Give Blood.

[Cartooniverse]

That's it. Give a pint. If you can afford the time, give red cells. If you can afford more time, do Aphoresis.

Do it through your local blood bank. Easy to find. American Red Cross is a good place to start. American Red Cross (http://www.redcrossblood.org/?gclid=CO-_sffs36ICFQG4sgod0zxpyA)

At the moment you can not possibly imagine or predict, someone you know will need a pint.

Or 4.

Or 11.

See a sign outside the mall? Firehouse? Town Hall? Take that moment, make the decision to give some time and some blood. I did while stopping by the local police station to ask a few questions. Blood drive going on. My type is rare ( A- ) but I didn't have time to go back later when the red blood cell machine was being delivered. But I had time to give a pint.

Give a pint.

Save someone's life.

Cartooniverse

[Ferret Herder]

I try, but at least three times out of four I fail the hemoglobin/hematocrit screen. So I'm wasting their time and money each time I can't give them my O+.

[Hello Again]

I gave for the first time last month! I was a bit nervous but it was fine. Plus, I learned that my hemoglobin is mad normal :)

And I'm O+

Since I get a reward of comp time from my employer for giving blood, they can expect me to have me on tap :)

[John DiFool]

After the near-hell I've been going thru with these wisdom teeth, you're on (and I'm an O+ universal donor, so yeah). Payback time.

[hajario]

I give red cells three times a year which is the maximum that you can and is also how often they come to my work to take them.

[kidneyfailure]

No. I hate needles. I wont be donating blood, sorry.

[Laudenum]

O-

Donated once, unpleasent experience.


Also, in before the "I'm a homosexual" posts.

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

Sorry, I don't meet their weight requirements.

I'm on the Bone Marrow registry (http://www.marrow.org/), though!

[Silver Fire]

I donate regularly so I feel less bad now that I temporarily cannot (pregnant) but I have been pretty good at finding people, usually first-timers, to donate on my behalf. I just got the postcard notifying me of upcoming drives at my preferred sites in the mail yesterday, so I guess it's time to find somebody again.

[Hello Again]

After the near-hell I've been going thru with these wisdom teeth, you're on (and I'm an O+ universal donor, so yeah). Payback time.

O- is the universal donor; but O+ can give to 84% of the population of the US.

[moejoe]

And if you have a gay friend or relative give blood in their name.

[PaperBlob]

Done - donated a pint of O+ about a week ago. The time before I did the aphoresis donation. I don't give as much as I should, because life gets in the way, but I've been doing it for 30 years now. I think I'm up to about 6 gallons.

[LurkMeister]

I donated a few weeks ago, on a trip to Chicago. When I lived in Chicago I donated frequently, both whole blood and, for several years, platelets. Unfortunately, for some reason the Red Cross has its local donation center at a place not easily accessible by public transportation, and I don't drive.

[rhubarbarin]

I'm too small. Why can't they just take a half pint? I would be a very regular donor if I could, my dad always was, and donated blood ended up saving his life several times over.

[bouv]

Donated my sweet pint of O- about a month ago. All you lousy non O- moochers, takin' all my blood when I can't take any of yours! I got the raw deal over here! :p

The Red Cross (ie secret vampire cabal...I mean, there's no way they use all that blood...) loves me. I'm relatively young, so a lot of years left in me, I have great veins I'm told, O-, and my hematocrit is always good...my last donation it was 16.5.

[Yllaria]

I try, but at least three times out of four I fail the hemoglobin/hematocrit screen. So I'm wasting their time and money each time I can't give them my O+.

Yeah. I have to take iron for a few days before a donation. I also have to do a couple of days of drinking extra water and have to put in some time doing aerobic exercises or there's only a 50/50 chance they'll sucessfully tap the vein.

I don't give anywhere near as often as I could. Maybe 3 or 4 times a year.

[Bricker]

Every two months.

But aphoresis makes me cold and irrationally uncomfortable, so it's always red blood cells.

[Lynn Bodoni]

I used to donate regularly, but they don't want my blood any more. I take too many medications.

[Rick]

After 6 gallons+ I am on blood thinners, so they won't take me any longer.

[ENugent]

Tried a couple weeks ago, but failed the hematocrit. I bought a bottle of iron supplements, and I'll go back when I've been taking them for three weeks (and I'm over my cold).

[legalsnugs]

I used to donate every 8 weeks, but have since been put on indefinite suspension for having lived in the UK for 3 years in the early 1980s. :( I often wonder what the Brits do for blood because their donors would presumably live there. :rolleyes:

[Rala]

Would if I could. I tried a couple of weeks ago, but my iron was too low and now I have to wait six months.

[In Winnipeg]

I've donated every three months since I was first able to, at the age of 16.

It's something I've always taken seriously, since I was in an accident when I was 9 and needed a transfusion. I know I lost a lot, and it was there for me when I needed it, so I've always considered it to be payback.

[maggenpye]

I do regularly, but they've put me on a break till I get over the ruptured Achilles. They'll call me as soon as I'm eligible again.

I understand a break for surgery, pregnancy or illness, can anyone explain why a torn tendon exempts donation?

[Kyla]

I do try to give fairly regularly (I'm O+), but I've been in a malarial zone within the last six months. And before that, I had been in a malarial zone...six months prior.

It's been two years since I've given blood. :eek: As soon as September rolls around, though, I'm there.

eta: shit, I just realized it's actually TWELVE months. Boo!

[panache45]

I used to donate regularly, but they don't want my blood any more. I take too many medications.

Right. Now there are 2 reasons why they don't want my blood.

[Autolycus]

No. I hate needles. I wont be donating blood, sorry.

In your case, I think you have more pressing medical issues to worry about.

[olivesmarch4th]

My husband is O- and donates regularly, but the Red Cross is intense once he reaches the date at which he can once again donate. They call him nonstop. At one point, after we moved, they were calling him from two different states. It's like dealing with telemarketers.

Last time I tried to donate, I was turned down due to low iron. I haven't tried since, though I feel that I should, particularly as I have no fear whatsoever of needles. I keep being afraid of it for some reason, though.

[even sven]

Wish I could! I'm banned for life thanks to adventures in Africa.

[Ferret Herder]

I'm on the Bone Marrow registry (http://www.marrow.org/), though!
Yeah, I signed up for that!

[Ferret Herder]

Donated my sweet pint of O- about a month ago. All you lousy non O- moochers, takin' all my blood when I can't take any of yours! I got the raw deal over here! :p

The Red Cross (ie secret vampire cabal...I mean, there's no way they use all that blood...) loves me. I'm relatively young, so a lot of years left in me, I have great veins I'm told, O-, and my hematocrit is always good...my last donation it was 16.5.
Hey, I blame my mom. My dad was a Red Cross-favored O-, but I ended up with O+. Gee, thanks ma.

[auRa]

I was just in plasmapheresis a week ago. My hemoglobin levels are usually right at the edge of can-can't donate so I figured this would be a better alternative for me. The last time I donated before that was over two years ago, though; since then I'd been on a constant stream of either getting tattoo work done (6 month hiatus) or having sex with a new partner (4 months). I figure now I could "catch up" by donating every two weeks until I manage to get myself quarantined again.

[bobkitty]

I can't donate because of my husband. Last time he was in the hospital, there was a blood drive going on and I stopped by (they also have a permanent office in the downstairs gift-shop area, which I find amusing). One of the questions is 'have you recently been exposed to blood or other bodily fluids' (the 'not your own' was implied, I believe). Well, duh, hubs is upstairs hooked to all sorts of tubes, what do you think?

After much consultation and phone calls: Permanent exclusion. :: shrug ::

I often wonder about the 'other bodily fluids' thing. Surely *everyone* is exposed to other people's bodily fluids at some point- just your average married couple typically swap spit and other things on a fairly regular basis, never mind the single-but-dating folks. Seems like a silly sort of exclusionary criteria.

[Antigen]

Just echoing the sentiment - give if you can. If you're ineligible, or are terrified of needles, that's ok. I'm not here to strong-arm you into donating, and neither is the Red Cross. If you can't give for whatever reason, maybe find a friend to donate in your stead. And if you're on the fence and just a little nervous about it, or you've thought of it but never bothered to make the time, please give it a shot. The blood is absolutely needed.

there's no way they use all that blood

Well, to be quite honest, yes, some does get wasted. It's unfortunate but inevitable considering that blood and blood products like plasma and platelets have a relatively short shelf life. A unit of red cells is good for an average of 40 days depending on the anticoagulant used to store them. A unit of frozen plasma is good for one year - we thaw them for use as we need them. Platelets are the worst, losing their function and usefulness (and risking bacterial contamination) after only 5 days. And that's why the need for donors is constant. And all types are needed at all times - it's good to get the rare ones, especially Oneg, because when you don't have those in stock you can't safely give anything else to a patient of that blood type. But since we match types when transfusing, we go through a lot of Apos and Opos, the most common types.

We're a medium sized hospital and we use, on average, between 500 and 600 units of blood every month. We get our units from the Red Cross because we're not set up for blood collection on a large scale, but we host a Red Cross blood drive several times a year.

So, please, give if you can and are comfortable doing so. And if not, maybe just spread the word and inspire someone else to give.

Thank you, from the blood bank.

[freckafree]

I'm going to try the iron supplement trick. I get deferred for low hematocrit about half the time.

As with everything else in my life (NOT!), I am A+.

My brother is benefiting from blood donations right now because of all the blood products he's receiving, so I want to donate.

[bup]

And if you have a gay friend or relative give blood in their name.Is that a serious thing one can do? Or just 'in your mind'?

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

Yeah, I signed up for that!

YaY YaY YaY! I know that chances are we'll never get called for a match, but the more people who sign up the better!

[hajario]

I've been on the marrow registry for fifteen years or so. Everyone should do that too.

[Khadaji]

Would give blood regularly if I could. Some of the BP meds I take would prevent me - also I think the regular operations I have had rule me out (but I can't remember if they do or not.)

[Giraffe]

The wife and I give every eight weeks, though she fails the iron test as often as not. I didn't donate for the longest time, so I know how easy it is to think of it as this painful or tedious chore, but it's really surprisingly quick and painless. Probably the easiest way to feel like a good person without having to touch children or old people.

And anyone who also posts at my board should note that we're giving out custom titles (http://www.giraffeboards.com/showpost.php?p=385372&postcount=19) to anyone who donates blood, as a little extra incentive on top of all the cookies and juice.

[Spectre of Pithecanthropus]

Moving to MPSIMS.

[Yllaria]

I've been on the marrow registry for fifteen years or so. Everyone should do that too.

I'm on a registry, but years ago I was told that I weigh too much to donate. Is it true that there's a max weight?

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

I'm on a registry, but years ago I was told that I weigh too much to donate. Is it true that there's a max weight?

Their website has a chart for weight maximums (http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Med_Guidelines_Join/Donor_Weight_Guidelines/index.html).

[Zsofia]

I gave for the first time last month, still haven't gotten my card in the mail telling me what type I am. The bruise took forever to go away, though.

I used to be too skinny to give. Not anymore, I'm afraid. But I've been on the marrow registry for ages.

[sparky!]

I used to get a group of 3 or 4 people from work to go the Red Cross every few months to donate blood. A couple of us would try to race, with me being the winner every time (yeah me!). Then we'd hang out and eat the free cookies. Was usually a good time.

Unfortunately I no longer work there and now have to go by myself. Maybe I'll see about setting up something similar at my new office.

[Ann Onimous]

A+ : did apheresis for a long time: however, my veins are shot. I can't do it any more.

As soon as I lose another 59 pounds, I'm signing up to be a bone marrow donor, though. Another great goal to shoot for!

[Beltane]

Adding another plea for blood to the list... My father has his 20 gallon pin, but now He is getting blood and platelets on a very regularly because he has AML (at type of leukemia.) Right now he is in a phase 1 trial- conventional chemotherapy has stopped working and he is to old for many treatments such as transplants and some types of chemo.

I can't give blood myself, due to having the gay, so I encourage other people whenever I can.

[moejoe]

Is that a serious thing one can do? Or just 'in your mind'?

You could say it out loud, like "thanks for the juice and cookies, I donated today in honor of my gay friend Mr. Dorothy" :)

I don't think anyone would be offended.

[Fair Rarity]

I used to donate often, but due to various circumstances, I dropped off. I have been trying to donate now for months and I can't quite do it. I made an appointment in the spring and got very sick for weeks and had to cancel it. Then I made another one a few weeks ago and I got sick that week too. I keep going to check when/where there are drives, but they aren't ever close to me on a day/time I can do it. Very frustrating.

It was so much easier at a previous job when they would come to us and do a drive in our building.

I'll go check the site now for drive updates.

[meanoldman]

Closing in on 5 gallons. Also on marrow donor list.

I do have a complaint about our Red Cross chapter though. They often do an online followup questionnaire. That's fine and all, but their focus seems to be if I was greeted warmly and thanked for my donation afterwards. Yeah, fine, great. Whatever. How about asking me how truly competent I thought the phlebotomist was? Did the needle stick go well? Did it hurt? Because I know that folks good at sticking me do not even cause a twinge, let alone a stab. Can't they reward the people that are good at drawing blood? Reward me for donating by having skilled people do the draw. I do not care if they are pleasant if they are skillful. And no matter how pleasant they are, I will have negative feelings if they poke wildly at me. And I will happily buy my own coffee and cookies if the draw is painless.

Also, anyone else think that as their blood is going through the tube, it looks rather like chocolate?

[ZipperJJ]

I was donating regularly but it was getting harder and harder to find my vein. Or, to find a phlebotomy who could find my vein.

I went through a lot of shit and a lot of pain trying to give blood. A couple times I'd go and go through a lot of pain and still not be able to donate (vein stopped, couldn't find vein in the first place, etc) It was a major accomplishment when I could actually leave a whole pint behind.

HOWEVER, I'll do it again. I just need to lose a few pounds and see if that helps.

[LavenderBlue]

I donated once a few years ago. I promptly fainted afterwards. I'm trying to work up the courage to do it again. My husband donates at least twice each year.

[outlierrn]

I would, but they won't take mine anymore. I lost count of how much I gave, so I feel like I've done my share. Used to make a point of donating on my birthday, which was cool.

[Bam Boo Gut]

I'm the queen of iron counts - they're always impressed. A+ but my blood pressure is normally low so sometimes they don't want to take it and I have to insist. I do sympathize with those of you whose blood is not accepted, or who feel queasy around needles, I'm a bit of a wuss with that too, I just look the other way, but I am encouraged to give knowing others don't have the option.

[sparky!]

I'm the queen of iron counts - they're always impressed. A+ but my blood pressure is normally low so sometimes they don't want to take it and I have to insist. I do sympathize with those of you whose blood is not accepted, or who feel queasy around needles, I'm a bit of a wuss with that too, I just look the other way, but I am encouraged to give knowing others don't have the option.

Giving blood was what tipped me off to my high blood pressure. They recommended I see my Dr, given the continued history of it getting higher and higher.

I did, he monitored it, but said it didn't quite yet require medication.

I took a year off from giving blood, then when I returned I was told I couldn't give - blood pressure was finally too high.

Went back to my doctor and now I'm on meds.

[alexandra]

Apparently the needles they use are too big for my awkward veins or something.

[minor7flat5]

I donated for about twenty years, as often as they came around. At some places, they would stop by like clockwork to milk the same donors right on schedule. At others, they would only come twice a year.

I stopped donating when I began running (ironically, I started running because of BP concerns raised by a nurse while I was donating). The problem is, when I donate blood, that first day is useless for any physical effort, and my endurance is sapped for several days afterwards. Even though the needle doesn't really bother me, I hate being physically drained for two or three days.

It's selfish, but I rationalize that away by considering how many gallons I contributed in the past.

[Sigmagirl]

Allowed to do it only twice a year now; I have O- with no anti-CMV antibodies and lovely veins. I have to do it on days when the boss isn't there, so she won't punish me for taking the time out of the office. I'll check the schedule for the next time available. Hit the 13-gallon mark last time but they didn't give me a pin. :(

[Tequila Mockingbird]

Because I found a blood drive a week ago last Thursday, I am not elible to donate again until August 25th. I may postpone 6 days then and bring in my son, who will be 16 on the 31st and donate with him while he does it for the first time.

[rekkah]

I gave my 25th donation this week, so I've been feeling quite proud of myself. I got a little badge and a certificate, which I thought was very nice.

[Meyer6]

I used to donate every 8 weeks, but have since been put on indefinite suspension for having lived in the UK for 3 years in the early 1980s. :( I often wonder what the Brits do for blood because their donors would presumably live there. :rolleyes:

I too was banned for living in the UK. I gave blood regularly when I could here in Canada, and on a long visit to the UK a couple of years ago I gave there. The Brits had no issues at all taking my vital juices - presumably they all have Mad Cow Disease anyways.

It's sad, because as a student I have little time and less money - blood was one of the few things I could afford to give.

[meanoldman]

I donated once a few years ago. I promptly fainted afterwards. I'm trying to work up the courage to do it again. My husband donates at least twice each year.

The very first time I donated, I fainted afterwards too. I think it was from a combination of relief that it was over as well as the blood draw itself. What worked for me after that was two things:
1) Tell the phlebotomist that you fainted last time and they should keep an eye out on you.
2) Take it slowly. Don't pop right up out of the donation chair/lounger the moment they say you are done. Sit up on the side of it for a moment. Relax. Stand up slowly. Take stock if you need to sit down again or can proceed to donut station.

I haven't fainted since the first time, but even at nearly 40 donations, I still take my time and do an internal check to make sure I can proceed

[matt_mcl]

Can't donate due to teh gay. Working on changing that (http://endtheban.cfs-fcee.ca/en/section/2) (the ban, not teh gay).

[Dr. Woo]

I'm O+, CMV- and ridiculously easy to stick, so I give regularly. We also have regular drives at work, so generally I can just stroll across the street, drop off a pint in the RV and snork up some cookies and juice.

[Fair Rarity]

The very first time I donated, I fainted afterwards too. I think it was from a combination of relief that it was over as well as the blood draw itself. What worked for me after that was two things:
1) Tell the phlebotomist that you fainted last time and they should keep an eye out on you.
2) Take it slowly. Don't pop right up out of the donation chair/lounger the moment they say you are done. Sit up on the side of it for a moment. Relax. Stand up slowly. Take stock if you need to sit down again or can proceed to donut station.

I haven't fainted since the first time, but even at nearly 40 donations, I still take my time and do an internal check to make sure I can proceed


I never fainted, but I got really lightheaded and dizzy after one donation on an empty stomach. Not immediately, but like 10 minutes later when I went for a walk and a smoke. (bad idea in retrospect!) I mostly napped at my desk for a while until my lunch started to hit my system.

So to make sure that doesn't happen again, I always make sure to eat a meal BEFORE I donate.

[flickster]

would, but was placed on the no-no list due to hep antibodies

[notsoheavyd3]

I think I've written this before but I didn't used to donate because I was a massive trypanophobe. Oddly enough that's mostly been cured. Unfortunately the reason it got "cured" is that a few years back I had to have lots and lots of blood work done because apparently I had hepatitis and jaundice. Actually they never did figure out why I had that but hep and jaundice of unknown cause is pretty much automatic no-no. (I've got 2 theories but who knows if either one is right. I did learn there's ALOT of things that can give you the big H.)

[LurkMeister]

As I mentioned upthread, I was a regular donor of both whole blood and platelets for years. The thing is, I've always hated needles and having blood drawn, but somehow I was able to get past it to donate. When I donated last month it was the first time I can recall when I hardly felt the needle go in. Not only that, but it was one of the fastest donations I've ever had.

[phouka]

Yeah, my local Red Cross loves me. If I forget when I'm eligible, they're sure to call me. Couldn't donate last time, because my hemocrit was just a tiny bit too low. Going back this Saturday to donate.

The only downside is that I can't eat the cookies, because I have gluten intolerance.

[psycat90]

I give every 8 weeks to our local blood bank. Just over 3 gallons now. Next donation day is this Friday.

[Antigen]

Yeah, my local Red Cross loves me. If I forget when I'm eligible, they're sure to call me. Couldn't donate last time, because my hemocrit was just a tiny bit too low. Going back this Saturday to donate.

The only downside is that I can't eat the cookies, because I have gluten intolerance.

I can't find it on their website, but the documentation we got for our next blood drive at the hospital has a page about their new snacks - they are including kosher and gluten-free cookies and snacks, and eliminating soda. I'll try to find something official for you.



Also, in other news... While it's not perfect, they're trying to review their policy on "Men who have had sex with another man (http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.94aae335470e233f6cf911df43181aa0/?vgnextoid=89859fee79f79210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD)". It's a start, maybe?

[olivesmarch4th]

My husband's stalker The Red Cross called him today to remind him he's eligible to donate again.

I told him to tell them he's bringing his wife next time. I realized reading my post in this thread that my excuses were lame (I mean, I'm not even afraid of needles!) and I've decided to start donating regularly along with him.

So, thanks for the kick in the butt.

[CaveMike]

Serious question: What does it feel like? I assume it is more uncomfortable than giving a few mL for a regular blood test. Is it more like getting an IV -- where they slip the needle in pretty deep?

I've always wanted to be a donor, but was freaked out by needles. I've been able to get over needles and I'd like to start donating -- so what should I expect?

[Ferret Herder]

Serious question: What does it feel like? I assume it is more uncomfortable than giving a few mL for a regular blood test. Is it more like getting an IV -- where they slip the needle in pretty deep?

I've always wanted to be a donor, but was freaked out by needles. I've been able to get over needles and I'd like to start donating -- so what should I expect?
I don't recall what an IV feels like, but the apheresis needle tends to feel a little "burn-y" for me when the needle goes in and for a little while after. Probably all the antiseptic swabbing combined with a slightly larger needle. And yes, I think it does hurt more than a regular blood draw, but it's tolerable. I've had worse stomach aches, certainly, so when I think about it being for a good cause, I can deal with it.

(I work in ophthalmology, and I never tell anyone "this won't hurt a bit" - I always say the eye dilating/numbing drops will sting.)

I also don't watch them put the needle in and generally don't look at it at all. I'm not phobic, but once when I was watching a blood draw on me I started feeling a little nauseated, so I stopped watching completely.

Eat a good meal - nothing too tough on the stomach if you're the type to get nauseated - and drink some fluids before donating. Afterwards, don't get up fast, and treat yourself like you're a bit under the weather. Accept the offer of juice or coffee and something to nibble on; sit around for a while.

[Wallenstein]

I used to donate every 8 weeks, but have since been put on indefinite suspension for having lived in the UK for 3 years in the early 1980s. :( I often wonder what the Brits do for blood because their donors would presumably live there. :rolleyes:

In the UK we are not allowed to give blood if we've had a blood transfusion since 1980, or if close family members have had CJD*.

Apart from that we have similar rules around drugs / gay sex / malaria etc.

I'm O- and get chased by our National Blood Service to donate. Last donation was 3 weeks ago, and I'll expect a letter in 8-9 weeks for the next appointment.

*The question asked is "Have two or more members of your family (parent, brother, sister, child or other blood relation) suffered with CJD, variant CJD or other prion associated disorder?"

[Nava]

Please sign up for the Organ Donor's Registry if there is one where you live, too. Conditions that make someone unacceptable as a blood donor do not necessarily restrict the ability to make two people see again.

My hemo count is too low... :(

[sparky!]

Serious question: What does it feel like? I assume it is more uncomfortable than giving a few mL for a regular blood test. Is it more like getting an IV -- where they slip the needle in pretty deep?

I've always wanted to be a donor, but was freaked out by needles. I've been able to get over needles and I'd like to start donating -- so what should I expect?

It all depends on who is doing the sticking. I have had times where I barely felt the needle go in, and others where I felt it more (though never 'painful').

Once in, it will usually feel like a very dull ache. The ache will continue for me for a few minutes after the needle is withdrawn. So all in all, the experience isn't bad.

To give you a better idea of how it feels: prior to the blood withdrawal, they prick your finger to test your iron (I think). To do the pricking, they use a little spring loaded plastic tool that results in a tiny pin prick. That pin prick is by far the worse part of the whole ordeal!

[apollonia]

If the phlebotomist is any good, it hardly hurts at all. A pinch, and that's about it. The iron test with that awful spring-loaded pin is the worst. This is timely--I fail the iron test about half the time, and since I plan on giving in the next week or so, I'll load up on the iron.

Last time I was in, the woman taking my information told me that for many women, depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle, they fail the iron test for no other reason besides the bleeding. NBD.

As an AB+, I try to give as often as I can. The more people who can take my blood, the more O-negative and stuff that can be freed up for people who badly need it.

Fellow Canadians: right now there is a bad shortage of O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative. Please give blood. Find a clinic near you (http://www.blood.ca/centreapps/clinics/InetClinics.nsf/CVSE?OpenForm&CloseMenu)--they're all over the place. Give blood for someone who can't. You could save someone's life.

[legalsnugs]

Back when I was eligible to donate blood, I, too, had problems with iron. The RC worker told me to stop drinking tea with meals. She said the tannic acid in tea inhibits the body's absorption of the natural iron in my food. I never drank anything with my meals, but often liked a hot tea after dinner. I stopped that and had no more problems with my iron. I don't know how scientific that was, but it worked for me.

[Skammer]

I can't, I gave yesterday. I sign up every time they come to my workplace, which is every 8 weeks or so. Free cookies!

[Ferret Herder]

To give you a better idea of how it feels: prior to the blood withdrawal, they prick your finger to test your iron (I think). To do the pricking, they use a little spring loaded plastic tool that results in a tiny pin prick. That pin prick is by far the worse part of the whole ordeal!
I agree, the pin prick is definitely the most painful part.

[LurkMeister]

I occasionally have trouble with my iron, although that's rarer now that my doctor has me taking a daily iron supplement. One time before the supplements I was rejected and mentioned that the night before, having forgotten that I was scheduled to donate, I had eaten a vegetarian dinner. This was somehow interpreted as "I''m a vegetarian" and I was given a brochure on vegetarian food rich in iron.

[FairyChatMom]

Apparently I only have one good vein and even at that, when I have blood drawn for a physical, they have to use the teensiest needle possible and it takes forever to fill 2 tubes. So I'm not a donor candidate, alas.

[RalfCoder]

B pos here...

My first time was when I was about 17 or so. The hospital called my dad and asked him to come in. I went along, and they said, "Sure - jump up on that cot over there". Dad said he started when he was in the army. After you donated, they would give you a shot of whiskey, too. He said sometimes people were lined up to give.

And it turned out that they were BUYING blood - a couple of weeks later I got a check for $25 or so in the mail. Back in the mid-70's, that was a ton of money for a teenager.

I've lost count of how many gallons of whole blood I've done - probably in the 13-14 gallon range. I've done a few double-reds before, but mostly that was single pints. The techs have commented about the amount of scar tissue they feel in my arms several times.

Right now, the local Red Cross calls me once or twice a month for platelets and apheresis. I was there on Tuesday this week, I think, as well as once more about 2 weeks ago. I'll probably be there again before the end of the month.

I absolutely echo and support the OP. If you want to help your community, and you can meet the requirements, give blood. One unit of whole blood can be split into fractions and potentially save the lives of 3, 4, or maybe more people. It will cost you nothing but time, and you'll get a warm fuzzy feeling. If you can, bring another person with you.

[Cicero]

I first donated in the early 70's. They'd give you free cigarettes then.

[fluiddruid]

I'm AB+. Wouldn't be surprised if they turned over the bag of my swill into the gutter after I left. ;)

I do like to give blood, but I have issues with iron, being female and a non-red-meat eater. I usually get turned away about half the time. Plus, I'm one of those pesky people who they have to jab a dozen times to get it to work. Hell, when I had surgery, they couldn't even get the IV in my arm - after trying repeatedly on the back of my hand, my wrist, and the crock of my elbow, they finally gassed me because the surgery team was waiting.

So, for a lot of reasons, I go now and then, whenever I can manage keeping up with my iron supplement (doctor recommended, no worries). Hey, it's an excuse to eat cookies without guilt!

[bup]

I first donated in the early 70's. They'd give you free cigarettes then.In the Chicago area, Lifesource has this whole points system.

I just 'bought' a $25 gas card at their online store (3 donations in one calendar year was enough for that).

[Runestar]

O- here. I try to give as often as I can -- just hit the 8 gallon mark for donations here in Indiana when I gave on Tuesday. Had another 2+ gallons worth of donations in Washington for the 6 years that we lived in Seattle.

[Zsofia]

I finally got my little card today - O+. I'm a little bit afraid that the Red Cross is going to be like the military recruiters used to be when I was in high school - luckily it isn't O-!

[norinew]

The hubby and I would both love to give blood! But they've gotten so restrictive on who can give. . .
I have a history of kidney disease, and he (though he's been in 'Merica for more than 25 years) was in England during the 'Mad Cow' thing. So neither of us is eligible.

I do encourage our two grown daughters, though.

[minor7flat5]

Serious question: What does it feel like? I assume it is more uncomfortable than giving a few mL for a regular blood test. Is it more like getting an IV -- where they slip the needle in pretty deep?

I've always wanted to be a donor, but was freaked out by needles. I've been able to get over needles and I'd like to start donating -- so what should I expect?As others have said, the process is not bad at all.

If you don't do anything physically taxing you might be a little lightheaded the first day, but nothing worse than that.
I remember the first time I gave blood at 18, when I got home feeling all good and healthy and was on my bed reading a book. Then I stood up too quickly and suddenly I found myself on the floor on my backside, probably with a surprised look on my face.

Now, the fact that you are a pint down does affect your blood's oxygen carrying capacity, so if you do strenuous cardio exercise you will find yourself getting winded in an amazingly short time. As I said earlier, I finally stopped donating because I was getting serious into running and was annoyed that I would lose two-thirds of my distance for some days after donating.

[pricciar]

I love giving blood. I miss being able to do it. I am pretty my doctor said that I usually could after 5 years. I guess it depends on the blood center.

I used to go and eat a ton of cookies. Pretty much the double or triple, or quadruple the weight of the blood I gave. (I would give plasma, which took forever. But, that meant I could watch movies. That is how I was able to see The Ladykillers. Which was pretty good.) Sometimes they would have packets of peanutbutter. Which I would take extras of and have extra special chocolate chip cookie/peanut butter treats for days!

They would always call me to come back. So, they probably didn't mind my theft.

[DesertDog]

I'm too small. Why can't they just take a half pint? I would be a very regular donor if I could, my dad always was, and donated blood ended up saving his life several times over.They would have to have two sizes of bags to collect the blood in. If you put a half-unit in a full-sized bag, the excess anti-coagulant ruins it.

The United Blood Services bus stops by work three times a year and the boss lets us off to donate. I do the double red. They don't call like the ARC does. I donated to the Red Cross in Carson City and a couple months after I left they called me on my number down here to ask when I could come in again. I told them I was sorry but I'd moved to Phoenix. "Can't you come back up for a donation, then?" Uh, it's a sixteen hour drive or a $200 plane ride; no.

[t-bonham@scc.net]

And if you have a gay friend or relative give blood in their name.Wow. If I was your gay friend, I would be really insulted by this.

You donated to a bigoted institution, and did so in my name? Do you donate to the Klan in honor of your black friends? To the Nazi party in honor of your jewish friends? Wow.

[limegreen]

Thank all of you for giving, because I've used my share to keep on living.
Alas, I can't give because of teh cancer.

[bup]

Thank all of you for giving, because I've used my share to keep on living. Thanks for the cookies.

[ENugent]

They would have to have two sizes of bags to collect the blood in. If you put a half-unit in a full-sized bag, the excess anti-coagulant ruins it.
They used to have two sizes - I am O+ with no CRV antibodies, and I remember as a teenager that because of the CRV thing, they would put my blood into a whole string of little tiny bags to give to preemies. Actually, I think that was one of the things that got me into the habit of donating so regularly - knowing that each donation was going to four little babies was a pretty cool motivator.

They just use the regular bags now, though.

[DesertDog]

Wow. If I was your gay friend, I would be really insulted by this.

You donated to a bigoted institution, and did so in my name? Do you donate to the Klan in honor of your black friends? To the Nazi party in honor of your jewish friends? Wow.I agree it's a silly idea -- a pint's a pint regardless of whose name it's in. But I assume that you'll refuse a transfusion from this bigoted institution if you're ever in need of one.