Self-Righteous People That Give Blood

galah · 23-03-2009 05:59PM

Last time I wanted to donate blood, I was told that I couldn't cause I wasn't Irish...(and am not British, either). No other excuse, and no information as to why being a foreigner would make my blood less useful..

Haven't tried since, and can't find anything about that in the regulations - but it does make you wonder...

OldGoat · 23-03-2009 05:59PM

banshee_bones wrote: »

says theres currently no way of screening for vcjd...

eoin wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about it. I certainly don't.

Yep. By the time they find out we have 'the mad cow' we'll be so far gone that we just won't care.
I'm looking forward to stumbling around a field somewhere.

Ann22 · 23-03-2009 06:05PM

It's a good thing to do at least once 'cos if there's anything quare in your blood, you find out about it. I've an irregular antibody in mine called anti jka. I got a letter shortly after donating.My gp at the time frightened the sh*te out of me telling me it could be something to do with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.(He thought it was spelt 'Jakob Kreutzfeldt'..wot a clown. I rang the blood bank in a panic but they told me that it was absolutely nothing to do with it....though it was important to carry a card.
It turned out to be of some importance in my last pregancy. I was lucky my wee fella was ok, he was born with severe life threatening jaundice (not the regular neonatal jaundice a lot of babies develop within days of delivery). Thanks to 24hr ultraviolet light and intravenous fluids for a week, he was ok, thank God.

scottledeuce · 23-03-2009 07:48PM

Besides the whole feel good factor of giving your blood and possible saving a life think of the other plus sides.

1.It helps to detoxify your blood. Makes your body replace the blood that is gone with new blood cells.
2.Donating blood may reduce risk for heart disease, and stimulates the generation of red blood cells. In patients prone to iron overload (e.g. due to hemochromatosis), blood donation prevents the accumulation of iron.
3.if you are a bit overweight...presto you just lost a pound and If you are not overweight pig out for the rest of the day.

Bottle_of_Smoke · 23-03-2009 08:08PM

scottledeuce wrote: »

Besides the whole feel good factor of giving your blood and possible saving a life think of the other plus sides.

1.It helps to detoxify your blood. Makes your body replace the blood that is gone with new blood cells.
2.Donating blood may reduce risk for heart disease, and stimulates the generation of red blood cells. In patients prone to iron overload (e.g. due to hemochromatosis), blood donation prevents the accumulation of iron.
3.if you are a bit overweight...presto you just lost a pound and If you are not overweight pig out for the rest of the day.

Thats utter nonsense. Particularly point three.

The_Minister · 23-03-2009 08:15PM

I would have gone with point two, as patients with that condition are forbidden from donating.

23-03-2009 08:21PM

scottledeuce wrote: »

Besides the whole feel good factor of giving your blood and possible saving a life think of the other plus sides.

1.It helps to detoxify your blood. Makes your body replace the blood that is gone with new blood cells.
2.Donating blood may reduce risk for heart disease, and stimulates the generation of red blood cells. In patients prone to iron overload (e.g. due to hemochromatosis), blood donation prevents the accumulation of iron.
3.if you are a bit overweight...presto you just lost a pound and If you are not overweight pig out for the rest of the day.

WTF? Fat people lose weight by giving blood?

twinytwo · 23-03-2009 08:33PM

speedboatchase wrote: »

Being hassled by a mate about giving blood today, usually I get hassled every few months about this. I simply don’t like needles and don’t want to feel light-headed and faint from such an experience, is that such a problem? Some people get on such a huge self-righteous buzz about this, like they’re saving the world and you’re an inhuman monster. I was even subjected to the hypothetical “kid dying in hospital story”.

I JUST DON’T WANNA GIVE BLOOD – why do people act this way? I understand the percentage of people that do is disproportional to the need etc but I just don’t want to and that’s that – anyone feel the same or feel the same hassle?

so if something was to happen to u and you needed a blood transfusion,,, im sure u would like to think that someone came over their fear of needles or being light-headed:rolleyes:.... so you might actually LIVE

speedboatchase · 23-03-2009 09:03PM

Id have to laugh at the irony to be honest

Abi · 23-03-2009 09:15PM

ntlbell wrote: »

ye get a free pint of Guinness?

Its what I went for anyway.
Liars.

They didnt want my blood anyway. I ticked too many yes boxes, apparently. Ungrateful bästards.

Quality · 23-03-2009 09:31PM

Ah I remember the first time I gave blood!!

Went to the cinema after to see the film Hannibal... When it got to the part where lector was frying the brain I passed out.. My other half thought I had fallen asleep!!

Anyhow, I was out cold for about 5-10 minutes.. Missed the end of the film. When I did wake up I had wet myself:eek::o.

Did It deter me from giving blood again..

NO.

Its a good cause. I have had a few friends who have needed blood transfusions after labour. You can seriously save lives... make a difference¬!¬

thebigcheese22 · 23-03-2009 09:45PM

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

* Am not gay btw!

scottledeuce · 23-03-2009 09:47PM

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Thats utter nonsense. Particularly point three.

Its after hours FFS....

I should have thrown in how easy it is to get pissed after you donate as well...I got hammered on about 4 pints.

Link to article on other health benefits
http://edition.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/04/26/give.blood.wmd/

scottledeuce · 23-03-2009 09:53PM

thebigcheese22 wrote: »

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

* Am not gay btw!

I'm sure someone Christians might think you could catch gay off it or something :rolleyes:

Eoin · 23-03-2009 10:11PM

thebigcheese22 wrote: »

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

* Am not gay btw!

They didn't ask that in the questionnaire they have on the site. Maybe they have dropped that rule.

Gazza22 · 23-03-2009 10:15PM

yoshytoshy wrote: »

I'm 0 - ,which I thought could be given to people with different blood types.
Which is handy in emergencies.

I could be wrong though.

Yeah i'm O- too. It's quite an important type in the donation system as we can donate to all -.

As regards to giving blood, i think everyone should try their best to donate. It's only 4 times a year you are asked to do it. Worried about needles? That will be the least of your worries should you have an accident one day and there isn't blood in stock to save your life.

eoin wrote: »

They didn't ask that in the questionnaire they have on the site. Maybe they have dropped that rule.

No that condition of donating remains firmly intact.

The_Minister · 23-03-2009 10:21PM

thebigcheese22 wrote: »

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

The rule isn't there because "only gay people spread HIV". The rule was instituted back when AIDs was more of an unknown factor, and was adopted by countries worldwide. At the time, it was rife throughout the gay community, and was hard to test for.

The reason its kept today is that screening tests can often fail, so the risk is reduced as much as possible, by blocking out high-risk groups such as drug users and sexually active gay men. Even though gay men only account for about 3-4% of the population, they harbor about 30% of AIDs cases (AFAIR). By excluding them, the risk of accidentally infecting someone is greatly reduced.

Gazza22 · 23-03-2009 10:31PM

thebigcheese22 wrote: »

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

It's far from a disgrace. It's called being responsible with the lives of patients.

As correctly mentioned above by The Minister, gay and bi-sexual men are a risk group and as such are not allowed donate. The blood bank is a delicate system and thus there is numerous precautions taken place to protect the safety of patients.

As well as carrying a greater HIV infection rate, the male gay/bi-sexual community also statistically carries a higher rate of hepatitis B and syphilis infection. The tests performed are not 100% and false negatives are known to occur so all risk groups must be excluded from donation.

Wacker · 23-03-2009 10:37PM

banshee_bones wrote: »

Aso read about donating bone marrow and plateletes *shudder*

I am on the register to donate marrow, and I donate platelets every 28 days on the button. Donating marrow is supposed to be horrendous (a syringe inserted into your pelvis!), but guess what is way worse? Leukemia. If I can help sufferers in any way that doesn't cost me money (because I don't have much to spare), I will. My dad was on the register for ten years and was never called up. I've been on the books for about two years.

Platelet donations are no joy either. The reason I do it is because you can donate every 4 weeks rather than every 3 months, which is the limit for blood donations. They take your blood out for about five minutes, mess around with it in a machine to remove the platelets, and then put it back in for about thirty seconds (this feels weird), and they repeat this process for about one hour.

I actually always specifically tell the staff not to say "you'll feel a slight pinch" before inserting the needle. Everyone reading this, pinch your arm in a 'slight' manner. Believe me, this is nothing like the stabbing agony of a needle going into your vein! But whatever; you guys know what pain does? It goes away. Man up; people need this stuff to live.

The staff in James's are super-nice too, giving me unlimited tea and mini-rolls and blueberry muffins. They also send a taxi to pick me up from work, and then another one to take me to the DART station afterwards (I consider it immoral to take it all the way home when I'm not paying for it). Also, there are some nice rewards for regular donation. I have been given both a silver and a gold tie-pin thus far.

Folks, you should try it at least once. You may feel amazing afterwards; I know a lot of people do. I personally don't; the reason I do it is that I now never feel any guilt about giving no money to charity.

To the OP, I have never once tried to get anyone else to go with me, just in case I sound preachy.

Wacker · 23-03-2009 10:42PM

thebigcheese22 wrote: »

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

* Am not gay btw!

You're not gay... ...well done? Are you a regular donor though? If not, then you have absolutely no business complaining.

carrieb · 23-03-2009 10:42PM

I was just reading about the platelet and bone marrow stuff. Will look into it further Wacker.
I also heard that the BM donating was agony but if you're asleep it mightn't be as bad as I imagined. Do you know anyone who has been called up?
I am too light for the platelts but am def going to go and give blood next week. Well, Ill try, the last time my iron levels were too low..

Gazza22 · 23-03-2009 10:48PM

Wacker wrote: »

I am on the register to donate marrow, and I donate platelets every 28 days on the button.

Fair play to you Wacker, to be on the marrow register and donate platelets monthly is really thoughtful. Nothing to be sniffed at.

MIN2511 · 23-03-2009 11:12PM

I dunno, i am scared of needles i wouldn't be able to donate blood-i'ld pass out

That said when i die, i want every organ of mine to be reused!!! And then cremated, i beleive burial is a waste of space!

Amalgam · 23-03-2009 11:12PM

What are the needles like, fairly sharp? (the sharper the better, you don't feel much going in..) What about the diameter, I'm not bothered about it, to be honest. Relative to IV needles, bigger or smaller?

I've had my fair share of needles lately, big horse syringes pressed in, didn't feel a jot, strangely, it has put me in the mood to donate.

delta_bravo · 23-03-2009 11:23PM

Brown.Eyed.Girl wrote: »

I was told I can't give blood because I had jaundice as a baby.

If your friend won't take no for an answer maybe you could tell your friend a little while lie and say you had jaundice or a blood infection that prevents you from giving blood. It would get him off your back about it.

In some cases that has changed and you may be allowed to donate. My father had jaundice and was able to begin donating about 2 years ago

Gazza22 · 23-03-2009 11:28PM

Amalgam wrote: »

What are the needles like, fairly sharp? (the sharper the better, you don't feel much going in..) What about the diameter, I'm not bothered about it, to be honest. Relative to IV needles, bigger or smaller?

I've had my fair share of needles lately, big horse syringes pressed in, didn't feel a jot, strangely, it has put me in the mood to donate.

Typically wider than standard IV's to protect the red blood cells. This ensures the cells aren't destoyed by being forced at pressure through a narrow IV needle.

Dave! · 23-03-2009 11:29PM

Amalgam wrote: »

What are the needles like, fairly sharp? (the sharper the better, you don't feel much going in..) What about the diameter, I'm not bothered about it, to be honest. Relative to IV needles, bigger or smaller?

I've had my fair share of needles lately, big horse syringes pressed in, didn't feel a jot, strangely, it has put me in the mood to donate.

They're tiny needles, if you've gotten big needles before then donating would be a walk in the park

Actually I had to get regular blood tests a few years ago when I was on medication, and that's what prompted me to start donating

I figured I had to overcome the whole fear of needles thing in order to get a blood test, and since I had I may as well make use of that fact

reggiethefirst · 23-03-2009 11:30PM

ntlbell wrote: »

they still take it if ye smoke mar eee ja wanna no ?

Yes, yes they do. Cheer up the poor bastards that need it.

ShaunC · 23-03-2009 11:32PM

I used to donate blood (about 27 pints) but had to stop because I lived in UK in the late 80s. I may have the mad cow syndrome so I should not even be typing this, hopefully I dont go totally mad until im 55 or so

I have the worse blood group, O- which means I can donate to any one but can only recieve O- bummer.
I cant give platelets because of CJD and I am very nervous about joining the stem cell register:(
Hopefully I will soon
By the way OP its about helping the man on the street you know, the people you call friends and family

delta_bravo · 23-03-2009 11:39PM

Degsy wrote: »

Did you know that the Blood transfusion service is not a charity?
Did you know that they sell your blood to the hospitals at up to 200 quid a pint?
Pure profit making organisation.

I believe that a person who donates and later requires blood receives it for free.

Ann22 wrote: »

It's a good thing to do at least once 'cos if there's anything quare in your blood, you find out about it.

Dont do this, i know you were unaware of your condition but if someone thinks they may have some sort of condition and knowingly gives blood just to get it tested they are putting another persons life at risk.

thebigcheese22 wrote: »

Dya all know that gay people aren't allowed to give blood? I think that's a ****ing disgrace! HIV in Ireland is tiny (though going up recently) and its a myth that only gay people spread HIV. Also, they screen the blood before it is given to a patient so I don't see any argument against gays giving blood. They're crying out for donors, the gay population of Ireland would surely help loads

Gay people are allowed give blood if they are celibate. The IBTS form does not ask if you are a homosexual, they ask if you have had anal sex with a man or a woman (protected or not). If you have, you are not allowed give blood. Its really just a case of a precaution as the risk of HIV is higher amongst those who have had anal sex. Your sexuality is irrelevant.

You can also never give blood if you have been to prison, slept with a prostitute, injected drugs or snorted them. It is a case of risk. Perhaps theres some ex-con, drug addicts that have slept with hookers that want to give blood but as a group they are a far higher risk of having HIV or another blood disease

Self-Righteous People That Give Blood

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