Questions about giving blood.

[The Atheist]

I am a blood guerilla. I go up to people and tell them, "You are going to bleed, your choice: the nice, clean nurse, or me with the knife!

Never fails.

Glad someone ressurected this thread - I embarrass lots of people into giving blood, often dragging them physically to the donor centre. Some of them have continued with it.

Giving blood can be less than fun, as Upchurch has pointed out, but I do feel that those able to donate should just go and do it. Fear is the least acceptable excuse. In NZ, we get a chocolate biscuit selection, cheese & crackers and tea/coffee/fruit juice, so afternoon tea is the ideal time to give!

I've given over 50 (imperial) pints to date and I just wish I could go more frequently than the 12-weekly allowed.

 

[pgwenthold]

I've given over 50 (imperial) pints to date and I just wish I could go more frequently than the 12-weekly allowed.

Have you ever considered donating platelets? It's more like the process described above for donating plasma. They separate the platelets and then send blood back into you.

You can do that once a month.

Getting the blood back in can cause problems on occasion, though. I had a bad experience with a one needle stick once, and I cringe just thinking about my vein blowing up. I tend to feel safer with a two needle stick (one in each arm, one in, one out)

 

[LibraryLady]

I am a blood guerilla. I go up to people and tell them, "You are going to bleed, your choice: the nice, clean nurse, or me with the knife!

Never fails.

...snip...

I've given over 50 (imperial) pints to date and I just wish I could go more frequently than the 12-weekly allowed.

Be careful about this. I'm not allowed to give blood, although I would really like to. About fifteen years ago, after a severe illness, the Red Cross basically told me never to darken their door again. I had been a match for a bone marrow donation, but when they took my history and talked to my doctor, they blenched and rejected me. So not everyone is shirking.

My brother, on the other hand, the healthy one, has give something like 20 gallons, so at least the family is represented.

 

[The Atheist]

Have you ever considered donating platelets? It's more like the process described above for donating plasma. They separate the platelets and then send blood back into you.

Yes, I have discussed platelet donation, the problem I have is simply the amount of time involved. If I could do it at home on weekends, I'd be in like a shot.

 

[The Atheist]

Be careful about this. I'm not allowed to give blood, although I would really like to.

Naughty LibraryLady! I did say:

I do feel that those able to donate should just go and do it.

I do realise that lots of people (albeit a small minority of all adults) cannot give blood. My wife is one.

The people who get me wound up are mainly big, strong men who are too scared to do it.

 

[Zep]

Funny story:

I was donating at the main Sydney Red Cross centre some years ago when they still used glass 500ml bottles instead of the current plastic bags. A whole line of footballer types were lined up to donate - big he-men being all butch and stuff - and a group of little old women. A Red Cross nurse accidentally dropped a bottle of blood on the linoleum floor, and it went everywhere with a big crash. Splashed across yards of floor and spattered peoples' legs, etc - BIG mess. Two of the he-men fainted dead away, and the rest were very green about the gills. One of the little old ladies was heard to say to another, "Oh dear. They'll need two people with mops to clean that up properly, and all that washing...".

 

[StewartP]

I can't help with the blood pressure question, but I know I can't donate any more since my family lived in Western Europe during the 1980s. Apparently the Red Cross thinks I might have latent BSE.

Ditto. Given blood all my adult life. Now here in France they don't want it no more because I might have picked up vCJD living in the UK.

What a load of bllcks

 

[jon]

thanks for the reminder - a bit overdue to give myself. Normally the National Blood Service remind me (to the extent of cold-calling, asking for blood, when I'm able to donate ) but they seem to have forgotten this time

 

[wilks]

Ditto. Given blood all my adult life. Now here in France they don't want it no more because I might have picked up vCJD living in the UK.

What a load of bllcks

Why is it bllcks?
We don't know how many people in the UK may be incubating vCJD, there's no test for it. You may be happy to assume you are all right but the recipient of your blood may not be so keen to take the risk.

 

[merentha]

I've also had "bad" experiences after donating blood and wonder if anyone has a plausible explanation.

I've donated blood about 4 times in my life. My very first experience was perfect. No negative reaction, and I got straight back to work after that (it was donation drive at the office where I was working as a temp before college).

The second time was at public donation drive and it was the beginning of my nightmare. I was okay during the actual donation. But while having my cup of hot chocolate after the rest, I suddenly felt all whoozy. I nearly collapsed, but thankfully my mom was with me. Later I rationalised that my blood sugar was probably a little low because I had been queueing for hours, and was forced to miss lunch.

The third time was in college. This time I made sure I ate a good meal about an hour or so before donating. However, midway through donating, I felt very uncomfortable and told the nurses so. They removed the needle and allowed me to rest. After 15 minutes or so, I got up and collapsed. Back to rest again, but then I had this strong feeling to throw up and did. Felt much better after that.

The fourth and final time, I went to the blood bank because they called me the day before to seek my help as they were low on my blood type. This time, everything seemed to go well. No ill feelings while donating, had adequate rest after. I made sure I had rested for half an hour before I left. About 10 minutes after that (i.e. 40-45 minutes after donation), I collapsed in public. Lucky my mom had insisted on accompanying me. I felt nauseous and only got better after I threw up.

I've seen doctors about my reaction but nobody has an explanation for it except that it's probably psychological. My blood pressure is good, usually around 115/75 or thereabouts. The only abnormality is that a blood test indicated that I probably have Thalassemia Minor, but the doc said that shouldn't have caused the negative reactions, and especially since my first experience was good.

I'd like to be a regular donor, but I fear a repeat of the fainting and the nausea.

 

[blutoski]

I like giving blood.

No, I don't. I hate giving blood, but I like feeling like I'm helping out. It's the Boy Scout in me. The reason I hate giving blood is because every time I do it I basically end up going into a mild form of shock.

I'm in fairly good physical condition and easily pass the pre-screening every time. The one thing I think could be related is that I have naturally low blood pressure. It's within normal, but always on the low end of normal.

My questions are (1) why does this happen and (2) how can I get it to frelling stop?

It's actually quite common. In Canada, the CBS disqualifies these donors. ie: I'm not allowed to donate, because I always black out. It's not queasiness - I'm usually just reading my magazine, and it all just goes black.

However, a friend of mine works at CBS and has pulled some strings, so I've been able to remain on the marrow donor's registry. Usually, if you're disqualified from one, you're disqualified from the other.

As for another list member's question about whether this is a cognitive effect of 'knowing' that you're donating blood - I have concluded that in my case, it's not a result of awareness. I have a severed nerve in my lower back and can't operate some muscles or feel part of my foot. Once, when I was at the beach, I stepped on a piece of glass and lost a small amount of blood, but very quickly. I couldn't feel the cut, but I was out like a light. It's definitely a reflex.

 

[tkingdoll]

Sure it is an acceptable excuse--you are human, after all! It's ok...

Tell them...there are some things they can do to make your experience better.

And...worse case scenario...my brother passes out every time he gives blood. Now, he tells them he will. "It's ok, I'll faint, just wake me when it's over." They laugh, unbelieving, and he passes out. It's ok.

I think he is much braver than I am--it is no problem for me. He donates despite the fact that it makes him faint. Either way, an hour later we are both doing just fine, and the next day someone might be kissing a loved one because some stranger gave blood and they did not die in some stupid automobile accident...or someone might get another week to wait for an organ...or someone might...around here, we know the stories...

Go with a friend, someone who has donated before. Much much easier that way. And thanks for all the times you *did* give ...

Ah, I can't donate for a long while now, I just had an operation. However, my hubby has no excuse whatsoever so I'm going to send him instead

 

[Eos of the Eons]

I've given blood regularly over the past couple of years. I have to keep my blood iron level high by eating lots of iron rich food along with vitamin C rich food (as recommended by the nurses at the donor clinic). So, steak with veggies, no problemo! I was also told to avoid caffeine an hour before and after meals to allow for the proper absorption of the food. Caffeine is soo bad for us, but now I can't live without in the morning, darn wonderful coffee pushers at my previous work...mmmm timmies cappuccinos, mmmm

I've only been turned away once for low blood iron. I fail the first iron test every time, but hover between the 12.5 -13 level on the second test, so I pass.

So, now I get a little woozy the next day if I don't drink enough water before or afterwards. So guzzle water too. I'll get in after some people, and leave before they do.

Not fainted yet, not once! I think I have high blood pressure though *shrug*. I definitely have a high heart rate.

 

[StewartP]

Why is it bllcks?
We don't know how many people in the UK may be incubating vCJD, there's no test for it. You may be happy to assume you are all right but the recipient of your blood may not be so keen to take the risk.

Total deaths in the UK from vCJD (confirmed) have been 112. Total of definite and probable vCJD 1162.

Its a LONG, LONG way short of the tens of 1000's we were promised if the mechanism of eating BSE contaminated beef was correct. Rather than drop the theory, because it has not met the facts, they have modified things a bit. The prions must have a long incubation period.

Its been 15 years since this first became an issue so they must have a very long incubation period. indeed.

1162 possible deaths out of the 60 million people in the UK. Over 15 years. and those peopl have been eating beef daily. All their lives.

This is my particular woo. Eating beef does not, and never has caused vCJD.

No I am not a doctor. Neither have I played one on TV.

 

[BlackCat]

I worked in a blood bank for a while several years ago, so feel free to ask me questions if you want, keeping in mind that I'm not a doctor or nurse. I'm a little embittered by my experience, but it was mostly because of management, not the donors.

I've also had "bad" experiences after donating blood and wonder if anyone has a plausible explanation.

<snip>

I don't think there is any reason for passing out while donating. It just happens. Sometimes it is due to factors like skipping meals, and not drinking liquids before donating. Many people who had reactions(our word for passing out and such) did those things. If it bothers you, you could try a donation type where they give you saline back. People have talked about the double donation, but there was another one where you donate one bag of red cells, and another of plasma. I can't guarantee they will have it in your area, though.

Mostly though, I wouldn't worry about it. People had reactions all the time; it's very normal. If it bothers you, you can ask them if you can stay for a couple hours, until you're sure that you feel better. (It's probably best to do this at a center, rather than a "blood-mobile" because there's so little room there.) Also, make sure you go at a slow time: open to 12 pm, 1:30 - 4:30. The evenings are probably the busiest. This is so you don't take up valuable bed space (no offense). I'm sorry if these times are inconvenient for you. When I worked, these were the slowest times to donate blood.

Just my suggestion.

 

[wilks]

Total deaths in the UK from vCJD (confirmed) have been 112. Total of definite and probable vCJD 1162.

On the other hand, some of those people who died from vCJD were blood donors and their blood/blood products were given to different recipients. 18 individuals who later went on to develop vCJD produced 66 blood components that were later transfused. From these recipients, 2 (so far) have developed vCJD and died and a third was found to have abnormal prion proteins at post mortem. It seems that transfusion can be a very effective method of transmiting the disease.
The precautions taken by the French transfusion service were probably put in place a few years ago. As time passes and we get more information about exactly how many people in the UK may be incubating vCJD this may change. You may be allowed to donate again.
Yes, turning away donors who are probably healthy does make them cross but the transfusion service are only playing safe. It is probably better to make a few donors grumpy than risk (yes, a very small risk, I know) giving blood recipients vCJD.

 

[Deetee]

Just a couple of quick points....

1. All UK donated blood undergoes "leococyte depletion" whereby the white blood cells (which are the primary risk for the already low possibility of CJD infectious prions) are removed.

2. Bone marrow donation is not like giving blood. You need to have a general anaesthetic, then people stick large needles into various bones to suck out as much marrow as possible. Its very painful, hence the need for a GA. You often need a transfusion yourself afterwards.

 

[wilks]

Just a couple of quick points....

1. All UK donated blood undergoes "leococyte depletion" whereby the white blood cells (which are the primary risk for the already low possibility of CJD infectious prions) are removed.

The people who transmitted vCJD via transfusion appear to have done so via packed red cells, (presumably leucocyte depleted).

 

[Cuddles]

Total deaths in the UK from vCJD (confirmed) have been 112. Total of definite and probable vCJD 1162.

Its a LONG, LONG way short of the tens of 1000's we were promised if the mechanism of eating BSE contaminated beef was correct. Rather than drop the theory, because it has not met the facts, they have modified things a bit. The prions must have a long incubation period.

Its been 15 years since this first became an issue so they must have a very long incubation period. indeed.

1162 possible deaths out of the 60 million people in the UK. Over 15 years. and those peopl have been eating beef daily. All their lives.

This is my particular woo. Eating beef does not, and never has caused vCJD.

No I am not a doctor. Neither have I played one on TV.

Correction - eating beef very rarely causes vCJD. There are many diseases that are very rare, but this does not mean that the accepted cause is wrong, just that it is difficult to catch them. In addition, ingestion is a pretty poor way to pass disease since most things are killed or broken down. If you inject it directly into the blood then it becomes a lot easier to pass on, which is why banning meat and banning blood donations are two entirely seperate issues. Also consider that the vast majority of cows do not have BSE, and cows that are obviously ill, from anything, do not generally enter the food chain.

So -> very few infected cows + difficult transmission = very few human cases. Not really a good reason to claim vCJD is nothing to do with cows, although there may be other reasons to suspect this, not least recent research that suggests the prions may actually be a symptom rather than a cause.

 

[zizzybaluba]

I like giving blood.

No, I don't. I hate giving blood, but I like feeling like I'm helping out. It's the Boy Scout in me. The reason I hate giving blood is because every time I do it I basically end up going into a mild form of shock.

I'm in fairly good physical condition and easily pass the pre-screening every time. The one thing I think could be related is that I have naturally low blood pressure. It's within normal, but always on the low end of normal.

My questions are (1) why does this happen and (2) how can I get it to frelling stop?

I used to donate blood quite a bit before I got my tattoos, and after an occasion where I almost fainted, I started keeping track of what I ate, drank, how much sleep I got, etc, and compared my data with how I felt after I donated. The results:

1. Hydrate like its going out of style. Drink water non-stop from the time you wake to the time you donate. Avoid diuretics (caffeine and/or alcohol). The only downside is you may wind up with a full bladder while you're still donating.
2. Pig out. DO NOT skip any meals for 24 hours prior to donation. I found high fat foods helped more than low, so I'd use donation days as an excuse to get a triple bacon cheeseburger for lunch.
3. Get plenty of rest. A good nights sleep is a big plus, and if you exercise daily, take the day off.
4. If you smoke (I do) don't do it for an hour before or after donation.