I apologize for the PSA, but I'd like to pass along a little reminder.
There's a blood and platelet shortage in my area, and I just got recruited for a blood drive on Sunday.
There's a good chance that blood supplies are low in your neck of the woods as well, as this happens most years right after the holidays.
If you are eligible to give blood, and can possibly find the time to do so, sign up NOW! It's one of the easiest ways you will ever save a life. Your local hospital or blood bank, the Red Cross, some other certified vampire -- wherever, just give 'em a pint!
And the juice and cookies are often pretty good. Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
And if you have a history of turning green 5-10 minutes after you're done they give you soda while you're donating!
(Thanks rivka, the local Kiwanis blood drive is next week and I keep forgetting to call and make my appointment.)
Posted by WheatPuppet (Member # 5142) on :
You know what's wierd? You can't donate blood in the U.S. if you spend more than 6 months (or something like that) in Europe. Very wierd.
That's bad because I'm thinking about going to Africa sometime in the next few years. I should sign up to become vampirized (not to be confused with vaporized) soon.
[ January 06, 2004, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: WheatPuppet ]
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Okay -- just a question
(before you flame me -- realize that I DO donate blood regularly -- when my iron count is high enough)
I've always wondered about this -- we "donate" our blood to the Red Cross. However, then the Red Cross sells the blood to the hospitals, who in turn charge patients for transfusions....
So how come everyone profits except the donor?
Why can't we receive blood for free if we are a regular donor? (I know you can donate in someone's name, but that doesn't necessarily make it free for them)....
Farmgirl
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
There are states in which you get blood free if you are a regular donor. Otherwise, the fee covers the costs of collecting, storing, and distributing the blood.
Also the juice and cookies.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
And I believe there are (maybe only in some states?) places that will pay you to give blood, neh?
But hey, I'm in it for the cookies and juice. And I think my local hospital still gives donors a free movie pass. Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Rivka-thank you so much for starting a thread like this one. I used to work for the Red Cross (I got to take the blood, very cool job, btw) and they are ALWAYS in need of blood. Each of the three components that make up your blood (whole blood, plasma, and platlets) has a specfic shelf life, which isn't very long. The Red Cross is a non-profit organization that does require payment to cover to costs of paying people like me to draw, the COUNTLESS tests that have to be performed and to pay the rest of all the people who play a part in getting that pint of blood to a patient.
One thing that everyone needs to know, is that the places that give you money in return for your blood, they are NOT going to give that blood to a patient in need, at least not directly. That blood is used in medical research and is given to companies to use to test drugs and what not.
And I know I speak for all the Red Cross techs out there when I say, please do us all a favor and be sure to eat before you donate. Doing so will save you a headache, literally. Also, please answer the questions they ask you as honestly as possible. If you forget to tell them you live a high risk life (drug user etc.) then you are endangering the lives of the people who may get your blood.
If you can spare about 1 1/2 hours out your day to give blood then you are truely an angel! Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
I think more places pay you to donate plasma than blood.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
WheatPuppet: lingering concern about mad cow disease (something like 150 deaths worldwide, and ~120 of those from western europe)
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Oh, upsetting. My cough won't go away, and I've been wanting to give blood for a while. They called my house a few months ago and asked me to, but I was waiting to see if I had mono.
I could use some free cookies.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Last time I donated blood for Red Cross -- I sat there and squeezed that ball and pumped blood into that plastic bag for what seemed like FOREVER -- and then the nurse came over and said, "well, you didn't fill the bag within the allotted time needed," and promptly threw my bag of blood in the trash! I was mortified. I mean, I realize they have protocols and rules, etc., and since I have very low blood pressure, etc., my blood pumps out very slowly, but she threw away perfectly good blood! I worked hard to make that blood!
They, of course, told me to DRINK lots more before giving again. I have always tried to do that -- increase fluids to increase blood volume, but that just makes me need to go pee in the middle of it all.... And oftentimes still isn't enough to make me pass muster.
So those of you who are heading out to donate -- DRINK WATER! Lots of it!
Farmgirl
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
They very nearly did that to me, as well...and then the nurse had to keep coming over and moving the needle around in my vein. Oh, the pain.
Don't they only give you like thirty minutes to fill up the bag?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Yes, Farmgirl, I'm sorry to say that at times it is necessary to toss the blood when it doesn't fill the bag fast enough. There are many reasons why your bag didnt't fill. You not drinking enough fluids or having a low blood pressure, but more often than not, it is the techs who may have done a bad stick or your vein may have rolled or collapsed...a million different possible reasons...that nurse gave you good advice but even she didn't know for sure what caused the problem. Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
During Highschool, my friend and I were able to donate twice, so we decided to race to see who could fill the bag up first. I am proud to say that I won both times.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Well, they tend to have trouble popping a vein on me, so I often end up with a colorful arm the next day. But once they jab me successfully, I usually have that sucker full pretty quickly.
Then again, the only time I ever tried to donate to the Red Cross I had an awful experience. (I'm sure this is the exception, but it almost kept me from ever donating again.) But Cedars (a local hospital) had WONDERFUL people working the blood donor facility, and I've never had a bad experience there. Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Thirty minutes! I think it takes me about five.
Last time I donated there were these two really big guys right in front of me who were going to race. They insisted that they be hooked up at exactly the same time and they squeezed the rubber balls like mad. I started the paperwork after they were both hooked up, didn’t squeeze the thing at all, and my bag was full before either of them were even half-way. The looks on their faces were somewhat amusing.
That’s probably why I turn green 5-10 minutes later, though.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Pfft. I _barely_ finished in thirty minutes. Actually, I went to the doctor once and couldn't even fill up two vials for blood testing. I just...stopped bleeding altogether.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
pH, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but your blood was thrown out too. We also sometimes let people finish but end up tossing it if it's over 10-13 minutes.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Well, crap. I guess I just hafta keep my blood in my veins, then.
I wonder if exercising beforehand or something would help.
[ January 06, 2004, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: pH ]
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
But, hey! Think of it this way: if you are ever seriously injured, like in a car accident or something, you won't lose that much blood!
Posted by scottneb (Member # 676) on :
Knock on wood.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Whereas when I get dry skin my hands bleed.
I hate to think what would happen if I were in a major accident.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Exercise? Regular exercise always helps, but right before you donate? Probably won't make much of a difference. It's not a big deal, not everyone was meant to donate. Take me for example. I'm a fainter. Yep. My body doesn't handle the fluid imbalance of it.
But you can still help! Go be a cookie girl! Organize a blood draw at your work, it's easier than you think!
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
*seconds rivka's PSA*
If you have a rare blood type, all the more reason to donate. My husband donated on a lark, and discovered that he has a rare blood type. Now he donates every other month, or however long it is before you can donate again.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
D-hope you don't have a rare blood type. Yikes!
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I didn't get sick or anything from donating, so I wish I could. Stupid low blood pressure...
What are the restrictions they put on medications you can be taking and things?
[ January 06, 2004, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: pH ]
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
It really depends on the medication. Each one is evaluated during your screening questions.
Posted by Vána (Member # 3262) on :
I'm in charge of setting up the blood drives at my work. It really is pretty easy. And the blood bus comes - those things are so cool. I know not everywhere has them, but I love it.
I should probably call the blood bank and see if they need me. It's been a couple of months, and I'm supposed to be on the "Four Seasons" plan. Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Actually I'm fairly certain that it's much less than 30 minutes, more like 15, and there's a lower end time limit too, something like 3 or 4 minutes. And I frequently approach that one. Generally the bag will fill up incredibly fast if the nurse does something bad like put the needle in an artery, in which case the blood will be bright red. It doesn't happen often, but I have heard some strange stories. They probably figure if it takes too long or short then there's more likely to be other things wrong with you and your blood than if you give within the target timeframe.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
I've donated twice, and I always feel tired afterwards. I drink plenty of water and eat well beforehand. Has anyone else had this problem? It's not dizziness, just drowsiness. And is there anything I can do about it?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Shi, the experience of donating blood is different for everyone and for you, fatigue is just going to be part of it. And, to answer your question, many people feel like that after donating, myself included.
[ January 06, 2004, 02:51 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
I'm on the very tail end of the weight limit for blood donation (110 lbs), and I have hypoglycemia. I haven't ever tried donating blood for those reasons. Would it be wise for me to do so or not? I don't want to go into the "evil fit" I have when my blood sugar is too low, but it makes me feel guilty when everybody else is doing it. Do I have a legitimate reason to skip out? Would it be better for me to be a cookie girl or a blood pumper?
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Oh, go be a cookie girl. They certianly need some younger faces in there. I think around here every volunteer is about a hundred and six years old. Or older. Don't get me wrong, it's great that these retired folks are doing something good, but there's a serious lack of a younger generation amongst the volunteers.
Posted by butterfly (Member # 5898) on :
For community service credit on college applications, I volunteered at our local blood bank as one of the cookie girls during high school Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Shig, after my hubby donates, he's pretty wiped out for a day or so, energy-wise. The day of isn't too bad, but the day after is a good day to just couch-potato for a while.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
My doctor tells me that I have very large veins due to my choice of athletic activity. He recommended that I give blood. Do they just put it in those vacuum tubes? Or do they use and IV? I've never given blood before. Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Do they test the blood they throw out, anyways? 'cause I know they still tested mine for HIV and whatnot...that's also how I found out my blood type.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
If you're a thrifty person, post-blood donation is a good time to go to happy hour.
BTW, I've been that I have excellent veins.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I hover on the edge of 110, sometimes below and sometimes at it. I do bleed fairly well though, judging from the times I've cut myself. I've never tried to donate because of the weight limit, should I?
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
I have only just become heavy enough recently. I think that would waste me, perhaps if I had time to recover....
A great thing to do however. Although I am physically challenged in the blood giving area!
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Nick, they use an IV needle that's connected to a bag which collects the blood. A pint won't fit very well in a vacuum tube.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
It seems like they could put your collection bag in a cooler or on a cool pak if you are a slow filler. Doesn't the though of donating again raise your blood pressure?
I frequently get turned away for low iron. Or at least I used to. Then I married someone who had had hepatitis, and then we went to Europe.
Say, anyone read those "4 your type" diet books? Their theory is that certain foods cause your blood cells to clump. Could be another explanation for the slow fillers.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I have horrible veins. I'm extremely pale and the veins all look blue wonderfully tempting and juicy to all of the techs becuase the skin is so translucent. When I tell them they are going to have a hard time finding the vein they never believe me until three or four stabs and much fishing around later.
Every time, but once I've tried to donate blood I've gotten sick with something awful within 24 hours. I guess I really need my blood to keep my resistance up. Also after all of the IV's I've had this year in my hand, I have an interesting little lump of scar tissue. I was getting huge bruises there every time they put an IV in and getting less and less tolerant of the IV. Moving my hand on that arm would cause a burning sensation that wasn't any fun.
When they hooked an IV up to me a couple weeks ago for my minor foot surgery (wart removal) the tech saw the scar tissue on the back of my hand and went for a vein off to the side on my wrist. He was really good, only one stab though he still had to fish for a while, and for the first time ever I didn't bruise! I also bruise badly if I'm just getting a shot, even with a small gauge needle.
I doubt I qualify on the blood donor thing, but after whining so much I feel guilty. I guess I should go take the test again to see whether I would qualify.
I recently had my first IV and to my dismay had a "Vegal Response" which I think is slang for passing out. How many people do the vegal-jig when you stick them
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
*laugh* I winced at the three vacuum tubes they had to take for pregnancy bloodwork! (And so did the nurse, I have the same problem as Banna although I also have very small veins)
I can't even look at the needle, although I was proud of myself for not fainting or feeling queasy. I'm also too light to give blood, but sadly, I think the squeamishness would prevent me.
I'm very glad there are good people like you out there donating blood, though! Hugs for all you brave ones!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Hmmm was perusing the Red Cross site. I can donate blood since all my surgeries last year, were straight forward and not caused horrible underlying causes. I can watch them stick me with the needle and not flinch. I think it is because of all the times I've stabbed myself while quilting and needlepointing.
It talks about how all the major religions are ok with organ transplants, including JWs as long as the organ has been drained of the previous owner's blood. The only ones that are anti- are gypsies due to afterlife beliefs.
What also amused me was how the different churches worded their "offical" statements and the contrasts between them.
AJ
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
quote: Nick, they use an IV needle that's connected to a bag which collects the blood. A pint won't fit very well in a vacuum tube.
I meant multiple tubes.
Tell me if I should donate on this information alone: 180 pounds 15% fat Large veins in at elbows, on forearms, and on hands. No STD's and I don't do drugs. Receding hairline... Wait, that's not pertinent... Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
I can't give blood.
I'm tainted with European cooties. Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Ooooh, European cooties. Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Banna, I'm highly suspicious of those "official statements," since the UMC one is nowhere near correct.
The actual UMC statement on organ donation is here.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote: Ooooh, European cooties.
How exotic. And you may want to check with your local blood bank. It's been over a year since I donated , but they used to just ask about the UK -- not all of Europe -- at the hospital where I donate.
Individual blood banks will have guidelines similar to the Red Cross', but they may not be the same.
And I agree with dkw -- the Jewish one is one of a number of viewpoints. Although admittedly fairly middle-of-the road.
[ January 06, 2004, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: rivka ]
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Nick, sounds like you'd do well donating, but then everyone reacts a bit differently. I've known folks who were just over the 110 threshold and been just fine, and folks who were quite a bit larger who just passed out almost immediately.
Obviously there are other reasons you might not be able to donate, if you get plenty of iron then you're probably okay in that regard. There are also a lot of sex questions, and disease questions, in addition to travel related questions. I went to China a few years back and they had to spend half an hour all 6 times (a year afterward) looking up all the places I'd been in China as I guess there's malaria risk in certain regions.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
quote: just ask about the UK
Unfortunately, these are (mostly) the kind of European Cooties that I have.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
How long were you there? I think there's a minimum time -- I know that my 7-week stay gets ok'd.
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
Someone asked about medication restrictions on the first page. I know for a fact you cannot donate while you are taking Accutane, or one month afterward.
Europeans cannot donate because we all know that they are Communist, and we do not want Communists to sap our precious bodily fluids!
[ January 06, 2004, 06:46 PM: Message edited by: Danzig ]
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
quote: How long were you there?
Um... ten years.
I know I can't give blood.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Yup, ten years is surely over any limit. Oh, well. You'll just have to get your cookie fix somewhere else! Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
I've not had the chance to give blood yet... I was sick the last few times it came through my school..
I wonder about their testing of the criteria, though. I knew someone at my High School who quite obviously did not fit the criteria for weight... And she got into the blood drive, gave blood, and passed out later that day. (she hadn't had breakfast... )
I recently found out that she did it AGAIN at the local community college... Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Skipping breakfast -- not so bright, but it happens sometimes.
Giving blood after skipping breakfast -- very unbright. *sigh*
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
The UMC one doesn't even quite sound like it is addressing the question. Maybe someone should e-mail them and tell them they have it messed up? I would think someplace like the Red Cross would be highly sensitive to issues like that.
I really should give blood, I have B+ which while not the most rare is more rare. I guess I'll do it next time our company has a blood drive. Unlike Happy Camper though I don't get a half day off work for it!
Random comment: Bizzarely enough Behr paints makes a foresty shade of green called Happy Camper. I ran across it on www.behr.com the other day when I was playing with their online tool for lightening and darkening paint shades. Made me wonder what would happen if I searched for a shade called Hobbes or Mackillian!
AJ
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Well, they don't actually weigh you, so they basically have to take your word for it, and I'm sure some people lie through their teeth, though those are more likely the higher weight people than the lower ones.
And AJ That's just a bonus these days. Not an unwelcome one, I'll admit.
[ January 07, 2004, 06:51 AM: Message edited by: Happy Camper ]
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
Apparently I have very good veins and, despite moderately low blood pressure, I fill up the baggie very fast. I also seem to recover very very quickly.
Some years ago I had major surgery on my back (spinal fusion for scoliosis) and was asked to try and donate five pints of blood--one per week! So I dutifully took my iron pills and ate my chicken livers and at the end of the five weeks my iron level was higher than at the beginning. The only problem I had was that the fourth week I suddenly had to go to the restroom immediately afterward, which involved a lot of staggering. No passing out, though. The doctor was startled--he had only really hoped for three.
After that I began giving blood fairly regularly, but in the last few years since I came to Murray State it always seems that I am stuck in class/at work/sick/etc. when the blood drives come through.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Hey all, I was just wondering how many of you have made appointments since this thread first popped up? Just curious... Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I had given blood 2 days BEFORE I read this thread, so I was already ridiculously on the ball. Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Narnia
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
On the Red Cross page about organ and tissue donation at the very bottom where it gives the reference to the source it says 1979. Perhaps their information is just a tad outdated! It is interesting to read viewpoints though. My very misguided younger brother is not an organ donor because he thinks that if he is a doctor won't work so hard to save him Unless I'm mistaken the doctors working to save a life have no knowledge of organ donation wishes....
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
I, too, have European cooties and (according to the donor requirements Banna linked) I am ineligible to donate blood. Bummer.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Man, I haven't donated in a long time. I used to fairly regularly, because I worked near a hospital and would go there for blood drives.
It's just been impossible lately, because I've always got kids with me.
My husband has O neg and used to be a regular donor, but since he goes to Central America every year for missions trips, he stays ineligible.
I've had good and bad experiences with the techs. Most have been excellent. One particular time I remember being very angry, because I told her that she needed to use my left arm, because my right arm had a vein with a tendency to roll. She told me she would use whichever one she thought was best.
Sure enough, she stuck me in the right arm and the vein kept rolling and she couldn't get it. I wound up with several sticks in the right arm, before she gave up and had another tech come over. I told her "Left arm has a real good vein" and she got it on first try.
I've had hundreds of sticks because of my medical problems and infertility treatment I KNOW which arm they need to use.
But I don't say this to discourage anyone. Go give blood. I find it very relaxing. I just lie back on the little couch and take a nice break. If you are eligible and have the opportunity, go do it!
As to the costs involved, and the fact that hospitals pay for the blood - that is the reason our blood supply is so safe. All the tests they perform on that blood to protect the patient who receives cost a lot of money. Blood storage is very expensive, and distribution costs, because it's not like they can put it in a box and ship it UPS.
Plus, if you go to a blood drive, you may get a t-shirt. Between my husband and myself we have so many, I'm thinking of making a quilt.
[ January 09, 2004, 10:00 AM: Message edited by: Belle ]
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My cough won't go away, and I've been wanting to give blood for a while. They called my house a few months ago and asked me to, but I was waiting to see if I had mono.![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
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, but they used to just ask about the UK -- not all of Europe -- at the hospital where I donate.![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
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Narnia
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Unless I'm mistaken the doctors working to save a life have no knowledge of organ donation wishes....
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