slo’s FRIDAY 7/26 poll - Donating Blood 🩸

[CGB]

I donated years ago during military training because there was a local baby (O-type) that needed it. I have small veins that roll/jump, so needles have always been an issue. I was heavily bruised from earlier blood tests and the techs went through those bruises for me to donate. It also took me like 40-50 minutes to drain a pint. I've repeatedly had issues with IVs or simple blood tests in my lifetime, so I've shied away from donations.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I've given blood maybe 10-15 times in the past. I did apheresis once, maybe 30 years ago, for a very good fiend of ours who was going through cancer treatment. Some years after that I was precluded from giving in the future based on something showing up in the pretest. I think it showed I was exposed to TB in some prior year. I did not have, not ever have TB, but apparently was near somebody with it or similar. So that was the end of my giving.

 

[Ellie008]

My iron levels hang around the bottom of the acceptable range, which often is too low to be acceptable for donation. I was denied about half the times I tried to donate. After going through the wait and screening hassle only to be denied it gets old, and eventually I stopped trying.

 

[mamamary]

I used to donate a lot when I was younger. As I got older my veins would constantly give them trouble. They eventually told me I’m not a good candidate anymore so I stopped. My veins are even horrible when I go 2x a year for blood work. I dread it.

 

[TCRAIG]

I started donating blood as soon as I turned 18 and donated regularly until about 40 years ago…I had an uncle that died from Creutzfeldt Jakob disease and am no longer eligible.

 

[Mommb]

I used to donate blood several times a year (except while pregnant) for over 20 years until I was diagnosed with a condition that prevents me from donating. I was actually depressed for a while when I realized I could never donate again.

Donating blood always made me feel good, knowing that it was absolutely the right thing to do. My grandfather was kept alive for over 2 years due to blood transfusions, allowing him to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversay with my grandmother and extended family.

 

[prairie_girl]

Due to my MS, I am not allowed to donate. Otherwise I would.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

I do the double red blood cell donation (procedure that allows donors to donate two units of red blood cells in a single appointment) and I have just past the 5 gallon mark

 

[tvguy]

I donated regularly for a number of years as the blood bank would bring their blood mobile to my work place every 3 months. They stopped doing that, and while I have got to one of their locations a couple of times, none are really close to where I live.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I haven't donated. In high school, we would have a blood drive but I was too underweight and they wouldn't let me. Once I was an adult, I just never got around to doing it. Now I have an autoimmune disease and take several medications. I think I could still donate but the Google results I got are mixed. Might have to try someday though!

 

[georgina]

When I was young I used to donate 6 times a year. I had given 3 gallons by the time I graduated from college. I really only have one good vein in my arms, and it accumulated a lot of scar tissue. Some of the red cross people weren't good at hitting my veins, once they tried 4 different veins. I was getting massive bruising afterwards. I continued to give until I was about 40. I was in the hospital on a very strong IV drug that caused burning feelings in my veins and they had to keep moving the IV. At that point the nurse suggested I stop giving blood. The size of the needles and the size of my veins just doesn't work any more.

 

[Rogue1677x]

I tried in high school (admittedly it was to get out of class), but they looked at my veins and turned me away. My veins were pathetic then and even worse now because when I need IVs or blood work, they really have to work around some scar tissue on my arms.

 

[GM24]

I’ve been donating since the mid 1970’s. Before I retired I donated at blood drives held at work. Since my retirement I donate at local blood drives or our local blood donation center.

 

[nene0182]

For quite some time I was not allowed to donate blood because I was working in Europe during the Mad Cow outbreak. I have not checked lately to see if that ban has been lifted.

This is why I’ve never donated but I believe I heard that the ban has been lifted. I havent looked into it much since I was diagnosed with cancer in January so I cannot donate anyways

Thank you to all that donate! I received 6 blood transfusions while going through chemo.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

I have to give 500 ML every two weeks but unfortunately due to American laws, it is not useable blood.

Crazy thing is, before my diagnosis I would donate every 8 weeks on schedule and they had no problem using my blood.

I have a genetic disorder called hemochromatosis, the only way I can spread it someone is by helping create them

As of 2023 America has changed those laws and people with hemochromatosis can now donate blood but only when certain conditions are met (iron and hemoglobin at a certain level).

It really sucks because I'm O+ and I could be saving a lot of lives.

 

[tinkerbellandpeterpan]

I received a lot of blood when I was on chemo in the 80s as a child. Thank you to all who donate. On and off I have not been permitted to donate. When I was allowed, both times I passed out (which is weird because I have no issues with blood draws), but they attribute to me being petite. For a variety of reasons I am no longer allowed to donate anymore, but I so appreciate those who make the time to do so. You really are saving lives.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Gave blood once, it was a bad experience and haven’t given since. I have baseline low BP and it got really low snd I passed out and they had to put me on a gurney upside down lol and it wasn’t pleasant. I have a semi rare blood type and the Red Cross hounded me for the longest time after that donation.

 

[newski_mom]

I'm one that also loves donating blood. i donated in high school / college and up through when I had kids. After that, I was always low on iron and never qualified to donate. When DD1 became old enough to donate I told her I'd go with her and about 1/2 the time I was eligible. Now, I don't have that issue any longer, so am always able to donate. I go every time I'm eligible and our community hosts a drive. They seem to be timed so that you can donate every time one comes around.

Thanks for this pole! Great question!

 

[G719]

I'm so thankful for those who donate. My daughter received many units of blood and platelets during cancer treatment.

 

[mort1331]

Every 2 months I donate. It helps me as much as it helps others. I have extremely high iron counts,,no not too much red meat or other things,,,just some males do have it. So instead of having phlebotomies and not being able to use the blood. I donate every 2 months ( max they allow) and it keeps my count in check and helps others at the same time. win win