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Post by Patter on Jan 23, 2017 12:04:03 GMT
I ask because I saw the news this morning that there is a great shortage. One of my daughter's give blood every single time she can. She just gave last week, and got a $50 GC to use at Kohl's, amazon, or another store. She has never gotten a GC like that, and that's not why she gives. She gives for people like her sister that needed many units of blood during and after her heart surgeries. She also wants to be a doctor and currently works in an ER, and loves to help. My other daughters can't give. I can't give either because of living in England for 3+ years and then Europe after that for 5+ years.
I truly appreciate any of you that give because you have helped save my daughter's life. Two of them needed transfusions at birth too so donors have truly helped us over the years. Thank you!
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Post by peasapie on Jan 23, 2017 12:15:35 GMT
I needed blood after hemmoraging with fibroids. I passed out and was rushed to the hospital. I was so weak that I was sure I was going to die, and when the blood started entering my body I felt like a plant that had been watered - I literally felt myself coming back to life. I will always be grateful to whoever donated the blood I received.
Since then, I donate regularly.
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Post by piebaker on Jan 23, 2017 12:31:09 GMT
I donate because my premature daughter needed three blood transfusions. One was from my brother and two were strangers. I was very grateful.Ever since, I donate two or three times a year.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jan 23, 2017 12:37:54 GMT
I used to donate fairly frequently because I worked at places that had regular blood drives.
Now, I think about it when I get a reminder like this!
Thanks. I'll go by this week and do my part.
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Post by Linda on Jan 23, 2017 12:40:53 GMT
i donate when i can
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Post by Tamhugh on Jan 23, 2017 12:41:24 GMT
I used to donate regularly, but I haven't been able to for several years. My blood pressure is low and my iron tends to be low. The last 4 or 5 times I tried to donate, I was unable to. About two years ago, it was all good to go, they got a stick on the first try (which is unusual) and about halfway through, the vein blew and they had to give up. They told me that I should probably stop trying at this point, but I still occasionally get an email from the blood bank telling me that they are low on my blood type. Maybe I need to try again.
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Post by AN on Jan 23, 2017 12:44:12 GMT
I give every 8 weeks. The first time I donated was September 1, 2001 at the age of 16. After 9/11, I received a wonderful letter from the blood bank stating since I donated ahead of the attacks, my blood was tested and ready to be sent when the request from NY/DC came. As you probably remember, people rushed to donate blood after 9/11 (which is great, hopefully some stuck with it), but the processing time and shelf life really means you need to give before there is a crisis. I don't keep many keepsakes, but that is one of the few items that I have kept and is very important to me. I'm far more proud of that than any of the numerous academic awards I got in high school. It really impacted me, and I've been a regular donor for the last 15 (!!) years. I'm also O-, CMV-, so the universal donor and my blood can go to babies and individuals with compromised immune systems. Although it is probably just my personality, I think the letter also made me become a very preparation-focused person in other areas. It really drove home how much you'll wish you had done something before a crisis.  |
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Post by miominmio on Jan 23, 2017 12:46:20 GMT
Unfortunately I can't, but if I could, I would tried to overcome my fear of all pointy things and donate.
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Post by melanell on Jan 23, 2017 12:54:55 GMT
I haven't attempted to donate in some time. Previously I have never been able to. But I should try again.  |
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Post by kkooch on Jan 23, 2017 13:01:56 GMT
I use to give every 8 weeks religiously but unfortunately haven't been able to as much as I like. I am lucky enough that where I work they have drives throughout the year (work at a college) and it's actually held in the auditorium above my office which is great. This past year I hit 6 gallons. I am trying to get my kids to start donating regularly. I learned the joy of giving from my mother who use to give when she was younger and healthy.
I still remember the very first time I donated. The woman was not very good with a needle when you have a vein that likes to roll. She knew it was bad when she stopped the donation and got me an ice pack to help reduce bruising. What kept me going was when she told me not to let it discourage me and to keep trying, that it really makes a difference.
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Post by bianca42 on Jan 23, 2017 13:17:23 GMT
I try to donate every 8 weeks. In the last year, I really have to pay attention to what I eat the few days before to make sure my iron is high enough to donate. (I've been turned away a couple times.) The company across the street from my work has blood drives, so I just walk over there.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,509 
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Post by ellen on Jan 23, 2017 13:23:09 GMT
I donated last week. I can only do it every four months. When I've tried to do it every three months my hemoglobin has been too low. I try to encourage others to do it too.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 0:02:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2017 13:40:31 GMT
I've not been an eligible donor since the late 1980s.
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Post by jenjie on Jan 23, 2017 13:46:58 GMT
AN that is beautiful. I got choked up reading your post and the letter. I used to donate blood. I wish I still could but a case of mono 2 decades ago has disqualified me. I check every once in awhile to see if that's accurate information.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 23, 2017 14:40:46 GMT
I have a story that was covered up in Canada about blood donation and why I will never ever donate here.
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Post by Patter on Jan 23, 2017 14:45:32 GMT
Thank you all again (even those that can't donate like me). I love reading your stories. And AN, what a treasured letter! |
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Post by gar on Jan 23, 2017 14:45:57 GMT
Yes, I do at every opportunity. I have a 'gold' card now...can't remember how many donations that means I've done though  In the UK we can sign up to get texts with a little info about where our blood goes. I also follow the blood service on Facebook and I love seeing posts from people about blood they or their relatives received and how it helps. Apparently my blood is often given to babies because of some criteria, I love that  |
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Post by annabella on Jan 23, 2017 14:53:55 GMT
I never do because I hate needles. But with all this talk about blood type diets, etc I was thinking about finding out my type. At my last check up my doctor said my insurance doesn't pay for that so I should donate blood to find out. My company does a drive every year and very few people show up for it, since it's so convenient I will do it.
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joelise
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,649
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Post by joelise on Jan 23, 2017 14:55:32 GMT
Thank you to everyone who donates blood. I had complications during my hysterectomy, I had to be rushed straight back into theatre and lost a serious amount of blood. I would have died if it wasn't for blood doners.
Unfortunately in the U.K. if you have had a blood transfusion you are unable to donate blood so I'm not able to help others.
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Post by jenis40 on Jan 23, 2017 14:56:11 GMT
Ladies thank you from the bottom of my heart. As a Leukemia survivor I have had hundreds of blood and platelet transfusions. I am alive today because of your generosity. THANK YOU!
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milocat
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,437
Location: 55 degrees north in Alberta, Canada
Member is Online
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Post by milocat on Jan 23, 2017 14:59:44 GMT
I have a story that was covered up in Canada about blood donation and why I will never ever donate here. What? Why? When my grandma was really sick at the end of her life she was getting transfusions quite often. My sister, mom and I all thought donating blood would be a good thing, way to donate back. Nearest donation center is 5 hours away. I guess they've asked for one to be in the city near me, even bring in a mobile unit and they refuse. Yet they are always crying they are short of blood. |
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smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,320
Location: MN
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Post by smcast on Jan 23, 2017 15:00:14 GMT
I would every chance I could but pass out. Tried three times and called it quits.
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Post by fredfreddy on Jan 23, 2017 15:03:11 GMT
I did before I started getting rejected for low iron. Our bank is a 45 minute drive away so I am not going to waste my time when I have a high chance of being rejected.
I have probably donated 30 times in my life. |
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,646
Location: Kansas City -ish
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Post by Anita on Jan 23, 2017 15:06:14 GMT
I have in the past, but the last few times I was rejected for low iron, and no amount of supplements seems to help. :/
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Post by Tammiem2pnc1 on Jan 23, 2017 15:25:07 GMT
I cannot because of the medications I am on. I tried last summer but was denied.
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,003
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Jan 23, 2017 15:28:04 GMT
I have given fairly regularly since I was 18..and I have the little pin prick scars in the crooks of my arms to prove it. Loved your story, AN. Drink lots of water the day of/before so you are well hydrated and your veins are nice and plump, and it flows much easier too. That's my tip that I was told and it seems to hold true for me. |
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Post by scrapsuzy on Jan 23, 2017 15:33:13 GMT
It's not about liking it, but about wanting to help. The first two times I tried, my hemoglobin was too low (first) and my veins kept blowing (they quit trying after 4 attempts.)
I tried to donate plasma, but my clotting factor was too high and it wouldn't work (they told me after sticking me in both arms, which is how they do it.)
The last time I tried, about 10 years ago, they successfully got the blood. Then they tried to stand me up and move me to the cookies & juice station. I almost passed out. They got my down, and had me stay down for an extra 30 minutes, with extra cookies & juice. It took a full 2 hours before I could get up without passing out (and that's even having done everything right for prepping to give.) I was at a conference for work, and missed a day of classes. Oh, and they told me to never try to give blood again!
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Post by peajays on Jan 23, 2017 15:34:00 GMT
I actually have an appointment this afternoon at 3 to donate!
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Post by compwalla on Jan 23, 2017 15:34:39 GMT
I have needed two transfusions since I began cancer treatment and I'm so grateful to the blood and platelet donors who enabled me to get the blood I needed. I used to be a regular donor (started in high school) but was banned from giving years ago because I've spent too much time living in Europe. They banned my whole family because of concerns about BSE. (mad cow) My mom was a multi-gallon donor before the ban and she was really upset about not being able to continue giving. Anyway. Thank you again to all those who take the time to donate. |
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Post by Really Red on Jan 23, 2017 15:40:54 GMT
I would LOVE to donate blood, but I lived in Europe and they will not allow it. It's so ridiculous. In my family we have 3 O negative people who used to always donate. Now we can't because they are afraid of mad cow. It's frustrating.
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