No more blood donating...

[Dimplenose]

I've been a blood donor for years and am very sad that it is no longer wanted as I had a transfusion myself in 1991. I understand that even small risks should be eliminated but what makes me cross is that I don't eat beef and haven't since the beef crisis came to a head a few years ago.

Some people on the other hand never stopped eating beef even at the height of the crisis. So am I more of a risk than them?

What's more it's up to individuals to tell the donor clinics if they have had a transfusion (some might not even know if they were under anaesthetic at the time).

Thanks for hearing me rant I'm just feeling so rejected and a bit vulnerable right now.

Libby

 

[KayleeUK]

I saw this on the news last night Libby. They are getting very strict now.

for you

 

[Olaf]

Libby, neither my husband or I are allowed to donate over here as I lived in Europe during the 80s.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

My partner's mother always donated blood, and when she went to donate some they refused her due to her having a brain operation!, she was the same she felt abit sad, as she had always donated.

Sorry Libby

 

[edie w]

I can't donate either. Too small.

The issue isn't what you've eaten, Libby, it's the risk from the transfusion you had.

While the risk is very, very low that you have been affected, people who have had transfusions or certain types of operations are at greater risk of carrying vCJD than those who haven't.

Don't be sad - think of all the units you have already given to people who needed them.

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for all your comments. I guess I was just a bit stunned that I personally may be more at risk from developing vCJD than I had thought. I know the risk is very small so I've put it into perspective now.

A real problem is that only 6% of the population actually donate. So if anyone reading this has never donated but think they could please, please find a donor session and give an "armful". It's not painful just a bit uncomfortable and the sense of achievement in helping someone else is immense.

You'll find more info here

www.blood.co.uk


Thanks

Libby

 

[elisebutt]

Oooh - thanks for reminding me - have'nt donated for 4 months now so I can't put it off any longer.

Also helps as next day I have miraculously lost a couple of pounds - lol.

I started giving blood to try and cure my phobia of needles - doesn't work but I have learned not to look as they do it now!!! I never realised until the last time that they give you a small local before sticking in the big one or catching you as you faint in horror at the size of the needle -

 

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Am I right in thinking that in certain circumstances, if you are not allowed to donate "whole blood" you still might be able to donate part of it - like plasma? Obviously, it depends on your circumstances.

Feel free to shout me down if I am talking a load of rubbish!

2BoysMum&Dad