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

[Sunshine74]

I try every so often, but I have a problem with anemia. It is an issue that I have had for awhile (but do not wish to discuss on a public forum) so I have never been able to give blood. I also have problems with having small veins- though I would probably try to give anyway.

[Familycare71]

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

Is that what I have!?! I always said if God wanted anyone to see my blood he would have given me a tap!!! ::

[Starburst]

I gave blood yesterday after I babysat (I was able to get there 30 minutes before closing). I almost didn't get to because my hemoglobin level was only 10.77 (minimum requirement is 12.5) the first time in my middle finger but I requested a retest on my ring finger and it was over 12.5 so was able to. I guess they were also doing a "pint for a pint" promotion where when you donate blood you get a coupon for a free pint of ice cream at Baskin Robins.

I also over heard one of the greeters up front talking to someone about a berry recall from Costco that caused a Hepatitis A break out. http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbrea...consumers.html

[Cradle2crayons]

I gave blood yesterday after I babysat (I was able to get there 30 minutes before closing). I almost didn't get to because my hemoglobin level was only 10.77 (minimum requirement is 12.5) the first time in my middle finger but I requested a retest on my ring finger and it was over 12.5 so was able to. I guess they were also doing a "pint for a pint" promotion where when you donate blood you get a coupon for a free pint of ice cream at Baskin Robins.

I also over heard one of the greeters up front talking to someone about a berry recall from Costco that caused a Hepatitis A break out. http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbrea...consumers.html

happyface congrats on saving lives and on yur ice cream

[Rachel]

I do, when I can. I want to thank all you who do. My baby needed tons of blood after his open heart surgery. It is such an important thing to do if you can. How many opportunities does your "average joe" get to save a life.

[Sereetta]

I do whenever I get the chance.
I am a parent of a child who has and will need blood transfusions and from the bottom of my heart I thank every blood donor! Many times I have wished I could give blood to my child but unfortunately I have a trait(Sickle cell) that his body will reject becuase he has the actual disease/disorder! Blood donors save live on a daily bases so I encourage more people to give it a try!!!! :hug:

[jokalima]

I do,why? Because my life was saved by others that donated their blood. I just feel I have to give back, help others go back to their families, give the chance to babies and mom's to be together or parents to see their older children get better. If it wasn't because other people gave their blood, my son wouldn't have his mom with him today. It is truly a matter of life and death and we should all try to give, if we can't because of x or y reasons, then spread the word so others will.

[Square one]

I have a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and a clotting disorder (anti-phospholipid antibodies) so I'm unable to donate.