Yay, I did it (blood donation)

Glad you made the leap! I gave my 15th the other day and you always feel amazing after donation.

I've thought about platlets but not sure whether to give it a go or not. Would also be interested to see if anyone else has done it.

I've done it. I used to give every 3 weeks while at Uni because it was round the corner from our campas.

Pros

You get to sit still for an hour or so and watch the telly or read a book.

They dont fuss over you as much as in a normal donation

Amazing sense of achivement because you are generally "matched" to a patient and they generally give you some info. ie for most of mine I was matched to a woman who was undergoing cancer treatment. However once I was called in on a bank holiday to give for premature twins that were due to be born. I got a special letter for that one.

You build your donation "number" up quickly as you can give more frequently. I'm just about to hit 50 (at the age of 32).

Cons

They only do it at specific units so you may have to travel.

It takes longer (obviously). Mine took even longer because I couldnt give and recieve in different arms as my veins would spasm in my right arm.

I would do it again if the unit was closer to where I live.

Well done sunset. I am not allowed to give blood but I think it is a wonderful thing you have done - and everyone else who gives blood.

Gingey, I'm not sure I get the concept of in out one arm in another, the people donating today were having it go into a special machine which put some of it back, in where it came from as far as I could see. It's nice to think you know where it's actually going.

Congratulations!

I went to give my first lot on Friday, I haven't registered and it wouldn't let me do it on site so I had to just turn up. I was working from home so went at lunch to be told they were short staffed and it would be an hour at least before I was called. Didn't think I could get away with it, but they let me register so that next time I can book an appointment. I'd psyched myself up for it so was a bit disappointed. Better luck next time.

They take the blood out of one arm, put it through the machine which takes out some of the platelets and puts whats left back. You can get a machine that takes it out and puts it back through the one tube (this is the one I used which takes longer) or one which uses 2 tubes - one out, one in.

I used to give blood regularly. However, as I had to have a 2 pint transfusion after having Rose I will never be able to do it again. It's painless and quick and it keeps people like me on the streets.

As someone who had to have a transfusion earlier this year, can I just say a huge and heartfelt thank you.

You really did do something amazing today.