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Donating Blood

2456

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,341 ✭✭✭✭MadYaker


    Last time I tried they wouldn't take mine because I lived in Uganda for a few months a few years back. Haven't tried since.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,534 ✭✭✭gctest50


    manonboard wrote: »
    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

    Maybe

    http://www.bbc.com/news/health-37633936

    Vanessa Roberts was diagnosed with HIV in 2014 after living with the virus unknowingly for more than 30 years.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,453 ✭✭✭fixXxer


    murpho999 wrote: »
    When I first donated in Pelican House they gave you a glass of Guinness.

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

    That sounds like a dream I had once.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,341 ✭✭✭✭MadYaker


    Guinness is high in Iron with is an important part of the haemoglobin molecule which carries oxygen in your blood stream, that's why they gave it to him. Not standard practice these days though, that must have been a good while ago haha!


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,708 CMod ✭✭✭✭Ten of Swords


    Abstain from sexual activity for 1 year just to donate a unit of my blood.

    Hmm, let me think about that...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,956 ✭✭✭✭murpho999


    MadYaker wrote: »
    Guinness is high in Iron with is an important part of the haemoglobin molecule which carries oxygen in your blood stream, that's why they gave it to him. Not standard practice these days though, that must have been a good while ago haha!

    It sure was, early 90s. Sure they used to give bottles of stout to pregnant women years ago.


  • Moderators, Regional North West Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 19,248 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    It's only in the last 10 years or less that Guinness was removed from their range of goodies! That was with the mobile blood clinic anyway (Donegal Town today and tomorrow btw ;))

    Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to give blood anymore due to illness, so fair play to those that continue to do so.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,646 ✭✭✭✭qo2cj1dsne8y4k


    Ted111 wrote: »
    That sounds like a perk.
    Get pissed for a fiver!


    Projectile vomitting is only funny when it's not you doing it.


  • Posts: 7,967 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The first time I gave blood I didn't know anything about it and went on an empty stomach. Felt fine inside but fainted outside in the car park. Thankfully I'd managed to get myself onto a bench before I went completely and my partner was with me. We told no one.
    The second time we gave blood I ate and drank lots beforehand but nonetheless when I was sitting at the goodies table I started to go and they lay me down on a bed with a fan. I managed to stay conscious so it was all good.
    The third time I managed to convince two of my brothers as well as their friend to come along. For big men they were pretty nervous. Some poor girl face planted right on front of us and it freaked them out. "That won't happen to us will it!?". "No, you'll be grand." It was me that fainted. I came around in bed, curtain pulled around me, nurses leaning over me. I'd been out for a while. The nurse wanted to make sure I wasn't alone so she pulled back the curtain and asked me to show her my companions. They were easy to point out.. "the guys over there, bent double laughing at me".
    Needless to say I'm not allowed donate anymore which I'm really sad about. Its such an easy and worthwhile thing to do OP.
    On a side note I did notice bottles of Guinness in a separate box away from the table. Thought you just had to request a bottle?


  • Posts: 17,847 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    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.

    Only side effect I have is I sleep like a log that night.
    Don't be worried. They will keep a close eye on you and talk you through the whole procedure.
    It is a great gift to give, so well done on even considering it!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,750 ✭✭✭iDave


    Abstain from sexual activity for 1 year just to donate a unit of my blood.

    Hmm, let me think about that...

    You're trying to remember if you've reached the full year yet?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,299 ✭✭✭✭The Backwards Man


    I only donate for the free pens. One time they had no pens and I was this close to asking them for the blood back. Thieving bastards.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 990 ✭✭✭Ted111


    murpho999 wrote: »
    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.
    fixxxer wrote: »
    That sounds like a dream I had once.

    Did she pull it well?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,403 ✭✭✭Jan_de_Bakker


    I used to regularly give blood and then the last time (about 1 year ago) I was feeling quite dizzy during the procedure.
    The nurse kept asking me if I was ok and I was trying to be tough and say "yeah I'm perfectly fine thanks" (because part of me is thinking - I've done this 20 + times and have never felt bad).
    I was glad when it was over and had some juices and crackers.
    I'm kind of afraid to go back now .. :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 222 ✭✭danko82


    manonboard wrote: »
    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

    is possible to get the result of exams every time you donate your blood?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,745 ✭✭✭✭kylith


    danko82 wrote: »
    is possible to get the result of exams every time you donate your blood?

    No. I'd imagine due to the sheer volume; they couldn't afford to contact everyone to say that their tests were clear. If there's the slightest thing wrong with you they'll let you know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭mcgiggles


    I donated once and had a bad enough experience, been too scared to go back since.. I had nearly given the full unit and I started to feel nauseous then my hands and legs cramped up and I couldn't move. Was near the end of the clinic and there were nurses all around me massaging my arms and legs to try and get them moving again! #attentionseeker
    Thankfully they had gotten enough out of me so it wasn't a waste of time :) but couldn't drive home after and was pretty weak for the night after it. The only thing I can think of is that while I had a good dinner before I went in, it was mental in there and we were ages waiting, like a couple of hours so maybe it was that dinner had worn off? Had accupuncture another time and got really lightheaded and nauseous from that too.. so I've been a chickensh*t since... That was in college and am 31 now so must try again, I have A- I think its one of the rarer ones


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 222 ✭✭danko82


    kylith wrote: »
    No. I'd imagine due to the sheer volume; they couldn't afford to contact everyone to say that their tests were clear. If there's the slightest thing wrong with you they'll let you know.

    we are in 2016, 2017 actually. there is mail..they can send to mail.

    I do not understand why i should not get my full exams after I am donating a part so important of my body. it costs a lot of money to hospital to buy blood.

    what's the point to donate blood and then the day after going to take blood exams.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    I've booked in to donate for the first time at the end of January - it's actually surprisingly difficult to book a slot somewhere close to where I work!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,034 ✭✭✭mad muffin


    I don't.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,519 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    I keep forgetting to do it. I've given quite a bit so far but hope to do for as long as I can.

    Great thing people can do to help others.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,713 ✭✭✭keano_afc


    I dontated regularly up to this time last year when I had to stop due to developing type 1 diabetes. Its so worthwhile, you really feel like you're making a difference and you get plenty of free food. Whats not to like? :D

    Seriously though, stocks are always low. Please donate if you can, it really is a matter of life and death.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    Did in the UK before I was ill..am too old now but they still allow organ donation.. and THANK YOU to all who donate. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    I gave regularly when I was under 65. I started when I saw the benefit my brother got while fighting cancer. It eased his later days greatly.

    Every 3 or 4 months; passed the 100 donations in what seemed no time. It's easy. No side effects. And a free blood pressure and Iron check if nothing else.

    Please everybody, if there are no medical reasons not to, give blood.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,455 ✭✭✭maudgonner


    I'm disgusted at the lot of you, forgetting the best part about giving blood...



    Free pens! And pencils!

    :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,813 ✭✭✭Noveight


    I donate. They get blood, I get free biscuits. Winners all 'round.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,687 ✭✭✭✭Penny Tration


    danko82 wrote: »
    we are in 2016, 2017 actually. there is mail..they can send to mail.

    I do not understand why i should not get my full exams after I am donating a part so important of my body. it costs a lot of money to hospital to buy blood.

    what's the point to donate blood and then the day after going to take blood exams.

    You've answered your own question. It's a DONATION. Something you donate, or give freely. Not something you do to get out of having blood tests.


    They don't send you blood test results because they're not doing blood tests. They screen your blood for diseases such as HIV or hepatitis, they don't do full blood work and check your vitamin levels.

    If you don't want to donate, you don't have to, but the key point is that it's a donation, you can't expect stuff in return for it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,299 ✭✭✭✭The Backwards Man


    maudgonner wrote: »
    I'm disgusted at the lot of you, forgetting the best part about giving blood...



    Free pens! And pencils!

    :D
    When the bastards have them with them


    The amount of times I've walked out due to no pens. . .:(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    danko82 wrote: »
    we are in 2016, 2017 actually. there is mail..they can send to mail.

    I do not understand why i should not get my full exams after I am donating a part so important of my body. it costs a lot of money to hospital to buy blood.

    what's the point to donate blood and then the day after going to take blood exams.

    They don't run tests on the blood. It is screened certainly but they are not going to do cholesterol checks, thyroid function, liver function etc.

    Donating blood is just that. An unselfish donation to help others.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,455 ✭✭✭maudgonner


    When the bastards have them with them


    The amount of times I've walked out due to no pens. . .:(

    Haha! Sucks to be you. I'm writing this with my free pen now...


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