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Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Give blood this Christmas!!!

24

Comments

  • #32
    GLaDOS
    Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 23,257 Mod ✭✭✭✭GLaDOS


    Haven't donated in ages, will try to find time over christmas

    Cake, and grief counseling, will be available at the conclusion of the test



  • #33
    Micky Dolenz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,079 ✭✭✭✭Micky Dolenz


    I give blood when I can. I don't like the pin prick for the Iron test but the actual extraction of blood is grand.


  • #34
    Inspector Dhar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 143 ✭✭Inspector Dhar


    I went to donate blood - (my 48th pint...), and the 'nurse' asked me if I was 20 stone or more. I had just been to my Weight Watchers meeting the evening before, and my weight was 14stone 3lbs. It was June - I wasn't wearing either a snow suit or a Michelin Man suit. I was so upset, she very nearly put me off donating for life. Fortunately, I was anxious to make it to the 50th pint, so I kept going, but seriously, IBTS..... what a horrible person she was.


  • #35
    smallerthanyou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭smallerthanyou


    Micky Dolenz wrote: »
    I give blood when I can. I don't like the pin prick for the Iron test but the actual extraction of blood is grand.
    Used to hate that bit most too but they've changed it now and instead of the tip of your finger they take it from the side where its way less sensitive. Much easier.


  • #36
    mr bungle.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 325 ✭✭mr bungle.


    been giving blood for over twenty years until January gone.they informed me that ithere was a "false positive" result on the last pint of blood that i donated.i was told that they messed up the testing or something like that and now they won't take my blood for yonks now even though there is nothing wrong with my blood(i hope).


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  • #37
    wyrn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,980 ✭✭✭wyrn


    I popped in last week and would urge anyone eligible to donate too. Supplies for the last few weeks have been quite low. The bone marrow nurse was also in, so I've consented to being tested.

    This was posted on their page.
    Folks, we want to keep you informed on the the status of the national blood supply. Last week, we collected 2514 units and we issued 2583 to hospitals . This means that our base stock is not sufficient to maintain supplies over the Christmas/New Year period . We really need your help. This week is our last chance to get supplies up to the level we need to see us through to the New Year.
    Remember, 47% of us have have O+ which means that it's just as much in demand as the rare types. There's only THREE days supply! It's the best present you can give.


  • #38
    Jogathon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭Jogathon


    Donated last Thursday. Have rare blood, and got a phonecall to come in. I happily obliged!

    Dad donated all his life, he used to get phonecalls too because of being Rhesus negative. He gave a huge amount of blood over the years (40 years donating), and he got it back when he had to have surgery to remove a tumour. So give! You might need it sometime.


  • #39
    spank_inferno
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,884 ✭✭✭spank_inferno


    back when I was 18 I couldnt wait to start donating, as my parents were frequent donors.

    After about 6-8 donations and being man-handled by a succession of ham fisted "nurses" I eventually gave up.

    I know I sound like a wuss, but every trip was very painfull.
    I stopped about 10 years ago, its not worth the pain.


  • #40
    Pawwed Rig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,502 ✭✭✭✭Pawwed Rig


    spank_inferno wrote: »
    After about 6-8 donations and being man-handled by a succession of ham fisted "nurses" I eventually gave up.

    Honestly I understand what you are saying. The IBTS are not always the easiest people to deal with, they don't really have any value for your time and they have been guilty of some horrendous cock ups in the past. They also have questionable restrictions around who can and can't give blood (the UK restriction is bizarre as I assuming the UK has it's own blood donation procedure that would be presumably of an equal (or better) level as the Irish one). What I will say is that it is the only place we can donate blood in this country and the benefits of donation far outweigh the discomfort you may have felt in the past. If you think of the patient who you are donating too rather than the organisation. Please reconsider and try it again. As someone else here said it is the best gift you will give this Christmas.


  • #41
    saiint
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,010 ✭✭✭saiint


    im O- i think , can you ask them what type you are? i knew i forgot to ask something while i was getting an operation done ha ( will that affect me getting it? only had one about 2 months ago was a minor one)


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  • #42
    RoyalMarine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,824 ✭✭✭RoyalMarine


    Unfortunately, because of the risk of variant CJD you are unable to give blood.

    Lived in the UK....


  • #43
    ronkmonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,181 ✭✭✭ronkmonster


    mr bungle. wrote: »
    been giving blood for over twenty years until January gone.they informed me that ithere was a "false positive" result on the last pint of blood that i donated.i was told that they messed up the testing or something like that and now they won't take my blood for yonks now even though there is nothing wrong with my blood(i hope).
    I got the same in February. Did they give you a time to wait? My impression was that I can't go back ever.


  • #44
    Creature
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,005 ✭✭✭Creature


    How long do you need to sit down for afterwards? Or can you just leave the clinic and go about your business straight away?


  • #45
    Raytown Rocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 814 ✭✭✭Raytown Rocks


    Im B-
    Donated 90 times but mainly platlettes ( if you have time this is also very worthwhile). Takes about an hour, but they are used for various cancer vicims etc.

    Alas I now have my own underlying complaint ( nout too serious) so cannot donate for 5 years. :-(


  • #46
    NegativeCreep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,351 ✭✭✭NegativeCreep


    What weight do you have to be? I think I might be under the limit.


  • #47
    Knasher
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,370 ✭✭✭Knasher


    saiint wrote: »
    im O- i think , can you ask them what type you are? i knew i forgot to ask something while i was getting an operation done ha ( will that affect me getting it? only had one about 2 months ago was a minor one)

    For minor surgery you have to wait 2 months and have had your stitches removed and the wound completely closed up and you can't be waiting on any tests. For major surgery you have to wait 6 months. If you were given any blood transfusions during surgery then you are disqualified for life.

    And yes they will tell you your blood type. I'm o- too, which is the universal donor so it is the most useful group to donate.
    NegativeCreep wrote: »
    What weight do you have to be? I think I might be under the limit.
    Greater than 50kgs and less than 130kgs.


  • #48
    Shad0r
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭Shad0r


    Hmm I was going to give blood this Christmas. Glad I looked over the form of eligability questions they ask you before heading down there:
    http://giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/BT1_Sample_Copy_Ver_19_Mar_12.pdf

    Incredible how few things you are allowed have done in your life in order to be an eligible donor. No wonder they're so strapped for blood.


  • #49
    OldNotWIse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,468 ✭✭✭✭OldNotWIse


    saiint wrote: »
    dont you need to have a load of checkups first to give blood?
    like do they take smokers blood? ive heard weird things
    They just dont take it from us dirty gays :rolleyes:


  • #50
    ViveLaVie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 984 ✭✭✭ViveLaVie


    I received two blood transfusions before when I was very seriously ill. They make a huge difference. I am grateful to everyone who donates. To the poster who gave up, please reconsider. I understand it is uncomfortable, but you could save somebody's life.


  • #51
    OldNotWIse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,468 ✭✭✭✭OldNotWIse


    Shad0r wrote: »
    Hmm I was going to give blood this Christmas. Glad I looked over the form of eligability questions they ask you before heading down there:
    http://giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/BT1_Sample_Copy_Ver_19_Mar_12.pdf

    Incredible how few things you are allowed have done in your life in order to be an eligible donor. No wonder they're so strapped for blood.

    Yup agree. They lost me at monkey criteria ;)
    Beggars cant be choosers and all that :)


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  • #52
    Keith Poor Stud
    Posts: 81,308 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Keith Poor Stud


    Creature wrote: »
    How long do you need to sit down for afterwards? Or can you just leave the clinic and go about your business straight away?

    A lot of people do get up and go. I tried sitting for a couple min, thought "oh this is grand what am I sitting here for... oh" and came fairly close to fainting. I think they kept me a good while on the bed and bringing me drinks and chocolate since I didn't look well :o
    I still don't know why since I'd had a load of beef and choc and water all day :D
    Keep meaning to go back, but have been having colds a lot :rolleyes:


  • #53
    NegativeCreep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,351 ✭✭✭NegativeCreep


    OldNotWIse wrote: »
    They just dont take it from us dirty gays :rolleyes:

    Can you nit just lie on the form?


  • #54
    Sar_Bear
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,555 ✭✭✭Sar_Bear


    Looks like I just missed the clinic in Limerick and will be away for the next ones. Hopefully get it done in January :)


  • #55
    Tommy_Vercetti
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 49 ✭Tommy_Vercetti


    Ive gone about 20 times, the father is up to 70, he's mad to make it to 100!

    They keep messing up with me in that they go for the left arm, make a mess, have to turn me around and take it from the right.

    I always bring my son along, he gets a massive kick out of the stuff they give out for free, like water bottles, pens, pencils, even car window screens one time! In school we always had the red "Owner is a Doner" pencils!

    I remember my Nan getting a couple of transfusions before she passed away 7 years ago and it really makes a difference to people. They are in Killarney up until Thursday this week, in the Malton, old Great Southern, so anyone from Kerry it would be worth the trip to help someone this Christmas!


  • #56
    Teyla Emmagan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,638 ✭✭✭Teyla Emmagan


    I'm not allowed anymore, got a couple of transfusions during the bad old days (i.e. the 1980s).

    Bad day when the IBTS send you a letter telling you then don't want to see your face round these parts no more..


  • #57
    WoollyRedHat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,462 ✭✭✭✭WoollyRedHat


    Wheres the best place to give Blood in the Dublin Area? Also what the procedure, do you walk in on the day or do you have to call in advance/
    In terms of the best place to give blood in Dublin area, as in I don't want to be going to some stabby stabby happy Nurse as I yelp in pain.


  • #58
    wyrn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,980 ✭✭✭wyrn


    WoollyRedHat wrote: »
    Wheres the best place to give Blood in the Dublin Area? Also what the procedure, do you walk in on the day or do you have to call in advance/
    In terms of the best place to give blood in Dublin area, as in I don't want to be going to some stabby stabby happy Nurse as I yelp in pain.

    I usually go to D'Olier St, very handy and fairly quick. I've started calling in at 1850 731 137 to book an appointment, it means you skip the queue!

    I have to say, I've never had a "stabby stabby" or rude nurse since I started donating. They've all been incredibly nice and friendly.


  • #59
    January
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,862 ✭✭✭✭January


    Straight into the clinic on D'olier St if you wish, or they have clinics in Swords and Stillorgan this week too in the evenings.


  • #60
    davetherave
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 3,680 ✭✭✭davetherave


    Went in to D'Olier street last tuesday with full intentions of only changing the address that they have on record for me, got guilted into donating by a cute nurse. :o
    The place was deserted though. :eek:
    Only 3% of those who are eligible to donate, do so. You 97% need to get off your bums and give blood or I'm not sharing anymore :p


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  • #61
    Rasheed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,117 ✭✭✭Rasheed


    javagal wrote: »
    Would love to do this but had a baby 4 months ago.
    But when I had her, I was very sick and needed 4 litres of blood and I have rare blood,so if anyone knows the importance of this,its me!
    Ya, I used to give all the time but had to have 3 transfusions last year.

    As far as I know, I you've ever had a blood transfusion that wasn't your own, you can't ever donate.

    As for the person that said to lie on the form, I couldn't. They have those rules for a reason. Who am I to know that my transfusion wasn't tainted.

    The rules aren't to alienate people.


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