I gave blood for the first time today. I never made the weight requirements until a few years ago, and finally mustered up the courage to make time and do it. I was nervous because my mom always passes out afterwards…but though I got light-headed, I stayed conscious the whole time.
Yay! 
I should give blood, but ugh, it makes my stomache turn to think about it. I would probably pass out before they ever got anything stuck in me.
I know, I’m a wuss. 
wipes “relief sweat” off furrowed brow
Cool beans! I used to give all the time, until my BP went too high and they won’t let me.
I *would *give blood, but I’m currently using it all.
I just got the image of a ghastly-sick-looking little child crawling up to you with a cup in her hands and whispering, “Surely you have a pint to spare?” and then sinking her sharp teeth into your arm when you don’t respond.
Hopefully I’m the only one.
Me too. But if I ever need blood, I’ll donate it back when I’m better.
I’m due again next week. This is the one that’ll get me a silver card! (25th donation)
Congrats!
Your donation can potentially save 3 lives!
Does your mom pass out after giving because it’s emotionally taxing or because of a medical issue? If it’s the latter, shouldn’t she see a doctor before continuing to give?
Oh, and again, thanks so much for this being about the Red Cross.
You ARE the only one.
From what I understand, she just bleeds quickly. She hasn’t encountered any serious problems and as far as I know, hasn’t been told not to give blood. She just has to prop up her feet for a bit and eat something, then go easy for a while.
I thought I had escaped unscathed but this morning I nearly passed out in the shower. I’m guessing it’s because of giving blood. (I ate yesterday but had not eaten anything at that point this morning.) I’ll just have to be careful, like my mother. I don’t want to stop giving blood [unless specifically ordered to by a doctor] because I understand how important it is to donate.
One And Only Wanderers, do you honestly get a silver card for your 25th donation?! What other prizes are there? I got a Red cross blood droplet pin and a few stickers.
Occasionally, when I have had three vials of blood taken at once, I have gotten very woozy and passed out. Just FYI!
One And Only Wanderers, do you honestly get a silver card for your 25th donation?! What other prizes are there? I got a Red cross blood droplet pin and a few stickers.
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Yup. When you fisrt register you get a plastic card (same shape and size as a credit card) that they can swipe to get your details. This first card is red coloured. After ten donations you get a bronze coloured card, after 25 you get a silver colored card. I’m not sure how many donations it takes to get a gold coloured card.
Good for you, Searching for Truth! I’d like to give blood, but the Red Cross won’t take mine, since I spent 6 months in the UK in 1999. (Apparently, all you Brits are tainted.)
They’re probably afraid you ate some beef and are a CJD timebomb waiting to happen…