Blood donation

[The Stranger:Me]

Re not being able to donate, its a double edged sword. NZ has one of the highest quality blood supplies in the world, but thats partly because how stringent they are. Less stringent, less quality, but more supply.

Would have like to have thought this too, but unfortunately history has a way of repeating itself.
They could have tested for hep C in 1991, but didn't until 1995. Even then it was as a result of mounting pressure from the increasing number of those that acquired hep C from tainted blood.
One could of course argue that failure to contract hep C would likely have resulted in death, however, there was the option of having cake and eating it too.

[R6_kid:Me]

Just gave another 470ml today. Lisa started off slowly (she has small veins bless her cotton socks ) and they almost stopped her at around 300ml but she jumped that stress ball like a little demon - I was dumb enough to say 'if you go into the green then i'll give you $20" - just before she did... The nurse said she never would so I thought the odds were pretty good, in fact Lisa almost got it to 'full flow' but ran out of space in the bag.

I only got the usual small round plaster, she was adorned with a nice big blue pressure bandage - made it look like I didnt try hard enough or something

[Usarka]

I only got the usual small round plaster, she was adorned with a nice big blue pressure bandage - made it look like I didnt try hard enough or something

She's a woman, she bleeds.......

[Beemer]

In the other thread I mentioned how I nearly passed out when they took blood (I have haemochromatosis, which means my body stores iron) for the first time, but I went along again two weeks ago for my second treatment. Worse than the first! Two nurses tried - one on each arm - and failed to find a vein! Both were sure they had found one, but even after pulling out the needle a bit and wiggling it around, no blood flow. They only try once in each arm before giving up, so I still haven't had my treatment and I have to pluck up the courage to go back again. This will be a lifelong process for me, so I'm not looking forward to it.

I have really fine veins and thought the blood service would be okay finding them, but as a friend pointed out, people with fine veins don't usually volunteer to be blood donors, so they aren't used to dealing with them!

I'm hoping to book my next appointment when the haemotologist is there as he has experience in finding fine veins.

[Brett]

You bet i do. Never know when I will be the one needing a transfusion!! PLus I have the bloodtype that can go to anyone, so I would hate for someone to loose a loved one due to a lak of blood.

[Disco Dan]

Mad cow disco dan = no one wants my blood.

[R6_kid:Me]

Mad cow disco dan = no one wants my blood.

Just like your sperm aye Dan.

[SpeedyGirl]

Yup I give mine (A rh+), they can have it, makes more room for the booze !!!!

[judecatmad]

Since I'm British they don't want my blood.

-Indy

Same

IMHO, if someone needs blood or they're going to die, sod the CJD risk! But that could just be the mad cow talking

Can still donate organs tho, funnily enough.....

[Gremlin]

I only got the usual small round plaster, she was adorned with a nice big blue pressure bandage

Don't underestimate those damn things. I was cycling to and from a donation when they brought them in, and I was as nervous as hell that it wouldn't hold, so got them to give me extra. I was making sure throughout the day that it was still sticking.

Well... come evening... I just about screamed like a girl when it came time to pull it off. It is still the most painful part by far of the entire process. Shit they stick.

[Little Miss Trouble]

Two nurses tried - one on each arm - and failed to find a vein! Both were sure they had found one, but even after pulling out the needle a bit and wiggling it around, no blood flow. They only try once in each arm before giving up.
I have really fine veins and thought the blood service would be okay finding them, but as a friend pointed out, people with fine veins don't usually volunteer to be blood donors, so they aren't used to dealing with them!

I was pretty sure I was going to have similar trouble to you again this time- last time I donated they stuck me with a trainee, he had a go once in each arm - first side he didn't hit the vein at all, second side he went right through the other side, I said I didn't want to have to make another appointment so they did it a third time, taking from a side vein instead of the middle one, well that came up in a tennisball sized bruise within half an hour this time I got an actual registered nurse who took her time and managed to get right first try, though I still maintain part of that is due to all the sugar and caffeine I purposely consumed beforehand

Don't underestimate those damn things. I was cycling to and from a donation when they brought them in, and I was as nervous as hell that it wouldn't hold, so got them to give me extra. I was making sure throughout the day that it was still sticking.

Well... come evening... I just about screamed like a girl when it came time to pull it off. It is still the most painful part by far of the entire process. Shit they stick.

I got one of those ones too, the pressure bandage isn't to stop the bleeding, its to stop me coming up in bruises, though I don't actually mind, I got some spectacular purples and reds on the last one, its when it turns yellowy that it looks really nasty.

[HRT]

Boss came around the other day and asked who was keen to give some. Think half of the workshop is going down to donate next Monday

[Qkchk:Me]

Has anyone thought of organising a KB group donation similar to what BRONZ does? I think it would be a good way to make sure we go back after 3 months........group encouragement?

Each time Ive gone in, Ive always had a nice nurse...... I just hate getting my finger pricked.

[R6_kid:Me]

Has anyone thought of organising a KB group donation similar to what BRONZ does? I think it would be a good way to make sure we go back after 3 months........group encouragement?

Each time Ive gone in, Ive always had a nice nurse...... I just hate getting my finger pricked.

That was kind of my idea, but i only thought of it after i'd been booked in. Not due for another two months i think... I'll be sure to organise something for next time though.

[Genestho]

Sorry to do a shameless plug for such an important and overlooked good cause, but, the BADD run on 24 Aug will have NZ Blood onsite to recruit donors with a view to opening up branches on a saturday to do the actual deed....btw they need at least 32 donors to open up for a group donation, which Ive been informed is a days work for them.