Blood-giving time!

[Donor]

Well, I'm eligible to give blood again - how the time flies!

So I'm off to the blood giving place on Cavendish Drive tomorrow after work - and I invite anyone that wishes to, to meet up with me at my workplace in East Tamaki and ride to Manukau for the joy that is giving blood, eating chocolate biccies, and enjoying bottomless cups of orange cordial.

I know that gijoe1313 is in, being a newbie to the world of blood giving - onya J!!

Anyhoo, it's short notice but I don't care - if you give a damn, you'll give blood anytime!

You'll find me at the Botany ambulance station, Sir William Ave in East Tamaki - I finish at 1830 and will be jetting off pretty much straight away.

So, if you're keen then I'll see ya there! :2thumbsup

(Centre is open til 2000, and the lasses will never turn away a healthy vein!)

[darkwolf]

Is it true you can't donate if you lived in Britain between certain years - my case 1986-1995

[Donor]

* Minor illness: Donors are required to feel well at the time of donation. A cold, flu or allergies may prevent someone from donating.
* Drugs/medications: Some medications, or the underlying cause for taking the medication may require a temporary deferral. If you are taking any drugs/medications and would like to give blood, please contact us for details.
* Dental work: Donors must wait at least 24 hours (and sometimes up to 7 days for uncomplicated extractions) after having dental work done, before they can give blood. The reason for this is the potential for micro-organisms to enter the blood creating the risk of septicemia i.e. an infection in the blood. The deferral allows such an infection to become symptomatic.
* Low haemoglobin counts: NZBS temporarily defers blood donors whose haemoglobin test falls below the standard of 120 g/L (females) and 130 g/L (males).
* 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.
* Diabetes: If you have diabetes that is treated by diet you may be eligible to donate blood. It is important to note that each donor is different, and the use of certain medications or other underlying conditions may be cause for deferral. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Pregnancy: You will be deferred during pregnancy and 9 months after delivery or longer if still breast feeding, until 3 months after infant weaned.
* HIV high risk activities: Being the sexual partner of someone who has participated in high risk activities (other than the sexual partner of someone who has tested positive for HIV) will result in a deferral.
* Exposure to disease/geographical deferrals: Travel to areas where tropical diseases are endemic, e.g. malaria, may result in a temporary deferral.
* Recent major surgery: If you have had surgery recently, please speak to your local blood centre regarding your eligibility.
* Recent vaccinations: A few vaccinations may result in a temporary deferral. Please note that this information is subject to change. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Residency in UK, France or Ireland: You must not have lived in the United Kingdom, France or the Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.



To save a wasted visit, please check with the Blood Service if you have:

* Had an operation
* Had a tattoo or body piercing
* Been overseas
* Had a course of antibiotics or are currently taking medication
* Become pregnant.

[ynot slow]

Had to laugh when I gave blood a few years ago and had to fill out the questioner,ticked all the boxs as yes where required,said to nurse how many guys tick the breast feeding question as yes instead of no,lots was reply.

After doing the donating thing for 20 years plus,having had chemo puts an end to it,but as a user of plasma during surgery(6 units)thank you to those who helped.

Can remember a couple of years ago in a bike mag when they did a huge blood run in Palmy North and areas,culminating with Aaron Slight leading the group into the square and out to hospital,with about 100 bikes,think it was 4 yrs ago,or it may have been a fundraiser for the rescue chopper as well.

[Usarka]

last 3 visits they couldnt get a good flow on. took ages to hit the vein and then took ages to fill a bag (gave up on one attempt). been meaning to talk to a quack about that, the last time was certainly hydrated.

so give some for me, ive reluctantly given up....

ya never know when u or your family will need it in return

[Donor]

Can remember a couple of years ago in a bike mag when they did a huge blood run in Palmy North and areas,culminating with Aaron Slight leading the group into the square and out to hospital,with about 100 bikes,think it was 4 yrs ago,or it may have been a fundraiser for the rescue chopper as well.

I know that BRONZ do a Blood Run as well, and I could just as easily tag along, but I give blood for my own personal reason, so find it makes me feel better if I initiate the journey to the comfy chair (and DAMN they are comfy!) without feeling obliged other than the fact blood transfusions mean I am here today.

:edit: That makes fugg all sense... but I understand it, that's the main thing!

[crashe]

* Minor illness: Donors are required to feel well at the time of donation. A cold, flu or allergies may prevent someone from donating.
* Drugs/medications: Some medications, or the underlying cause for taking the medication may require a temporary deferral. If you are taking any drugs/medications and would like to give blood, please contact us for details.
* Dental work: Donors must wait at least 24 hours (and sometimes up to 7 days for uncomplicated extractions) after having dental work done, before they can give blood. The reason for this is the potential for micro-organisms to enter the blood creating the risk of septicemia i.e. an infection in the blood. The deferral allows such an infection to become symptomatic.
* Low haemoglobin counts: NZBS temporarily defers blood donors whose haemoglobin test falls below the standard of 120 g/L (females) and 130 g/L (males).
* 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.
* Diabetes: If you have diabetes that is treated by diet you may be eligible to donate blood. It is important to note that each donor is different, and the use of certain medications or other underlying conditions may be cause for deferral. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Pregnancy: You will be deferred during pregnancy and 9 months after delivery or longer if still breast feeding, until 3 months after infant weaned.
* HIV high risk activities: Being the sexual partner of someone who has participated in high risk activities (other than the sexual partner of someone who has tested positive for HIV) will result in a deferral.
* Exposure to disease/geographical deferrals: Travel to areas where tropical diseases are endemic, e.g. malaria, may result in a temporary deferral.
* Recent major surgery: If you have had surgery recently, please speak to your local blood centre regarding your eligibility.
* Recent vaccinations: A few vaccinations may result in a temporary deferral. Please note that this information is subject to change. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Residency in UK, France or Ireland: You must not have lived in the United Kingdom, France or the Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.



To save a wasted visit, please check with the Blood Service if you have:

* Had an operation
* Had a tattoo or body piercing
* Been overseas
* Had a course of antibiotics or are currently taking medication
* Become pregnant.

You have missed one group out on your list that cannot give blood.

* Homosexual's - cannot give blood what so ever. Even if they are as healthy as. Under the law in NZ, gay's are prohibited to donate blood.

[0arbreaka]

I had a wedge resection on my big toe a while back, does that count as surgery? If not then im keen, I heard they give out free cookies afterwards.. Working the late shift tomorow night so I might have to do it sometime before hand.

[Usarka]

The tea and biscuit session rocks. i always feel guilty after the 4th bikky :innocent: they used to give half a pint 'o guiness in ireland....

[darkwolf]

It sucks - I'd love to give blood - just not allowed in NZ and I'm not paying for a plane ticket to the UK just to bleed.

[Kickaha]

* Homosexual's - cannot give blood what so ever. Even if they are as healthy as. Under the law in NZ, gay's are prohibited to donate blood.

Are you sure that is correct? there's nothing to indicate that on the paperwork you do when you donate


I heard they give out free cookies afterwards..

I only go for the biscuits :lol:

[Trudes]

I have heamochromotisis, would they want my iron heavy blood? Maybe they could give it to someone who's anemic???

[ynot slow]

I know that BRONZ do a Blood Run as well, and I could just as easily tag along, but I give blood for my own personal reason, so find it makes me feel better if I initiate the journey to the comfy chair (and DAMN they are comfy!) without feeling obliged other than the fact blood transfusions mean I am here today.

:edit: That makes fugg all sense... but I understand it, that's the main thing!

No problems with that,I started as part of work doing it(100plus employees)and mum did give blood.

Some people feel the need to go with a group so can't pull out lol.

[Devil]

I dont give blood cos I'm a wuss. But definately an organ donor.

Dad however, has given his 99th blood donation and will be up for the 100 sometime shortly.

[Blue Thunder]

I know that BRONZ do a Blood Run as well, and I could just as easily tag along, but I give blood for my own personal reason, so find it makes me feel better if I initiate the journey to the comfy chair (and DAMN they are comfy!) without feeling obliged other than the fact blood transfusions mean I am here today.

:edit: That makes fugg all sense... but I understand it, that's the main thing!

Allow me to assist with your donation, you can stay in your comfy chair and I shall come and bleed you dry:yes: However me thinks that there may not be enough blood left in your alcohol stream to make a decent enough donation:beer:

[vifferman]

I dont give blood cos I'm a wuss.
Then that's a VERY good reason to give blood.

I didn't learn much from my father before he died, but one thing has stuck with me. He said that he learned that if he was afraid of anything, the best way to tackle it was head on. Giving blood was one of the things he mentioned in relation to this - it took away his fear of needles. (Which was a very good thing, as he later became diabetic, and had a daily encounter with them.)

Fears tend to grow and become entrenched if you pander to them. TAckle them head on, and kill them.

The first time I gave blood was about 1983ish. I thought afterwards, "Hmmm.... that wasn't so bad!" And it wasn't.
Even though I ended up with a haematoma on my arm, explained by the nurse/technician who came up to me afterwards and said, "I'm really sorry about that - it was my first time!" She'd put the needle right through the vein.
So I thought, "If that's as bad as it gets, then pfffft!!"

I'm kinda disappointed I've never had the "geyser of blood" thing though...

I dunno how many donations I've given, as the records are lost, due to me giving blood about 30 times in Hamilton, a handful of times in Chch, then moving to Roundabouta (formerly known as "Tauranga"), and then to D'Auckland.

I'd have to be about as big a wuss as they get: I once had to leave the room during a first aid training course because the graphic descriptions of injuries were making me woozy! I dunno how many times I've fainted, and I go into shock very easily. For a few years, I had no problems at all with giving blood, but the pinprick for testing the haemoglobin levels had me on the verge of fainting. :pinch:
Pathetic, I know, but now I find the whole process actually a pleasant one.

SO, if any of you big, tough bikers are reading this and thinking, "Nup - stuff that for a joke!", HTFU!
It's actually pretty much painless (or at least at the very low end of the pain spectrum), you'll be doing a very good thing, and you never know when you might need the blood yourself. That was one of the catalysts for me donating the first time - a ride in the back of an ambulance when I wrote off my first bike on Christmas Day, 1975. Afterwards I thought, "I should really do summat in return." It took a while, but I got there in the end. I also subscribe to St Johns (used the ambulance twice since then), and the Westpac Helicopter trust.

[crashe]

Are you sure that is correct? there's nothing to indicate that on the paperwork you do when you donate

Yes absolutely correct.

It all goes back to the 1980's when people didn't understand about HIV/AIDs etc. (remember people thought it was a gay disease, and we all know it ain't)

Ring up the blood bank people to confirm it.


There is something in the pipeline to try to get that ruling changed..... and like all things it takes time to get things changed.


Oh and after they have taken your blood it is thoroughlly screened for the following: Hep A, Hep B, Hep C, HIV/AIDs and any other known viruses out there.

So if someone gives blood without knowing they have Hep..... or HIV/AIDs etc etc, they will NOT use that blood and inform the person who donated it.

[LilSel]

I cant give blood... regular ink & peircings & weekly acupuncture!!... donate some for meeee!

[Donor]

Allow me to assist with your donation, you can stay in your comfy chair and I shall come and bleed you dry:yes: However me thinks that there may not be enough blood left in your alcohol stream to make a decent enough donation:beer:

I'll have you know I have reverted the alcohol stream to blood just for this occasion!

...okay, and because I have an empty fridge - but that is being remedied for the Great Garden Escapade this weekend... huzzah!

So, I'll be seeing you there then Mr Thunder? Make you a deal, come with, and I'll allow you to do the needle work!

[Blue Thunder]

I'll have you know I have reverted the alcohol stream to blood just for this occasion!

...okay, and because I have an empty fridge - but that is being remedied for the Great Garden Escapade this weekend... huzzah!

So, I'll be seeing you there then Mr Thunder? Make you a deal, come with, and I'll allow you to do the needle work!

Your on:chase:
I must admit that I haven't given for a few years, and like you I have been a recipient of a donation myself.
Giving back to others in need is a Good thing:2thumbsup

[Sanx]

I'm out, 'cos of something to do with mad cows. But good on all those that do.

[Mrs Donor]

Good Afternoon folks...

I have just received a very brief phone call from Donor. He has asked me to let any of you planning to join him tonight know that he is now unable to make it tonight due to having to work late :doh:

I'm sure he will reschedule for another time very soon!:banana:

[Usarka]

Donor ran like a chicken!

[Mrs Donor]

Donor ran like a chicken!

:lol: I was waiting for a comment like this!

[gijoe1313]

Well, I am recieving txts from him now ... and hes wah wahing about how work delayed him due to playing with the flashing fruit salads and being heroic and all! :lol:

The cheek of it "can you check to see if anyone is at the station, since it is the meet point!" :rofl:

probably just be me!

[EJK]

Ah why did I see this now?!?!?! darn.... am I too late?

[Mrs Donor]

Just got off the phone to him, he's heading back to station now and will still visit the bloodsuckers if time permits.

He mentioned that it's quite ironic that the patient he's just taken is in line for blood transfusions!

[scrivy]

Are you sure that is correct? there's nothing to indicate that on the paperwork you do when you donate
I only go for the biscuits :lol:

You scared they'll find out you are gay Kick?? :bleh:
Would those be soggy ones too??? :pinch:

[darkwolf]

What is really with the whole mad cows thing anyway? I really want to give blood but obv can't. But I'm not mad because I ate beef (I NEVER said I'm not mad). And besides how long are they going to keep this crap up for after all wouldn't you rather be alive for a little bit longer with mad cows than be dead because of no blood?

If that's not enough of a swaying argument how about this one...

COME OOOOOOONNNNN!!!1one!

[Xaria]

Been a couple of times recently that I have gone to give blood but waiting for an appointment with the blood specialist to see why I bruise so easily. Don't want to give someone an extra problem

[ynot slow]

I dont give blood cos I'm a wuss. But definately an organ donor.

Bit off the tangent but make sure your family knows you want to donate,as with some of the crap about donating recently,families are overuling the wishes of the donor.

[Hawkeye]

I used to donate Platelets every month. I was told that I had the highest count per unit they had ever seen in the Wellington region. After 58 donations they had to stop taking it due to me being a mad cow.
I was in the unit donating the day they made the announcement and ended up getting my 15 secs of fame. TV1, TV3, Dom Post all came and interviewed me on my thoughts about the decision. I made the national news. :wari:

Worst thing was I have directly saved at least 2 people (confirmed by the practice supervisor). As people have said on here. If you are lying there about to die, would you take the chance on the possibility of contracting something that exists in such a small percentage of the population and which they currently have no test available to identify it (unless they find it during autopsy).

[Donor]

Hey folks, sorry I fell over but duty called!

...though it doesn't matter, as gijoe1313 was the sole turner-upperer, and that was only at my behest to see if anyone had turned up!

I got sent around 5:30pm to transport a young girl from Middlemore to Starship - as Mrs Donor has said, she by now has probably received several units of blood due to an internal bleed... ironic huh?

Anyway, I will instead be going to donate;

THURSDAY 29th NOVEMBER

I'm finishing at 1500, so will be guaranteed the time to go.

I encourage ALL those who want to donate and especially those who have never tried, to come with.

64 years ago, blood transfusions saved my fathers life - so in essence, it made my life as I know it possible too...

I'll probably throw another thread up Monday, as being the slack ass I am, I'll probably forget about this one anyway. :crazy:

[0arbreaka]

Hey Nigel, Ill make an appearance. Been wanting to do it for a while now. Is it the one next to Dilworth?

[Disco Dan]

New Zealand thinks I have Mad Cows...

shame.. English blood is the best kind ;)

[Donor]

Hey Nigel, Ill make an appearance. Been wanting to do it for a while now. Is it the one next to Dilworth?

Nay, this is the one in Cavendish Drive, Manukau - it's down behind Repco, (western end of Cavendish)

Look forward to seeing ya there!