the opening times can be a hassle for a normal working week person. I'm on shifts so I have the freedom, or should I say no excuse...

The Auckland clinics stay open late twice a week I believe (Tuesdays and maybe Sundays?)


I've asked about doing it but they didn't want to, something to do with me being O- and only wanting me to do whole blood

Plasma is close to the opposite of whole blood donation. I'm AB+ which means that although I'm a universal recipient, very few people can use my whole blood. However they can me every fortnight for my plasma as apparently I'm a universal donor as far as plasma goes. Not too sure how that works, but I'm glad to be helping someone somewhere.

[MadDuck]

I used to on a regular basis. But then went to the UK for a working (drinking) holiday and on my return they said I couldnt donate anymore.

I did try to convince them I am truely NOT mad and didn't do anything to a cow but they don't believe me.

[thecharmed01]

If we combined the blood of these two people the blood pressure would be... juuuuuuussssssst right.



Wish you could, low blood pressure SUCKS and apparently there is nothing I can do about it. Least if it was high they can medicate for that!

[willytheekid]

I used to donate when I was young (at least once a year)
...and I was a heavy user in my youth :lol:

But due to having a bit of an arguement (year+) with cancer of the spine, & having most of my white blood cells & immune system destroyed due to the form of heavy treatment I went through....I am no longer allowed to donate blood etc :(

But a huge thank you to all of you that do donate:niceone:....your generosity has saved my life more than once and more importantly...countless others!

:first:

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rsk/lowres/rskn22l.jpg

[slofox]

I haven't given blood for quite a while. Wouldn't like someone receiving it going off their trolley now would I?

[neels]

I've been giving blood when I get a chance for about 25 years.

Have no idea how many donations, I lost the little book they used to sign when you donated, then didn't keep count when I gave blood through air force medical, so started from scratch again a few years ago.

They come to near where I work and ring to let me know, so makes it easy to just drop in on the way past.

Would prefer the bottle of stout the air force hospital gave you afterwards to the tea and bikkies from the blood service though..

[quickbuck]

I'm O- so they always smile when I come in.
My first donation was a few years ago when we did a ride with Slighty, and then ended up at the blood clinic.

It was an awesome day.
Ironically Aaron left his licence in the car, so couldn't donate :doh:

Somebody should organise another one of those.....

The blood clinic pops along to base every 3 months, and that works very well.

I personally went through a few body's worth some time back, and am now almost in credit.... There is a chance I will need it again one day, if not somebody needs it NOW! So as said earlier... Pay it Forward.

[baptist]

Not allowed due to being English and obviously having mad cow disease. FFS.

I do think being an organ donor should be opt out though rather than opt in.

Same, I used to give in the UK, now I have been told I'm mad or something because I ate some silly cow?... so my red stuff is of no value to anyone but me...

Still state I am a donor on my licence, not sure if they would accept bits of me when I'm dead either.

Wonder how great the risk of having and sharing CJD is? They must lose a lot of potential donors because of it.

[Akzle]

i'm not a donor... apparently i'm a mad cow since i was in yurp when them cows was mad, too...
and i'm probably something stupid like AB- anyway...

i think there's a diffrence between crux jacobs and mad cow... one affects cows the other humans and one can be transmitted by both but the other not...

something.

[caspernz]

Good to see the spirit of paying it forward is alive and kicking in a good number of youz! :niceone:

And I like the fact some recipients have popped in to say cheers... I hope I never need it myself, but you never know huh? Touch wood...

[caseye]

Yep been a regular for years, lost me little green bo0ok ages ago and they lost all my records so instead of heading for the hundred I'm officially somewhere near the thirties. Still our first born twins were 10 weeks early and they got plenty of OP's blood for sometime, granted they didn't need much but hey thank God for those who did this then.
Hit a snag recently, OK the ground and broke me left paddle, now the drugs I've been on prohibit me for at least the next three months. I'll be back though.
I'd be on for a good ol Fashioned KB Blood Run, pretty sure they do still come up from time to time.
Good post Cas.

[Rosie]

I'm O- (which gets used in road accidents apparently) so I make an effort to donate regularly.

I'm a bit of a sook with needles, but you (wo)man up and do what you have to do.

Especially when there are free bikkies and lollies :drool:
And they gave me an awesome coffee cup last week :niceone:

[fishb8nz]

I started giving blood as an 18 y/o and gave 3 to 4 times a year before emigrating to NZ as a 34 y/o so 50 + donations there. Continued donating in NZ until they found out I'd got involved with some mad cows and banned me. That was another 60 + donations.
Funny but I thought I'd given my last donation but got rang up on the evening of the last day before the CJD ban was imposed and told that I was ok to give another donation so headed off and gave blood at 8 pm - the cut off was at midnight. So my blood was ok to use then but not in 5 hours???
Fortunately, never a recipient of any blood, but who knows? Keep giving, people!!

[george formby]

I've offered but was turned down. I ate beef in the UK during & prior to the CJD scare. I'm a mad cow & contagious.


Explains a lot about my behaviour now that I think about it.

[joan of arc]

Me too. Was a regular donor for years, starting while I was school as it was a legimate reason to get an afternoon off. Then travelled to the UK and on to the USA where I gave blood regularly. What amused me about donating blood in California was that instead of cuppa tea and a chocolate wheaten you got a cold Pepsi or Coke and a huge slab of chocolate sponge filled with cream and covered in icing.

Now my blood is not wanted in case I am a mad cow carrier. I have often wondered when or if the ban will be lifted as there must be plenty of ready donors whose blood will not be accepted. Surely, there is a time limit

[Ocean1]

The blood clinic pops along to base every 3 months, and that works very well.

They still do that eh?

When I were a nipper they used to turn up in a bus every six months or so. There was always a young nurse taking details as you walked in. When you went through the curtain there was an old battleaxe with a blunt 4" nail and a sump pump.

[chasio]

I was a maximum frequency donor in the UK but am another who is not allowed to give blood here. FFS, when are they going to review that position? I would be maximum frequency here as well if only they would accept my B+.

And it was always awesome swapping pints as it made for a cheap night out.

So I presume they would be flushing all the blood from my organs before inserting them in someone else..?

[caspernz]

They still do that eh?

When I were a nipper they used to turn up in a bus every six months or so. There was always a young nurse taking details as you walked in. When you went through the curtain there was an old battleaxe with a blunt 4" nail and a sump pump.

On a good day it's the other way around...:drool:

[nerrrd]

Ashamed to say I've never given blood. Congratulations and thanks (in advance?) to everyone on here who has :niceone:

No excuses here, I'm a wimp. Must try to get over that.

[Spazman727]

Ashamed to say I've never given blood. Congratulations and thanks (in advance?) to everyone on here who has :niceone:

No excuses here, I'm a wimp. Must try to get over that.

There isn't really anything scary about it. The most painful part is pulling the plaster off. Just make sure you wear warm gloves if your'e riding there 'cos having cold hands makes it difficult for them to get enough blood for a haemoglobin reading.

[BMWST?]

B- here,apparently rare blood types donors are over represented in the donor ranks.I been giving for years and years,dont know how many i went off the system for a while and when i resumed all the records were computerized and all my old ones were lost.I give whole blood ,there is no way i am letting my blood go through some machine and come back to me

[quickbuck]

They still do that eh?

When I were a nipper they used to turn up in a bus every six months or so. There was always a young nurse taking details as you walked in. When you went through the curtain there was an old battleaxe with a blunt 4" nail and a sump pump.
LOL....
They do indeed. Not many (if any) of the samples get refused for illegal substances....

All the nurces are very nice. Including the one from the UK, who ironically can't donate herself!

[placidfemme]

I would love to put my hand up... but they won't let me, some shit about being too skinny... minimum of 50kg I think. Tried to lie to them once... nurse said "Are you over 50kg?" and I said "Yes", and she said "Ok, lets weigh you then" and replied with "oh... ok no". :nono:

Good on all of you that do!! :clap:

[Maha]

I would love to put my hand up... but they won't let me, some shit about being too skinny... minimum of 50kg I think. Tried to lie to them once... nurse said "Are you over 50kg?" and I said "Yes", and she said "Ok, lets weigh you then" and replied with "oh... ok no". :nono:

Good on all of you that do!! :clap:

Fatty...........:rolleyes:
I lost 10.8 Kgs somewhere in the last few months...:cool:

[placidfemme]

Fatty...........:rolleyes:
I lost 10.8 Kgs somewhere in the last few months...:cool:

If I find the 10.8kg I'm not giving it back to you :banana:

I manged to get up to 54kg at one stage, then fell to 51kg and held that for about a year, then got sick and dropped to 46kg in a week and haven't put it back on :weep:

[Little Miss Trouble]

If I find the 10.8kg I'm not giving it back to you :banana:

I manged to get up to 54kg at one stage, then fell to 51kg and held that for about a year, then got sick and dropped to 46kg in a week and haven't put it back on :weep:

Full leathers and a massive lunch might get you over the mark?

[vifferman]

Whelp, I started donating blood in around 1984, and have only missed giving blood a handful of times since then, due to meds I was on, and for a year(ish) because of heart surgery. They gave me two units back for that. Well, actually, I had to buy the units, and pay to have my blood tested for type, and pay for the taxi to take the samples away. (If they'd just revived me, I could have saved them some time and myself not an insignificant amount of coin - $80 for the taxi, and a hundy or thereabouts for the blood typing...)

[slider39]

Yip Sure do. I'm A+. They're always asking for my blood...

[darkwolf]

Want to. But they think I might be mad or a cow or possibly both.

Does anyone know when they'll stop caring about that?

[BurningPlastic]

Would if I could, but noone will take my blood due to too many years in the UK (BSE) and Yellow Fever zones...

Same reason I don't check the organ donor box on my license form - they wouldn't take them even if I offered. The UK part stops most of the world, and the Yellow Fever stops the UK.

[roogazza]

I miss donating as of 7 yrs ago because of the medication I use.
I'm 'O' neg which is on the rare side and also had no impurities, used for babies.Referred to as 'baby blood'.
I think I was in the 1% that do that. Always got special treatment, even beer in Aust !!!!!

Had a 100 donation badge at one stage, but I was way over that.
Miss it, good cause.

[Kickaha]

I'm 'O' neg which is on the rare side and also had no impurities, used for babies.Referred to as 'baby blood'.
Yeah, I only go in on certain days so it goes for baby packs

[Highlander]

They won't let me any more, apparently my blood pressure is too high.

You'd think that dripping 470ml would go some way toward lowering your blood pressure.
:weird:

I'm A+ and donate as often as they will let me, then I take their sticker and put it on the calendar to remind me when I'm due next (Tuesday).

[Fast Eddie]

Oooh I could try plasma. That might be easier. !

yea fuck I need some plasma, my tv screens shat itself

[unstuck]

Too many drugs in my system.:devil2:

[Spyke]

only donated about 5 times but hope to be up there one day with a hundred donations.

[Sharry]

Although I have been allowed to recieve 3 units of a kind persons blood I am sadly not allowed to share mine,
I would like to top up the blood banks for others in need. I'm a B group so it would have been nice to share.. but on the bright side O is the most popular and the only type that any other can take outside of it's own group :)

[paturoa]

Been a donor for over 30 years. I'm now on a special donor prgramme as I have some unusual stuff in mine. They ring me up at avout 6 month intervals and gave me an umbrella last year!

[Scruffygit]

Used to back in the UK but had to stop when I had cancer. Now not allowed here because of the C and I'm English.

Bit of a shame as I'm O neg.

[mazz1972]

Have been donating for a couple of years now. I have a bloody type they always seem to want :eek:

[caspernz]

:2thumbsup Good to see the sharing spirit is alive and well, even if some can't or aren't allowed to donate any more. And here's hoping we never have to receive any blood back...

[Donor]

Used to, but stopped some years back. Still have the card somewhere.


A mate has donated over 100 times and received a letter of thanks from the Govenor General. Most surprising.


Whatever happened to KB'er "Donor"?

Still here - lurking a little, what with being a filthy 4wd owner nowadays...

23 years a blood donor this year, dunno how many donations, and have just been given clearance to start again after shoulder surgery back in December last year, so I'm off to get my free cordial and bikkies!

(Hint, pick a late night to go, and turn up about 45 minutes before they close - less people around so you get through faster, and they usually encourage you to finish the leftovers so they don't go to waste! BONUS!)

I started donating at 16, my dad lost his leg under a train 66 years ago at the age of 3, and without blood transfusions, not only would I be non-existent, my awesome kids wouldn't be who or what they are today.

So blood donations don't just impact the donor or the recipient - they go WAY beyond that.

Good on you who donate, want to donate, or would like to but are unable - lifesavers the lot of ya.

[Hawkeye]

Was a blood doner for years in the UK. First time I donated here I had a discussion about my high platlet count. 3 days later was told I no longer donated blood but had just become their local platelet factory. Apparently I have the highest count they have ever seen. 55 donations later and personally attributed to 3 critical case recoveries, they decided I had mad cow and couldn't donate anymore.:weep:
The day the announcement came about the changes, I was in donating. Had TV1, TV3 news crews sticking cameras in my face ( 15 secs of fame on national news :cool: ) as well as Dominion and Herald articles.

I've never understood why they made that change. The risk is so low compared to the good that could be achieved. There are so many Brits here that can no longer donate because of the change in the rules. Ask the 3 that I saved if they would take the risk and I know what their answer would be.:yes:

[baffa]

So whats the story with giving blood if you've had Tattoos? Is there a standdown period?
I got a little work done in Ireland, so curious to see if that has any effect on things.

[Kickaha]

So whats the story with giving blood if you've had Tattoos? Is there a standdown period?
It used to be 12 month stand down, not sure if it makes any difference if they were done off shore

[caspernz]

So whats the story with giving blood if you've had Tattoos? Is there a standdown period?
I got a little work done in Ireland, so curious to see if that has any effect on things.

Still is 12 months unless I read the questions wrong last week.

[Corse1]

Yep I donate have very common blood type. A +. Been donating as long as I can remember.

[wtf?]

Would if I could, but pilots are discouraged from giving blood. I am a donor tho' and they can harvest whatever they want if the worst happens.

[Indiana_Jones]

I've never given blood, I would consider it even though I dislike needles etc, but I they won't let me donate as there's a one in a billion chance that I might have the mad cow's :bleh:

But I am an organ donor.

-Indy

[skippa1]

So whats the story with giving blood if you've had Tattoos? Is there a standdown period?
I got a little work done in Ireland, so curious to see if that has any effect on things.

Tattoos/body piercing: Donors must wait six months after having a tattoo or body piercing before donating blood. The reason for this temporary deferral is the increased risk of hepatitis and other infections associated with tattoos and piercing. Other similar procedures that may fall under this category include acupuncture and electrolysis.

Same, got a tattoo in New York in March