OT: Do You Donate Blood? Why Or Why Not?

[wdmmom]

I have donated blood before. It only takes a very short amount of time and isn't painful at all.

My aunt was in a horrific car accident years ago. The doctors gave her 7 pints of blood trying to save her but it was no use. Part of me felt obligated to donate blood to help those that have the same thing occur to them.

Because of low blood pressure, I have been turned away before and now I have been diagnosed with psoriasis. I haven't donated since being diagnosed so I don't know if I still can or not.

[Brooksie]

I wish I could, I think more people should. But I'm Tryanophobic. I have an extreme and irrational fear of all the medical procedures that involve use of syringes, injections and even hypodermic needles. If I need a shot or blood drawn (at 25) I have an anxiety attack or will pass out. Generally am borderline comatose for the rest of the day just absorbed in the fear of what just happened to me. But that being said, I have many piercings. Its the syringe aspect and something being put into or taken out of my body. Giving me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it

[JenNJ]

I do not. I am a small person (5' tall) and have tiny veins. All the blood drives I have been to do not have needles small enough to use on me. They poke and prod and blow vein after vein. It is really painful and leaves GIANT bruises and lots of blood under my skin. It takes weeks to go away. When I go to have blood tests or for medical procedures, I have to request pediatric needles.

I really would like to donate, but I can't tolerate being stuck over and over becuase someone swears that they are "the best" at what they do and never blow out veins or bruise people. I've been promised that dozens of times.

[wdmmom]

I do not. I am a small person (5' tall) and have tiny veins. All the blood drives I have been to do not have needles small enough to use on me. They poke and prod and blow vein after vein. It is really painful and leaves GIANT bruises and lots of blood under my skin. It takes weeks to go away. When I go to have blood tests or for medical procedures, I have to request pediatric needles.

I really would like to donate, but I can't tolerate being stuck over and over becuase someone swears that they are "the best" at what they do and never blow out veins or bruise people. I've been promised that dozens of times.

I have the same problems. I had issue after issue with blood drives as well. I now go to the actual blood center to donate and they have it right in my chart to use a butterfly needle (much smaller) on me to prevent extreme bruising and constant pokes!

[crazydaycarelady]

I used to donate blood but once I started doing dc I stopped because it is hard enough to find someone to come over for doctor visits, etc. Now though I am usually anemic (low iron) so I am not able to.

[MarinaVanessa]

You can donate under 110 lbs.., I do. They spin your blood to make sure you have enough iron, etc. I'm pretty healthy & donate every chance I get. How often do you get the opportunity to save someone life???

That's really interesting. They've always turned me away and I'm only 5 pounds under the requirement. :confused:

[Blackcat31]

That's really interesting. They've always turned me away and I'm only 5 pounds under the requirement. :confused:

I wonder if the people at the place where you donate are just not being diligent about the requirements. Because according to the American Red Cross, you MUST meet certain requirements to donate (one of which is being over 110 lbs)

Blood Donors Must:

• Be healthy*
• Be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 years old with parental consent if allowed by state law – see more information for 16-year old donors »
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements

[SilverSabre25]

I don't. I usually have low iron and have jumpy veins that are usually very painful to get a good stick in...so kinda selfishly, I don't really want to go through the pain and hassle.

Also, I've passed out after giving birth both times, and am not interested in finding out how much blood loss it takes to make me pass out.

I donated once in high school...

[Maddy'sMommy]

I would, but my pulse is always too high. It usually runs higher than the average person, and when i get a little nervous it goes above 100 and they won't take me.

[MsLaura529]

I never have ... but want to. I'm just a little worried about how my hypoglycemia would affect it??

[Cradle2crayons]

I have cruddy veins too... To the point that I'm on my second chest port (long story).. I have blood draws every two weeks and home infusions regularly via my port. Because of that, I haven't been stuck in a vein in years, except when I go give platelets . Even then, my low blood pressure constantly alarms the machine etc... But since I don't do it too often it's not too much of a pain.

Even with my health problems, none exclude me from platelets. Although, the restrictions are a little different for platelets than for whole blood here.

Personally I hate needles but I guess when you are sticking a needle in your chest every two weeks you get used to it. Right??

[mamac]

I haven't looked into getting tested. I want to because I'm really curious about it. Maybe I will someday. When I asked my dr. (the 2 out of 3 dr who is not my regular doctor, btw) what could cause this he said it was impossible. Well, it happened too many times and was too big a coincidence for me to think it was impossible So that's when I researched it. There really isn't a need for me to know for sure right now, but I sure would like to satisfy my curiosity some day.

If you ever do find out, please share the results with us! I've always been amazed at the human body would love to know what the verdict was.

[momofsix]

No I can't. My blood pressure is super low already-I have to fight to keep it high enough for me to feel good.

[Snapdragon]

I would love to, but they don't want mine. I lived in the UK during a time frame that doesn't allow donation.

Ditto here -- though lived in Belgium and spent time in UK. Wish I could donate.

[jenn]

I have a genetic mutation that results in a clotting disorder. I take baby aspirin everyday so it prevents me from donating blood and plasma.

Same here. I would love to donate, but they don't want my blood! I have Factor 5 (from my mom) and MTHFR (from my dad), which both cause clotting issues.