[robo donkey]

I do, giving today for the big 10th time, get a bronze card for my troubles. But really it's cool to know it's helping people out there who need it.

So, do you do it?

[Cicerao]

No, I'm not eligible and I get sick of people harassing me about it.

[RobertWhite]

(Original post by robo donkey)
I do, giving today for the big 10th time, get a bronze card for my troubles. But really it's cool to know it's helping people out there who need it.

So, do you do it?

No, my twin brother had it done and almost fainted. I'm a small person, taking something like a litre of blood really isn't good for me. I'd do it if I could!

[arbaaz]

that's really admirable OP
no, i'm scared of needles... you know the person who you see at the doctors who looks like their about to faint... yeah that's me ....
i can't stand getting my own blood tests given never mind doing it for someone else....

[Cent]

Nope

[robo donkey]

It's cool if you're scared of needles, my best mate came with me once and fainted at the sight of me and wasn't even donating, I felt bad for him but it was just funny looking back.

[BeccaAnne94]

I'm donating again next month ....almost fainted last time but not letting that put me off

[T'archer]

Donating on Friday (9th time). Does anyone give platelets? Before your first test are you meant to ring to book an appointment stating that you want to do a platelet test, or just turn up and announce it?

[SpunkyVanDros]

I tried to but then they asked me have i been to Africa in the past 6 months i answered yes and they acted like i have aids as well as hepatitis A,B and C.

I will next year

[Reagan Smash]

Yes. I tend to throw up and faint when I do and people think I'm mad for going back, but whats a little discomfort on my part if a pint of my blood is potentially going to save peoples lives?

[robo donkey]

(Original post by T'archer)
Donating on Friday (9th time). Does anyone give platelets? Before your first test are you meant to ring to book an appointment stating that you want to do a platelet test, or just turn up and announce it?

I've looked into component donation as you can do it every few weeks, but I don't have a permanent blood centre near me and they're the only ones that do it. I think your best bet is to get in touch with your local centre and just book an appointment as you're in there for a lot longer and have needles in both arms

[TattyBoJangles]

I've donated once, but I went into hypovolaemic shock and have been told never to do it again by my doctor.

Shame, because it's really worthwhile. But I'd rather not risk dying myself.

[pikaboo]

Technically I'm not supposed to, because I've slept with a guy who has also slept with a guy. Even though I've had a clear HIV test since

[Jabberwox]

(Original post by TattyBoJangles)
I've donated once, but I went into hypovolaemic shock and have been told never to do it again by my doctor.

Shame, because it's really worthwhile. But I'd rather not risk dying myself.

May I ask what 'hypovolaemic shock' is? Because I gave blood once and was very ill the next day, and haven't donated since could have been a coincidence, but I felt very rough the next day. Was gutted, because I really wanted to do it.

[Megaross]

Yeah I'm on my 5th/6th time now, it would be more but sometimes you just cannot make any of the appointments.
It's great, go in, have a chat, give some blood, have a cuppa and a biscuit. A couple of times I've raced a mate "Who can fill the bag first" by pumping my hand really fast.

I know a couple of girls who've given blood and passed out before. And one dude who just has an awful diet and never drinks any water.
Some people can't give blood to be fair but I'm amazed how many people can but don't, same with being an organ donor, just get a card if you die you die, what difference does someone using your "meat" make.

[cardine92]

I want to, I'm just waiting for a date to do it.

[tnajamie]

(Original post by robo donkey)
I do, giving today for the big 10th time, get a bronze card for my troubles. But really it's cool to know it's helping people out there who need it.

So, do you do it?

big thanks to you for reminding me

Had to wait for 3 months after getting my last ink!

[TattyBoJangles]

(Original post by Jabberwox)
May I ask what 'hypovolaemic shock' is? Because I gave blood once and was very ill the next day, and haven't donated since could have been a coincidence, but I felt very rough the next day. Was gutted, because I really wanted to do it.

Shock caused by loss of body fluids.

Basically, I went very pale and clammy soon after giving blood. I was sat on the floor by someone, who took my pulse etc. and apparently it was very weak & thready.
I then tried to stand up when they turned their back and promptly fell to the floor. Had heart palpitations, heart rate was tachycardic, felt sick and found it hard to control my breathing (was basically hyperventilating). And then collapsed.
Definitely not something I wish to repeat. It was really rather scary - and it happened to me again the next day :/

Made up for not being able to give blood by signing up to be an organ donor.

[player19]

Yes, i give blood for about 5 times. it stared in my high school where blood donoring was organised. If we spend blood we would have a day free.

[y-y]

Yes, once