Donating Blood

Bigby · 18-10-2016 11:45AM #1

I heard on the news this morning that there's a shortage of blood supply in Ireland so I'd like to donate some.

Has anyone donated blood before?

Is there any side effects and how do I find out my blood type?

Thanks.

corner of hells · 18-10-2016 11:50AM

Bigby wrote: »

I heard on the news this morning that there's a shortage of blood supply in Ireland so I'd like to donate some.

Has anyone donated blood before?

Is there any side effects and how do I find out my blood type?

Thanks.

Mods do blood collecting service round there parts.

ScumLord · 18-10-2016 11:50AM

Bigby wrote: »

Is there any side effects and how do I find out my blood type?

It should be written on the soles of your feet or near your arsehole.

sullivlo · 18-10-2016 11:50AM

www.giveblood.ie

All of the info is there.

Eat well before hand. Keep hydrated. They'll get you to fill out a questionaire, check your iron levels and then try take the sample. It takes about an hour start to finish (maybe more if you've low flow), and afterwards you'll be given a table of goodies to choose from.

Side effects - you might pass out. You shouldn't exercise afterwards. If you notice any illnesses develop you call them. It's all pretty much explained in there or on the website.

Good job on donating.

osarusan · 18-10-2016 11:53AM

I've donated plenty of times. If you are going to go, eat well and drink plenty beforehand.

You have to wait for a while, then give your details (registering), then complete a form (ticking Yes or No) about your health, current medication, travel history, certain aspects of sexual history, some other stuff. The form doesn't take long, but there might be a longer form for a first-time donor. Your answers might mean that you can't donate on that day, or can't donate ever.

If the form doesn't disqualify you, then there is something like a pinprick test to check your blood for anaemia.

all going well, you then wait for a trolley to become available, then a needle is stuck into a vein in your arm and you just lie there occasionally squeezing this rubber thing they give you, until enough blood has come out. As it's a first visit, you'll likely have somebody sit with you the whole time and take extra care of you.

When it's over you get a plaster on the vein, then get taken to a refreshment table where you get something to eat and drink - lots of sugary stuff. They want you to stay for a while to make sure you're not going to get weak or anything.

As it's your first time, I'd definitely advise you to go with somebody so that if you do feel a bit faint, you are not stuck there on your own.

It could take about 2 hours from start to finish, depending on how busy it is.

You will get a card sent to you afterwards which will have your blood type on it.

EDIT: Here's the form for a first time donor and the other form I mentioned:
https://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/First_time_Blood_Donor_health_and_lifestyle_questionnaire1.pdf

fixXxer · 18-10-2016 11:54AM

Bigby wrote: »

I heard on the news this morning that there's a shortage of blood supply in Ireland so I'd like to donate some.

Has anyone donated blood before?

Is there any side effects and how do I find out my blood type?

Thanks.

I've been giving blood since I was 18, 35 now.

Long term side effects, there are none. Short term you may feel a little faint after a donation but if you hydrate and eat properly before hand you shouldn't have too many problems.

I donate in either D'Olier street or the Stillorgan clinic and in both places the staff are friendly and helpful. They ask a lot of personal questions, especially in the beginning, but it's all private and confidential so you can say or ask anything without worry.

I hope you do go, its a very easy way to make a big difference in someone's life.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 18-10-2016 11:55AM

They check your blood for you on your first visit for the type.
They're super nice and take great care of you.
I've donated maybe 15 times, bruising was the only side effect, and the fact that I'm squeamish and have awful veins, I'd be a bit faint standing up but would feel absolutely fine by the time I'd finished drinking the 7up they give you afterwards.

The last time I went, I had a delayed faint in the hotel afterwards, and the hotel staff went and got the dr from the clinic to come to me. She took my details and told me I can't donate blood ever again, but to be honest -- I had an underlying condition I didn't know about that made me weak so I doubt that faint was even down to the blood donation, so would be reluctant to say it was a side effect.

If you can donate, do. It's a fantastic thing to do.

Hercule Poirot · 18-10-2016 11:56AM

Have they still got that ban for people who were in England in the 80's (or something like that)?

I've always wanted to donate but I know there has been no point in me turning up

fixXxer · 18-10-2016 11:58AM

Hercule Poirot wrote: »

Have they still got that ban for people who were in England in the 80's (or something like that)?

I've always wanted to donate but I know there has been no point in me turning up

It depends how long you lived there.`

Try the quiz and see

http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood_Question_1.html

osarusan · 18-10-2016 12:04PM

Hercule Poirot wrote: »

Have they still got that ban for people who were in England in the 80's (or something like that)?

I've always wanted to donate but I know there has been no point in me turning up

"Have you spent one year or more in total/cumulatively in the UK* between 1980 and 1996, including living, working or on holidays?"

Badly Drunk Boy · 18-10-2016 12:05PM

You're not supposed to do anything too energetic afterwards, or have a hot bath (although I usually cycle home). The only side-effect I ever had was bruising on the arm, but I think that was down to me being too enthusiastic about squirting out the blood, squeezing the rubber thing too much. (It's an affliction...)

Badly Drunk Boy · 18-10-2016 12:07PM

osarusan wrote: »

"Have you spent one year or more in total/cumulatively in the UK* between 1980 and 1996, including living, working or on holidays?"

Since that's to do with BSE, are vegetarians/vegans (from that time) exempt?

dub_skav · 18-10-2016 12:07PM

I've been donating for a few years now and have never had any side effects. Always hydrate well and eat before and afterwards. Plenty of snacks and even sandwiches provided, it's actually the only place that I eat tayto crisps

I go to Stillorgan clinic. The first time takes a bit longer, but subsequent visits I've always been in and out in an hour.

I can't actually remember why I took so long to donate, but now I make an appointment at each visit and never miss it.

Alun · 18-10-2016 12:08PM

Hercule Poirot wrote: »

Have they still got that ban for people who were in England in the 80's (or something like that)?

Yes, it's if you've spent more than a year in the UK, including NI, (cumulatively) between 1980 and 1996. I left England towards the end of 1980 but spent a good bit of time there over the next 16 years, so am now banned from donating.

But here's the thing, if I'd stayed in the UK, I'd still be eligible, and as far as I'm aware there isn't a massive vCJD epidemic there. Heck, I suppose I'd even be able to drive over the border into Newry and donate there if I wanted to.

I read that last year there was to be a review of this restriction, but heard nothing about the outcome.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 18-10-2016 12:09PM

Oh and if you go drinking straight after, you get extremely drunk and end up making an absolute clown out of yourself, so definately don't do that.

Penny Tration · 18-10-2016 12:19PM

The relevant info has been provided, but it's easy, no bother at all. Drink plenty of water and eat before you go in and you shouldn't feel faint.

Once, I felt nauseous after when I hadn't eaten properly, every other time was grand.

You get a donor card in the post with your blood type about a month after your first donation.

It's easy, doesn't take too long (even for me with my awful veins) and helps people. Sure why not try it?

silverharp · 18-10-2016 12:24PM

apparently I might have mad cows disease because I had a burger in McD's in the early 90's . I havnt noticed MOO MOO MOO at all

Ted111 · 18-10-2016 12:27PM

LexieOnRale wrote: »

Oh and if you go drinking straight after, you get extremely drunk and end up making an absolute clown out of yourself, so definately don't do that.

That sounds like a perk.
Get pissed for a fiver!

murpho999 · 18-10-2016 12:34PM

LexieOnRale wrote: »

Oh and if you go drinking straight after, you get extremely drunk and end up making an absolute clown out of yourself, so definately don't do that.

When I first donated in Pelican House they gave you a glass of Guinness.

It was always a bizzare sight to see a lady in a nurses uniform acting as a bar lady.

HelgaWard · 18-10-2016 12:44PM

I donated several times, used to go quite faint afterwards, had to get them to move me away from the other people donating cause I'd feel ok, sit up, see someone else donating blood and then whooosh, I'd faint again!! Always felt absolutely fine after.

Unfortunately I can't donate blood anymore. This is because I had to receive more than 10 units of blood and blood units, when I had a massive PPH, after the delivery of my first child. I would 100% be a gonner if there had not been blood there to replace all the blood I lost (which was most of the blood that was in my body).

So a big thank you to everyone who donates, especially those who do it regularly. And to those who are hovering on the fence about donating, please try it, you literally never know when you, or somebody you love will need it. And if you receive a blood donation, you can never donate again. I'm really disappointed that I didn't donate more when I could have.

chakotha · 18-10-2016 12:47PM

I've had a transfusion so that rules me out.

seamus · 18-10-2016 12:49PM

Badly Drunk Boy wrote: »

Since that's to do with BSE, are vegetarians/vegans (from that time) exempt?

Short answer, no. CJD is still not well understood, so even if you are vegetarian/vegan they wouldn't want to take the chance that you had consumed something which was made out of or contained British beef during that period, even if you don't think you had.

Since there is no real standard or legislation in relation to being vegetarian or vegan, there is no way for them to give a thumbs up to a personal claim.

I know people who say they're vegetarian but will eat a big steak on special occasions. People are idiots and can't be trusted.

Winterlong · 18-10-2016 12:50PM

I would love to be able to donate blood but they never let me. First the mad cow thing. And now traveling to 'risk' countries prohibits it apparently.

MilesMorales1 · 18-10-2016 12:51PM

I'm ineligible unfortunately, or I would have gone.

stesaurus · 18-10-2016 12:55PM

Do it, its so easy and the simple sense of pride really outweighs any lost time, bruising, light headedness etc.
Im a universal donor and they keep reminding me that my blood would be used for new borns and accidents. The theory being they may not have time to test the recipient before administering so they go with universal.
There isn't a regular clinic near me so we get the regular travelling clinic every 12 weeks or so. They make sure to ring and remind me every time they're here which is handy.

Anyone know how often you could theoretically give blood?

SEPT 23 1989 · 18-10-2016 01:08PM

Not since they stopped paying me with Guinness and pencils

dub_skav · 18-10-2016 01:23PM

s.welstead wrote: »

Do it, its so easy and the simple sense of pride really outweighs any lost time, bruising, light headedness etc.
Im a universal donor and they keep reminding me that my blood would be used for new borns and accidents. The theory being they may not have time to test the recipient before administering so they go with universal.
There isn't a regular clinic near me so we get the regular travelling clinic every 12 weeks or so. They make sure to ring and remind me every time they're here which is handy.

Anyone know how often you could theoretically give blood?

Every 3 months is the recommended, which explains the 12 week travelling clinic following you around for your universal blood

mahoganygas · 18-10-2016 01:42PM

I was one of the donors who was wrongly told I was fine to donate, when in fact I was borderline anaemic.

The pin-prick test was replaced with less-invasive equipment. Unfortunately the equipment wasn't calibrated properly for a few months and I was given the go ahead to donate.

For a few weeks I felt weak, tired and dizzy. My GP did a full round of bloods and I came up as anaemic. A few months of iron injections had me right as rain again. Thankfully the IBTS reimbursed me.

It wouldn't put me off donating again, but might wait a while before going back.

earlytobed · 18-10-2016 01:51PM

mahoganygas wrote: »

I was one of the donors who was wrongly told I was fine to donate, when in fact I was borderline anaemic.

The pin-prick test was replaced with less-invasive equipment. Unfortunately the equipment wasn't calibrated properly for a few months and I was given the go ahead to donate.

For a few weeks I felt weak, tired and dizzy. My GP did a full round of bloods and I came up as anaemic. A few months of iron injections had me right as rain again. Thankfully the IBTS reimbursed me.

It wouldn't put me off donating again, but might wait a while before going back.

They are now back with the pin prick test so all is well again re iron

I have donated blood, plasma and platelets down through the years. It's something good you can do for others without putting yourself out too much.

Badly Drunk Boy · 18-10-2016 01:52PM

Alun wrote: »

But here's the thing, if I'd stayed in the UK, I'd still be eligible, and as far as I'm aware there isn't a massive vCJD epidemic there. Heck, I suppose I'd even be able to drive over the border into Newry and donate there if I wanted to.

They'd accept your mad cow blood over there because they're contaminated too. We've got the good stuff over here! :pac:

manonboard · 18-10-2016 01:53PM

Another positive self serving bonus is that your blood is screened for a range of infections and problems. If any are detected. They will let you know. So its a very nice way to just keep a general health monitoring of your blood

Donating Blood

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