Blood Donation

[JEBar]

I have a phobia about needles .... in an attempt to get over it ( back in the 70's and 80's ) I donated over 10 gallons of blood .... nope, those donations didn't help me get over my reaction to needles .. .. none of those donations can be found in today's Red Cross computer system .... a month or so we received an email from the Red Cross in which they addressed a need for donations .... my wife and I decided to donate and I went on line to make an appointment .... are scheduling a confirmed appointment for noon today, I tried to make one for the same time for her .... because we both use the same email address the Red Cross's computer system would make the appointment .... a phone call took care of that .... shortly before noon today we arrived at the place in town where they were setup .... all of the new social distancing, mask, gloves and such were very much in evidence .... Maureen had no problem donating but required some care afterward .... they tried to get blood out of my left arm but couldn't .... no surprise .... they were able to get it out of my right .... as noted, its been many years since we last donated .... down the line hope to be able to do so again

[cooperhawk]

I hate needles as well. Working for the FAA I had to have a flight physical every year and that included blood samples and all. Also my Doc insists that I have blood tests every six months. I hate it with a passion, however I have found some individuals are more skilled in inserting the needle than others. I also learned not to make them mad.

Good for you giving blood. I was told I cannot due to some diseases I had years ago. OK, but a few years ago when I was hospitalized they gave me a lot of blood, so do the good deed my friend.

[CT_Shooter]

Needles don't bother me in the least. They never have. But forty-nine years ago, when I worked in a state facility caring for mentally challenged children, there was a widespread outbreak of hepatitis among the staff and the residents. If not for that, I would gladly donate blood as often as it's allowed. I was disappointed several decades ago to learn that they just don't want mine.

[cooperhawk]

Yup.

[Cofisher]

CT, my sister was infected with Hep C in an operating room while in the navy, in Okinawa. Mid 70’s. She went on a ‘cure’ med a couple years ago. She is free and clear now. Look into it?

[Shakey Jake]

Good for you. They won't let me donate because of a couple of prescriptions I take.
Jake

[Travlin]

Shakey Jake,
I have the same situation plus a bad mitral valve and on blood thinner.

[CT_Shooter]

Thanks. I had Hep A. I was cured after a month of being oh so sick. My doctor told me many years ago that I shouldn't donate blood, but since this thread was started, I did a bit of research and it is likely he was wrong about that. I will check it out.

CT, my sister was infected with Hep C in an operating room while in the navy, in Okinawa. Mid 70’s. She went on a ‘cure’ med a couple years ago. She is free and clear now. Look into it?

[JEBar]

I'm setup for another donation this afternoon .... my wife had a tough time at her last donation, consequently she's done .... I understand that there is a critical need for blood donations but I must admit I'm getting a bit frustrated with incessant hounding by the Red Cross .... I scheduled this appointment a couple of months ago and still get almost daily emails and now text messages on my flip phone .... example : I understand their need to have reservations confirmed but to get and answer an email 2 days ago asking me to confirm that I will be there and get a text less than 48 hours later asking the same thing is a bit much .... since making today's reservation I've had a dozen or so emails wanting me to schedule another appointment between then and now .... aggravating

[clovishound]

I still can't donate due to too much time in England when I was int the reserves. I may well have been there less than the 3 month cumulative threshold, but I cannot say for sure that it was under 3 months total.

[Headhog]

In my younger days I did a lot of whole blood donations as well as blood products. I had almost 200 platelet donations on record and would still be doing them if not for my medications. But there is a bright side since my youngest child (now 38) picked up the touch and is doing regular platelet donations as well as whole blood. I glad someone can carry on.

Paul

[JEBar]

just got back from donating .... as usual, the first stick didn't work so they had to go find the person who knows what she's doing to stick the other arm .... 3 bandages later, its over once again

[cooperhawk]

just got back from donating .... as usual, the first stick didn't work so they had to go find the person who knows what she's doing to stick the other arm .... 3 bandages later, its over once again

I have to have blood drawn every six months. I also hate it.
I always ask the vampire if they've done this before and they usually tell me no, it's their first time.
Most are pretty good. I just look away and let them do it, but once in a while...........

[JEBar]

just got home from donating my 95th pint of blood .... can't help but wonder if/when I'll get to 100

[JEBar]

after donating 12 gallons of blood to the Red Cross, I'm done .... OK, its never wise to say never but I can't see doing it again .... the remnants of my attempt to donate earlier this week can be seen below and bruising will be with me for a while